WHIPPLE, BRUCE RALPH - The death of Bruce Ralph Whipple husband of the late Leah (Hare) Whipple of Boom Road, NB, occurred at the Miramichi Regional Hospital on Sunday, September 13, 2009 at the age of 70. Born in Saint John, NB, Bruce was the son of the late Maurice and Ramona (Ferguson) Whipple. Bruce was a retired School Teacher with Dist. 16. He taught one year at St. Agathe-du-Mont, PQ and 35 years at North and South Esk Regional in Sunny Corner, NB. He was a coach and mentor for many students. Over the years, Bruce has been involved with and volunteered with many groups and organizations including: Northumberland Salmon Protection Association, Miramichi Salmon Association, Atlantic Salmon Federation, MREAC, Fish Friends, Miramichi Literacy Council, District 16 Track and Field Meet, Relay for Life, Alumni & Friends of NSER, NBTA and Miramichi Retired Teachers. He served two years on the New Brunswick Wildlife Trust and was honoured with several awards for volunteerism. Besides coaching Bruce also played baseball for a number of teams in Sillikers and Sunny Corner, played hockey every week with the Retired Teachers Hockey Team and attended many sports events. Bruce is survived by his mother Ramona; one daughter, Heidi Ryder (Gary) of Whitney, NB; two sons, Jeffrey (Tracey) of Fredericton, NB and Andrew (Laura) of Rothesay, NB; three sisters, Nancy Gaunce (Gordon), Barbara Mowery (Henry) and Christine Goss (George) all of Hampton, NB; four brothers, David (Claudette), Robert (Trina), Larry (Lorna) all of Saint John, NB and Ian (Diane) of Salts Spring Island, BC; brother-in-laws, Wilson (Deloris) Hare of Miramichi, Aubrey (Maisie) Hare of Whitney and Roger Hare of Tasmania; sister-in-law Lorna (Ernest) McLean of Fredericton; four grandchildren, Natasha, Matthew, Andi and Noah; four step grandchildren, Jenna, Shanna, Tiffany and Nick and many nieces and nephews. Visitation will be held at Bell's Funeral Home on Tuesday from 2-4 & 7-9 and Wednesday from 2-4 & 7-9. Funeral Service will held from the Sterling Bell Memorial Chapel on Thursday, September 17, 2009 at 2 PM with Rev. Roger Frizzell officiating. Burial will follow in St. Philip's United Church Cemetery, Whitney, NB. In Bruce's memory a donation may be made to NSER Alumni. Funeral arrangements are under the care of Bell's Funeral Home, 651 King George Highway, Miramichi, NB Telephone 622-3600