Bruce Michael Scherr, September 30, 1959 to May 15, 2020
SCHERR: Bruce passed away May 15, 2020 at the age of 60 years. Bruce was born in Kerrobert, SK on September 30, 1959 he was the third child of Joe and Selma (Eckert) Scherr. His mother Sally said that when Bruce was little, he was always on the go and never could sit still. She often went to bed at night and cried because of the things the three boys got into during the day, while they were growing up. Bruce attended school in Tramping Lake, graduating in 1977. He began grain and cattle farming with his father and mother. During school he met Eileen Schell and they married on April 20, 1979. They made their home on the family farm and welcomed and raised two sons Christopher born Sept, 18, 1982, and Deon Sept.
10, 1991. Bruce and Eileen took over operating the farm as Joe and Sally geared up for retirement and eventually they moved to Sylvan Lake, AB in 2001. Bruce lived his entire life on the family farm. He loved it and the way of life. Seeding the crops, spraying, checking them, swathing and combining, he looked forward to it all. The cattle, feeding, calving, branding, haying, pasture checks, buying and selling were also his passion. Bruce loved his horses, using them with cattle, going for a ride or just giving them a friendly pat. He especially enjoyed going to the mountains with them the past two years with friends. In earlier years, Bruce took on other jobs besides the farm with Alvin Huckabay, D & F Welding and B & B Contracting out of Kerrobert. He was a jack-of-all-trades, being quite skilled at welding and could fabricate anything, fixing or building from scratch, be it wood or metal. He and his father completed many projects together. Bruce also did a lot of carpentry work over the years for himself and others. He worked very hard, often the first one up in the morning and the last to go to bed. Bruce enjoyed playing many sports such as broomball, volleyball, badminton, ball, floor hockey, table tennis, skiing, archery, hunting and playing cards. Oh, and all those tournaments. He liked country music and watching his favorite TV shows while drinking coke and eating chips and vanilla ice cream.
You could also find Bruce at horse, cattle and farm auctions. He even started to watch and bid online. Bruce also enjoyed going to rodeos and any type of horse events. The trips to various destinations over the years were a highlight, but for him there was still no place like home. Some things Bruce wasn’t fond of were water, dancing, shopping, going to the city, dress clothes, dress shoes, strong perfume, heavy metal music and texting. Bruce was a very active and dedicated Kinsmen member in Tramping Lake, helping with their many projects and fundraisers. He had such a kind, generous heart he was always there to lend a hand to anyone in need, often putting his own work aside. Bruce was non-judgemental and had such a calm easy-going nature. Rarely did he lose his temper and if he did, he would say his peace and move on. He wasn’t one to dwell on things. Bruce had the most infectious smile and was so full of life. He was also known for his quick wit and wonderful sense of humor and for being a bit of a jokester. He brought joy and laughter to so many. Bruce loved his grandson Tristan and would laugh at all his antics and say “Payback Christopher!” Children had a place in his heart and they all just seemed to gravitate towards him. Bruce’s greatest love was his family, he was so very loving, caring and devoted to them. He enjoyed spending time with all the family, each and everyone being important to him and he made them all feel special. Bruce’s friends were such a big part of his life and have so many memories of him.
Sadly, Bruce’s wife Eileen passed way Nov. 8, 2007 after 28 years of marriage, leaving him devastated and feeling alone and empty. In time he was able to find love again with Lorna Kuntz, which helped him be happy and enjoy and live life again. They became each other’s constant companion. Bruce welcomed, embraced and loved the extended family that came with her. On July 10, 2018 Bruce was diagnosed with cancer. He faced the disease with such courage and strength, getting through surgery Sept. 21, 2018, enduring the chemotherapy and radiation treatments and everything that came with it. He was out running the combine two weeks after his surgery, even though he shouldn’t have been, and also operated the air drill in May of 2019. He put in long days while still recovering from his last chemotherapy treatments, a true show of his strong will and determination. We were so sure he was going to beat this cancer but a cure for him was not to be. He faced his death with the same courage and strength. With everything that was going on with him, he was more worried about us. Remembering you is easy, I do it every day, but missing you is heartache that never goes away. We will always love, remember and miss you. Bruce is survived by his loving and devoted partner and best friend Lorna Kuntz, sons Christopher (Alisha) and grandson Tristan; Deon (Courtney); mother Selma and friend George Jahner; brother Dale (Joy) and family Heidi (Jamie) Bradburn and Harrison, and Nikolas (Rosie) and sister Debby Chestney and son Ayden; sister-in-laws Val (Phil) Wiebe and families, Debbie (Grant) Shepherd and families; brother-in-law Lloyd Schell’s families. Lorna’s mom Evelyn Kuntz, brother Glenn (Karen) Kuntz and families and sister Debbie (Ken) Sali and family. Bruce was predeceased by his wife Eileen (Schell), father Joe, brother Wayne, father and mother-in-law Kasper and Mary (Bohn) Schell, brother-in-law Lloyd Schell, Lorna’s father Lyle Kuntz and brother Darren Kuntz. Friends arranged a drive by through Bruce’s yard in his honor on May 20, 2020. A funeral service for Bruce was held Nov. 14, 2020 at St. Michael’s Roman Catholic Church in Tramping Lake, SK with Father Greg Roth officiating. The service was livestreamed and can be viewed at http://www.facebook.com/gregory.roth.35.
Thank You
The family would like to thank Father Greg for the lovely service, Mark and Lea Mallett for their beautiful music and Chris Lang for all of her help with the service; ushers Gary Welter and Les Tuchscherer; the Tramping Lake broomball team for being honour guard; Richard, Bonnie, Courtney, Celina, and Kyle Risling for all your help this spring, summer and fall. It was a comfort to Bruce knowing you were there when he no longer could be. Debbie and Grant Shepherd and family for all of your help, especially Debbie for helping to plan the service. Trevor and Tyra Germshied and family for the use of their house in Saskatoon this spring and for all your help. My sister Debbie Sali and Aunt Virginia Meier for coming and spending time with me, helping with the garden, yard and just everything, and all the phone calls. To our family, friends and neighbours for their help, to those who sent food, flowers, cards, called and stopped by, and offered help or gave donations. Those who planned the drive by for Bruce, and to all of you for all your love and support. Thank you to Dr. Lyle Williams for going above and beyond with care for Bruce and for your compassion and kindness. The nurses and staff at the Unity and District Health Centre and Medical Clinic for their excellent care. Dr. Vivian Walker, the doctors, nurses and staff at St. Paul’s Hospital Palliative Care Unit for their excellent care, compassion and kindness. Words can never express our gratitude to you all!
Lorna Kuntz,
Chris, Alisha & Tristan Scherr, Deon & Courtney Scherr
