Guildford TODD Obituary

My name is Craig. I have just googled in hope of finding a contact to Bruce, so that i could let him know what he meant to me, so it is with sadness that i find i am way too late to do so. Bruce tried to help me in the 1990s after meeting me at Sunnyside by giving hours and hours of himself later at Fendalton for as i remember little charge. My mind was so that i was far from any chance to benefit from his help and this must have been very disappointing to him as i know that he cared and more - he saw something good in me, behind the darkness displayed, and wanted to nourish that, when most others counted me as hopeless. Tears are forming now as i write so i will stop, but just to pass on to his family and friends that despite what he saw from me at the time his efforts were rewarded by the memory i have always held on to that someone of his calibre believed in me.

To Marie, Jo and Kate
Bruce was such an important figure in my life. He gave me confidence I think, because he always listened and never spoke down to us as teenage boys. He had an amazing record collection, which we pilfered. He gave us time and space to be ourselves, which was a great gift. He was a fine man, as evidenced in the children he helped raise. I have so many stories! But here's just one. We were playing cricket at the Christ's College grounds near the hospital. I was fielding in close. Mike was, of course, the wicket keeper. The batsman hit a powerful drive which caught me in the right eye before I had time to react. Blood everywhere. Bruce - already my GP - came quickly onto the ground and inspected the wound. He then picked me up and carried me off the ground, into his car and off to hospital for stitches. It was so tender and caring; I trusted him so much. It's a great loss but I am privileged to have known him. Much love to all.

Marie. Our condolences. Bruce was a special person and a good friend to many. We will not be able to be with you on the 26th, but we will be there in memory. Kind regards, Sue & Steve Ellis