Growing up with Susie from the age of six, I was there for so many life "events" but can't think of one more delicious to witness than her romance with Bruce and the family they built together.

From the beginning of the flirtation (which was unbearably obvious to everyone but the two of them) to their wedding day and for all the years since, they were virtually inseparable. When Hannah and Adam came along, they were beyond happy. 

Hard to imagine two people more perfectly suited to be together. When Bruce spoke about Susie, he was so smitten still! They were partners, working hard as a team to make a great life for their family, and the closeness among them all is that legacy. Hannah and Adam are remarkable people and carry on Bruce's sense of wonder and warm spirit.

Although it's so painful to think about what they'll all miss together, Bruce wasn't one to waste the days he had. He was a deeply sincere man and so attentive in every conversation! He was fully present, engaged, real. I get the feeling he chose to pack a whole lot of good things into his life and didn't hold onto the junk.

However, on the topic of junk, Bruce's talents at spotting treasures that just needed a little TLC in the most unlikely places and fixing "stuff" made their house and cottage places where people felt at home and embraced. And left those of us without any of his handyman genes really envious. I can still hear the laughter in his stories of all the bounty he rescued from the fate of landfill!

But for all his kindness, thoughfulness and integrity, he had such a mischievous twinkle. It seemed as though just about everything amused Bruce somehow. A pretty great outlook on life, really.

Watching your dear friend find a wonderful partner to share her life is such a happy thing. Bruce was that magical someone for Susie and he will be missed far beyond his family. A beautiful person. It was a privilege to know him.

Love to the Whaley and Kash families,

xoxo Martha Haynes (nee Scrivener)

and Brad + Olivia, Georgia and Thomas Haynes