Alfonso Gerlando Bruno
September 12, 2023
Alfonso Gerlando Bruno was born on September 5, 1978 and passed away peacefully at home at the age of 45 on Tuesday, September 12, 2023. He was only 35 and in the prime of his life when he was diagnosed with colon cancer. He lost his brave ten-year battle with cancer, which he fought valiantly, but not without leaving his mark on the world. He was a loving husband, son, brother, uncle, colleague and a friend to many.
Alfonso is pre-deceased by his grand-parents Alfonso and Rosa Bruno and John-Paul and Iva DePauw. Alfonso is survived by his wife Samantha Bruno (Lamb), his mother Elaine DePauw, his father Gerlando Bruno and Step-Mother Janice Bruno, his brother Jean-Paul Bruno and his wife Rachel and their children Alice and Thomas and many other family members.
After high school and Trinity Western University, Alfonso travelled to Europe. The highlight of that trip was attending a quarter final game, compliments of his god-father Enzo D’Angelo, between the Netherlands and Argentina at the 1998 FIFA World Cup held in France.
Upon his return from Europe, he spent some time writing and then he experimented with a number of employment opportunities, and ultimately began his professional career working with the Vancouver law-firm, Clark Wilson LLP. He started in their office services department and had been promoted to Office Manager at the time he was diagnosed with cancer. He had a promising career and the sky was the limit.
In the fall of 2014 Alfonso met the love of his life, Samantha. During a respite in his chemotherapy treatments, they rescued their little dog Ernest who gave them both tremendous joy, unconditional love and made Alfonso’s infectious giggle come out. Alfonso and Samantha enjoyed travelling with their friends when he was able and when he wasn’t, Samantha was his rock and loyal caregiver.
Alfonso loved gaming, adventure and science fiction movies, reading and writing. He wrote a fantasy novel titled “A Parcel of Rogues” and for Clark Wilson, he wrote the 100th year anniversary book on the history of the firm. He was an avid reader and Bernard Cornwell was a favorite author. He was looking forward to watching Dune II and the new Three Musketeers movies, and Bernard Cornwell’s latest TV series “The Winter King”.
Rest in Peace Alfonso.
A celebration of life will be held only for immediate family and his close friends on Friday, September 22, 2023, from 12:00 noon to 4:00pm.
In lieu of flowers the family is asking for donations to be made to the British Columbia Cancer Agency Donate (bccancer.bc.ca)
You loved the heroes of days of yore
Your battle was a Trojan War
A siege that went a decade long
You fought valiantly and strong
But a Trojan Horse inside your Wall
Sadly caused your tragic fall.
And like the heroes of times past
You battled bravely to the last
Crushed by overwhelming force
You lived and fought without surrender.
As we grieve your loss, you slumber;
All our spirits have been shattered
And our hearts are torn asunder.
- Gerlando Bruno
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Messages of Condolence
I am deeply saddened by this news and the loss of Alfonso. My heart and my prayers are with all of you and to you my dear Cousin Gerry the warmest of hugs and affection for your loss. May he rest in peace. ~ Peter Tudisco
Sincerest condolences to the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Mario and Josie Romeo ~ Josie and Mario Romeo
May he rest in peace. Thinking of the Bruno family and all those that loved Alfonso dearly. ~ Kerri Schembri Omand
Our sincere Condolences to the family. So sad to hear of the passing of Alfonso. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. ~ Rosa and Silvio Bevacqua
So sorry for your loss, Sam. I know I can speak for the whole team at work that you are in our thoughts right now and that we love and miss you. Rest in peace, Alfonso. I'll bet Ernest is wagging his tail furiously now that you've come back home to him. ~ Nicole Hanbury
Dear Gerry It is with great sadness to hear of Alfonso’s passing. Our deepest condolences go out to you and the family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest in Peace Alfonso ~ Maria and Joe Pinzarrone
Oh man I am so sorry for the loss of this amazing person. The picture is a real tear jerker. Deepest condolences to the family & may he rest in peace ~ Hollie
Elaine, JP and family. Our very deepest sympathy on the loss of Alfonso. Our thoughts are with you at this very sad time. There are no words. ❤️ ~ Janice & Randy Stinson
My deepest sympathy to all members of the family. My heart aches for all of you and I pray for God’s strength to fill your hearts as you go through this sad time. Sending all my love…. ~ Linda Petek
