Frederick Bruce Catchpole
May 1, 1932 - October 17, 2026
Frederick Bruce Catchpole
In gratitude for a life well lived, the family of Bruce Catchpole announce his passing on October 17, 2026, in his 95th year.
Bruce is survived by Betty (née Elizabeth Cameron), his wife of 65 years, and his daughter Brenda (Randy Martens). He was the proud grandfather to Christopher (Mikaela) and Rachel Martens, and loving uncle to his nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his daughter Barbara (Stéphane Deschênes), and his siblings, Donald, Michael, and Marjorie.
Born in Rossland, BC, to Archdeacon Desmond Catchpole and Ethelyn Catchpole (née Eward), Bruce’s teenage years were spent in Kelowna. He was an accomplished pianist and a championship tennis player. Upon graduation, he began his 40-year career with the Bank of Montreal. The Bank took him to many locations and allowed him to further his education through the Canadian Bankers Association in partnership with Queens University. Most importantly though, his relocation to Montreal introduced him to the Bank’s Head Office Nurse. He and Betty courted briefly and were married in Ottawa in 1959. Brenda and Barbara followed a few years later. The family spent time in Brantford, Mississauga, and Kitchener. They settled in Toronto and then Bruce and Betty moved to Winnipeg in 2004 to be closer to their grandchildren.
Bruce will be remembered for many things: his professional success, his devotion to God, his bread baking, and his ability to build whatever Betty wanted. Primarily though, he will be remembered for the gentle way in which he made people feel at ease. With Bruce, there were no strangers, only friends he hadn’t met yet.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday, November 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church, 61 Picardy Pl., Winnipeg. The service will be livestreamed, and the link is available through the ‘Tributes’ link below. A private interment will take place in Ottawa at a later date.
Memorial donations may be made to Siloam Mission or a charity of your choice.
ETHICAL DEATH CARE
Simple Cremation & Life Celebrations
204-421-5501
Tributes: EthicalDeathCare.com