Bruce Barton - Retired Fire Chief of the Vankleek Hill Fire Dept. (now known as Champlain Fire Dept.) passed away.
His son, Brent Barton is a Professional Firefighter with Toronto Fire Services, as well as his nephew Ben Allen and his nephew Peter Barton is a professional Firefighter with Ottawa Fire Services.
Bruce was a proud and dedicated Volunteer Firefighter for over 45 years of service.
Retired Chief of Vankleek Hill Fire Dept.
Peacefully at the Hawkesbury General Hospital surrounded by family on Wednesday, May 31, 2023, Bruce G. Barton of Vankleek Hill passed away at the age of 80. Beloved husband of Bobbie Barton (née Lasalle). Devoted and proud father of Brent (Terri), Bradley (Emily) and Barkley (Chantal). Predeceased by his son Brandon. Cherished loving grandfather of Calleigh, Ella, Kasem, Loic, Elias, Mika, Mylo, Océane and Freya. Dearly loved brother of Gary (Jean), Shirley Allen (Murray) and Marilyn Lasalle. Predeceased by his brothers Delbert, Everett, Keith and his sisters Merle, Vivian, Joan, and Barbara. Sadly, missed by his many nieces and nephews.
Family and friends may visit on Wednesday, June 7, 2023, from 2 to 4 pm and 7 to 9 pm at the Hillcrest Funeral Home 151 Bond Street, Vankleek Hill. A Celebration of Bruce's Life will be held on Thursday, June 8, 2023, from 1:30 pm to 4:30 pm with Words of Remembrance at 2:00 pm at the Vankleek Hill Curling Club 136 Bond Street, Vankleek Hill.
Bruce was born and raised in Vankleek Hill, where he wholeheartedly served his community all his life. Most notably as a Vankleek Hill Volunteer Firefighter for 45 years and retiring as Chief. When he retired, he was honoured for this devotion to the community by having the fire hall in Vankleek Hill renamed the "Bruce Barton Fire Hall". In 1998 he was awarded the Queens Diamond Jubilee medal underlining all the heroic efforts made during the Ice Storm of 1998.
Bruce’s family and friends were also blessed to share in his giving spirit and loyalty. He was ever ready to lend a hand with any project, or just make time for conversation, preferably during a game of euchre or crib. He will be greatly missed by his family, many friends, and his community.
Bruce was an avid Toronto Maple Leaf's Fan and always kept his faith for another Stanley Cup. He enjoyed spending time at the VKH Curling Club, where he enjoyed curling, card games and many parties with dancing and an occasional rum and coke.
A special thanks for all the wonderful and compassionate care from all the staff at the Hawkesbury General Hospital.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society in Bruce's memory would be appreciated.To express your condolences or make a donation, please visit www.hillcrestfuneralhome.ca.
A Tree of Remembrance for Bruce will be planted in the McAlpine Forever Forest, Vankleek Hill.
Funeral arrangements in the care of Hillcrest Funeral Home Lt., 151 Bond Street, Vankleek Hill, ON K0B 1R0 (613) 678-2002.