We are deeply sorry for your profound loss, our heartfelt condolences to the Bruno and DePauw families. May your beautiful memories of Alfonso give you strength, peace and comfort to get through the difficult times. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. Rest in Peace Alfonso. ~ Gina and Jerry Carvalho
Words cannot express the sorrow and sadness that I feel for the loss of your son Alfonso. My heartfelt condolence to you and your family. Know that I am thinking of you all. Wishing you strength during this difficult time. R.I.P Alfonso... Josie Bosco, Coquitlam , B.C. Canada ~ Josie Bosco
Sending condolences and prayers to you all during this difficult time. God bless you all. Tony Ciulla and family. ~ Tony
Sentite condoglianze a tutta la famiglia ~ Andrea Zarbo
Mi associo al dolore della famiglia bruno sentite condoglianze ~ ANDREA ZARBO
We are deeply saddened to learn of Alfonso's passing and we extend condolences to the entire family. Our thoughts and sympathies are very much with the Bruno family and those who knew Alfonso. ~ Solomon Wong, Vi Nguyen, XL & Zach
We just want send to you all our love in this deeply sadness time. Alfonso was wonderful guy we had pleasure of having him stay at our house for a few days here in Sicily. We had beautiful time with he will be so missed. ~ Msria snd Ignazio Ingaglia
My dear friend Gerry, my heart goes out to you and your family on the occasion of this terrible loss. Words seem so inadequate when someone so young is taken by this terrible and unforgiving disease. But, as old war horses conducting our battles, we know the fight must go on. The other feeling, other than grief, you are feeling Gerry is a genuine wave of love from your army of friends. Let it give you strength. Jess ~ Jess Ketchum
My heart felt condolences goes out to the immediate family and close friends so sorry to hear about your loss Sincerely Salvatore Sam Ciulla ~ Salvatore Sam ciulla
Gerry, we were extremely saddened to hear of Alfonso’s passing. May you somehow find strength with the support of your family and dear friends. Keep the wonderful memories alive and close in your heart. Angelo an Gloria ~ Angelo and Gloria DiPersico
Sorry to hear of your loss. Sending you or condolences from our family. Maria Messina ~ Maria Messina
Hi Gerry, my condolences, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. ~ Francesco Romeo
I'm very sad to hear of Alfonso's passing. I met him when I was 16 years old working at YVR. He quickly became a mentor and close friend. I learned a lot from him, from philosophy and religion to roman history, and of course, star wars lore. I'll always remember his laughter and his wit. Hope he is in a good place and that all his family find peace. Asalam alaykom brother. ~ Erfan
Please accept my sincere condolences as you grieve the loss of Alfonso. My heart goes out to the entire Bruno family. ~ John Ossowski
Our deepest condolences to you all. We are sorry for your loss. Our prayers and thoughts are with you. Tony and Elena Di Bauda ~ Elena and Tony Di Bauda
Gerry, Our hearts break for you at the loss of Alfonso. Dave and I will be thinking of you and send our condolences to you and the entire family. ~ Meg Comiskey
Gerry - I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time - praying for your comfort and peace with memories of a life well lived. ~ Brett Patterson
Dear Gerry - There are no words to describe how deeply saddened I am to hear this. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Wishing you comfort and peace during this difficult time. ~ Myriame Gabay
Gerry and family, we are deeply saddened by Alfonso's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this most difficult time. Sam and Taryn Barone Vancouver, BC ~ Sam and Taryn Barone
My heartfelt condolences to you, Gerry. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers will be with you and the family during this incredibly difficult time. ~ David van Hemmen
Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this immeasurable loss... God bless you all during this most difficult of times. ~ Eric & Pilar Stewart
Dear Gerry, Our hearts go out to you and your family at this incredibly difficult time. It is such a terrible loss and there are no words to adequately convey our condolences for the grief that you must be feeling. Alfonso was clearly well loved by family and friends and we hope that your many memories of him will help you all as you grieve his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Cathy Munroe & Serge Choquette
