Bruce Anthony Bastarache Sr.

It is with heavy hearts that the family of Bruce Anthony Bastarache Sr. announce his passing on November 11, 2021 at the Saint John Regional Hospital.  He was born in Saint John, NB, on September 12, 1954 to the late Gerald and Irene(Tubb) Bastarache.

He is survived by his children, Bruce (Krista) Bastarache, Angela (John) Bastarache and Amanda O’Brien; his former spouse and lifelong friend, Charlene (Storey) Bastarache; his adored grandchildren, Mariah (Kelsey) Malone, Riley and Alexis Brennan; cherished great granddaughter, Ariel; his brothers, Gerald, Lawrence, Ivan, Phillip and Hartley; sisters, Christina, Jeanet, Verna, and Rachel; he will be lovingly remembered by his special niece, Karen Hachey and his lifelong friend, Jack Smyrl; along with several nieces, nephews, cousins and many, many friends.  In addition to his parents, Bruce was predeceased by his sisters, Valerie and Ina.  Additionally, Bruce was very proud to call himself a friend of Bill W. for more than thirty years.  

Bruce began training in auto mechanics at the Saint John Vocational School, graduating in 1973 and later becoming a fully licensed auto technician through NBCC in 1978.  He worked at various local dealerships and garages, self employment and winding down his career at Burley’s garage in the South End.  Countless people have a story of where Bruce was able to help them out with a late night car repair.

Bruce had a great passion for hunting and fishing any chance he could get.   Bruce also loved going to car shows and seeing all the old cars and people.  He loved to tell jokes and make others laugh and if you were looking for a clean joke then you were probably out of luck.  He was possibly the least pretentious person you could ever meet, he could make friends with anyone and many trips were delayed by running into someone he knew along the way.  Bruce was always on the go and never liked to stay put for very long, popping in on people, playing a game of crib or bringing meat from a hunting trip for someone else to cook, he rarely sat still.  

Seldom could he pass by a yardsale and In that last few years, he loved to watch the Auction Hut and buy all kinds of trinkets and treasures for everyone he loved.  Bruce was a great father, but he was meant to be a grandfather.  He often said if he had known how much he would have enjoyed grand kids then he would have had them first.  He was a very family oriented man and his children, grandchildren, and friends will miss him deeply.  

Bruce’s family would like to take this time to thank the staff of the Saint John Regional Hospital Palliative Care Unit for the care and compassion shown to Bruce during his time there.  The kindness shown to him and his family will never be forgotten.  

Arrangements are entrusted to Fundy Funeral Home, 230 Westmorland Road (646-2424) where visitation will take place on Tuesday from 2-4 & 6-8pm.  A Celebration of Bruce’s life will be held from the Fundy Funeral Home Chapel on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 at 11am with interment to follow in Fernhill Cemetery.  For those who wish, memorial donations in his memory to the Lung Foundation of Canada or to the charity of the donor’s choice would be appreciated by his family.  For those unable to attend the service, you can view it at the following link:  https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/authorise.php?k=1637083810148541

Due to COVID-19 health measures placed on indoor gatherings, all those 12 and older attending visitation and service will be required to wear masks and show proof of vaccination with a piece of government issued ID.

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