HARRY DESMOND BRUNER
March 28, 1939 - January 2, 2016
Harry passed peacefully Saturday, January 2, 2016 after four months of struggling to recover from a stroke. He was determined to leave the hospital and go for a drive in his truck; unfortunately, for us and especially Harry that didn`t come to be. Harry was the first born of two children to Earl and Bessie Bruner; they resided on a farm just outside Parkside, SK. Harry took part in all areas of the farm; he was no stranger to the endless chores. His most memorable times were had with his dog, Ring, saddling his horse, Lucky, riding his bike to neighbors or to Honeywood School, and there are even pictures of Harry climbing trees behind their homestead; I wonder if that wasn’t maybe to hide from those endless farm chores? He liked to fly homemade kites and enjoyed skiing on his Dad’s homemade skis. Harry was ten when his brother Richard came along and no matter the age difference they built a close bond; Harry was so proud to be a brother and have a brother. In his late teens, Harry left the farm and travelled to Alberta, then onto the Yukon where he was employed in the oil rigs. Harry received his first Class One Driver’s License at age 20 which began his career and love for driving. He always said he wanted to see the country; and he did so as he continued to drive and maintain that Class One License until his final year. In his mid twenties Harry met Betty Gray, they married and had one daughter, Wendy. Their first home was in Wainwright, Alberta but Saskatchewan was calling; and eventually they made their way back to reside in Prince Albert. Harry and Betty later divorced; but they always remained in contact and had coffee together now and then. Harry’s trucking career continued and was spent driving for various companies between, Saskatchewan, Alberta and the Yukon. He drove trucks for all types of situations; he thoroughly enjoyed it. The last few years he was hauling logs during the winter, farming and tinkering on the homestead in the summer and of course coming to Edmonton to visit and see his Grandsons. Harry loved fishing, hunting, attending farm auctions, and going to the casino. Ah so many times we talked about that log cabin he would build if he won big. Harry was a regular at Arnies’ Jam Sessions; he loved the music, visiting with old friends and having a nice dinner. He sure enjoyed vegetables from the garden too; he was always cooking something locally grown or given by friends. It`s so hard to believe we won’t be seeing Harry (Dad) drive up to our house, hear our dog, Beau, whine with excitement, or hear our Maxwell come running saying, `Grampa’s here!`For us, he’s gone much too soon; we had so many cribbage games yet to play, dinners at Red Robin’s, cold beers and chats in our garage yet to enjoy, unfinished fishing trips and upcoming Calgary Stampedes to attend; and of course Dad`s favorite, many Christmas’ yet to enjoy! Left to cherish his memory is his daughter, Wendy (Dave) Skinner and his grandsons: Reid and Maxwell; his sister-in law: Jean (Bruner) and Melvin Verbonac; his nieces and nephews: Jason (Bruner) Verbonac, Robert (Bruner) and Christy Verbonac and their children Noah and Sara, Mark Verbonac and his children Wyatt and Cayden, Melanie and Matthew Naylor and their children Andrew and Abreanna, Darren Verbonac; his aunts, especially Betsy Bruner, uncles, cousins and friends. Harry is predeceased by both parents: Earl and Bessie Bruner, his brother Richard Bruner and other relatives. The Interment will be held at Honeywood Cemetery at 1:00 pm and the Memorial Service will be held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Parkside, SK, January 30, 2016 - 2:00 pm. You are welcome to join the family for lunch after the service. In lieu of flowers, donations can be sent to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, 1738 Quebec Ave Unit 26, Saskatoon, SK S7K 1V9 or the Prince Albert SPCA, Box 1832, Prince Albert, SK S6V 6J9. Arrangements in care of Shellbrook Funeral Home. Brian and Bev Stobbs, Funeral Directors. 306.747.2494 www.ShellbrookFH.ca