Gerry and Janice - our hearts go out to you, the whole Bruno family and Alfonso's friends. This is a heavy time and so very sad. I hope you can see and feel the incredible community of friends around at the ready to support in any way. Alana & Andy ~ Alana and Andy
Gerry, My sincere condolences for your loss. Wishing you all of the peace and comfort possible. ~ Trevor Boudreau
Dear Gerry, we were so terribly sorry to hear this news, and we are thinking of you, Janice, and your entire family. Thank you for sharing with us just a glimpse of your wonderful son, Alfonso. ~ Nathan and Erin Cato
Gerry, Elaine and family, It is with a heavy heart that I learned of Alfonso’s passing. I have such fond memories of your trips to Los Angeles. My prayers and love to you all. Aunt Jodi75ffmk ~ Jodi Gagliano
Please accept my deepest condolences for you and your family's loss. ~ Rosemary (D’Amico) Herbert
Please accept my deepest sympathies for your loss. My thoughts are with you during this most difficult of times. ~ Keith Jones
Dear Gerry and Janice, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We hope that the support of loved ones brings you comfort during this sad time. ~ Bill and Joanne Jones
Dear Gerry and Janice, our deepest sympathy to you and your family. We hope that the support of loved ones brings you comfort during this sad time. ~ Bill and Joanne Jones
Gerry, I am so sorry for your profound loss. Your son lives on in your heart and memories. ~ Marion Grobb Finkelstein
Dear Gerry, our thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this immeasurable loss,God bless you and your family during this most difficult time! rest in peace Alfonso❤️ ~ Maria Antonia Bruno
Gerry, I am so sorry for your profound loss. Its just not fair. Find a bit of solace in knowing that your son lives on in your heart and memories. His energy still surrounds you and those he loved. ~ Marion Grobb Finkelstein
Gerry – our deepest condolences. Words are clearly inadequate. Our thoughts are with you and your family. ~ Mike and Simone McNaney
I worked with Alfonso at Clark Wilson. He was a very friendly and kind person and always a bright light at work. I am very sad to hear of his death and pass along my condolences to all family and friends. He will be greatly missed. ~ Carol Ussher
Gerry and family We were saddened to hear of the passing of your beloved son Alfonso. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May the memories of the good times sustain all of you in the days and years ahead. ~ Nina Mavilla and Pina Alfano
My thoughts, prayers and love go out to the entire Bruno family, such sad news. Richard ~ Richard Beed
Heartfelt condolences to you and your family Gerry. ~ Johanne Jayaratne
Gerry, I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Alfonso. My condolences to you and your family. ~ Jillian Smith
Gerry & Janice, So very sorry to hear about the loss of your son Alfonzo and my thoughts are with you. I know exactly what you are going through at this difficult time. I lost my son Michael less than two years ago and the tears never end. Both sons were too young to die. Hugs, Judy & Terry ~ Judith Battley
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Alfonso. We send our condolences to the Bruno family. Antonina, Josie & Roberto Lagambina. ~ Lagambina
Deepest condolences to you and your familiy for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. ~ Lillo and Pierina Modicaamore and Family
Alfonso, you will be greatly missed by everyone who knew you. No one could forget your smile and cheerful ways. Am remembering with fondness the Oscars voting parties, the games nights, and JP's concerts with Mar, Thad, and Jenn. RIP old friend. ~ Kara F
Gerry and family. I offer my condolences for your loss. Alfonso not only left his mark, but clearly enjoyed a full life in such a short time. ~ Denis Vinette
Gerry and family, I was so saddened to hear this news. Sending heartfelt condolences to you and the family. Another brave warrior taken away from this world too soon. Luc talked of Alfonso’s challenges to me and had great empathy for both of you. May he rest in peace and you find some comfort in your everlasting memories and love. ~ Nancy Rock Portelance
I’m so sorry to hear of the passing of Alfonso. May he rest in peace. My thoughts and prayers are with you all ❤️ ~ Josie Bruno- Nicks and Family
Sincere condolences to Gerry and all the Bruno family. We were very saddened to hear of your great loss. We pray for the repose of Alfonso’s soul and may he rest in peace ❤️ Lorena and John Farina ~ Lorena & John Farina
Dear Gerry and Janice. My love and condolences go to you and your families. I remember Alfonso as a fun and sweet little boy. Please know I am there with you sending my support and thoughts. ~ Wendy Warshawski