Bruce Finlay Ferguson

Bruce Finlay Ferguson

November 19, 1946 – September 21, 2026

It is with profound sadness and much love that the family of Bruce Finlay Ferguson announces his passing on September 21, 2026, in White Rock, British Columbia, at the age of 79.

Bruce was born on November 19, 1946, in Hamilton, Ontario, and grew up in Terrace, British Columbia. It was there, while attending high school, that he met Emma, who would become his loving wife and lifelong partner. Together, they built a life centred on family, love, and the values they shared.

Above all, Bruce was a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His love for his family was constant, and he instilled in those closest to him the importance of working hard, making sacrifices for others, and helping people in need. He was known for his sharp wit, wonderful sense of humour, and warm, unmistakable smile. Whether through his kindness, his convictions, or his ability to make others laugh, Bruce had a way of making people feel welcome and leaving a lasting impression.

Bruce dedicated more than 55 years of his life to the labour movement, becoming a highly respected union leader and tireless advocate for working people. A member of the Labourers' International Union of North America since January 1970, he served as Business Manager of the former Tunnel and Rock Workers' Local 168 and later became the first President of LIUNA Local 1611.

Throughout his career, Bruce fought to improve the lives of workers and their families. He played a leading role in bringing together four Locals to form Local 1611 in 1997 and helped secure better wages, benefits, pensions, training opportunities, and working conditions for thousands of members. His efforts contributed to important agreements that created decades of employment opportunities, while his advocacy helped workers obtain fair treatment and compensation.

Among his many accomplishments, Bruce was especially proud of standing up for workers who had been treated unfairly, including temporary foreign workers employed on Vancouver's Canada Line tunnel project. He also helped establish Local 1611's Retiree Council in 2000, ensuring that retired members would continue to have a strong connection to the union and one another. He remained actively involved with the Retiree Club for many years, serving as its President until July 2025.

For Bruce, the labour movement was always about people. He believed deeply in fairness, dignity, solidarity, and the strength of ordinary working people standing together. He devoted his life to those principles, earning the respect and friendship of countless union members, colleagues, and labour leaders.

Despite his many professional accomplishments, Bruce never lost sight of what mattered most to him. He often said that his greatest accomplishment, alongside Emma, was raising their son, Nathan. It was a reflection of the pride he took in his family and how much they meant to him.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Emma; his sister, Mary (Roger); his son, Nathan (Leah); and his grandson, Finlay. He is now reunited with his father, Finlay; his mother, Mary Patricia; his sister, Betty; and his brother, Douglas.

He leaves behind a remarkable legacy, not only through the improvements he helped secure for generations of workers, but through the love he gave his family, the friendships he built, and the example he set. His humour, warmth, unmistakable smile, and the lessons he passed along will remain with those who loved him.

Bruce will be deeply missed and forever remembered.