Bruce Carson, of Ottawa Ontario, passed away on March 5, 2022 at the age of 76. After several months of declining health due to cancer, Bruce spent his final days at the Waterford Retirement Residence in Ottawa, surrounded by his family, and the compassionate health care staff that worked hard to ensure his comfort throughout.
Bruce was born in Ottawa on December 15, 1945 to the late Margaret Doogan and Robert Carson, and was half-brother to the late Jean Franklin, Jack, Bob, Weldon and Bill.
Bruce grew up in Old Ottawa East, steps from the Rideau Canal. He loved skating and playing hockey, and would often talk about watching his Montreal Canadians, battle it out against his father’s beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.
As a student during the summers, Bruce worked his way through law school in the kitchen of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Alberta. Bruce graduated from the University of Ottawa with his bachelor of law degree (silver medal) in 1970, and went on to obtain his Masters in Law from the University of Toronto, in 1982.
Bruce committed his life to public service, working in law and politics for over 50 years. One of his proudest moments was the work done during the Clark government in 1979, that helped 60000 Indochinese asylum seekers come to Canada.
Bruce is survived by his first wife Mary and their children, Craig (Isabelle), Carolyn, Derek (Marie-France), and his second wife Janet, and their daughter Emily (Michael), along with his step children Eric (Jennifer) and Sara.
Beloved Grandpapa Bruce, will also be missed by his grandchildren, Alianne and Clara, Ella, Mattéo and Tristan, Alyssa and Lily, and Georgina and Violet.
In death, Bruce will join his second born son, baby Christopher, who passed away a week after his birth in 1976.
A lot of people meant a lot to Bruce, as did the readers of his newsletter ‘The Morning Brief’, which he diligently published, almost daily, for the last 10 years.
A private memorial service will be held. Interment at Beechwood Cemetery.
In memoriam, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Digital Guestbook
Andrew House
Keith Beardsley
RIP Bruce. Over the many years that we worked together we shared many laughs and meetings together. He will be greatly missed.
Wes McLean
To the family of Bruce,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers. I came to know Bruce as a 20-something staffer with then-Senate Opposition Leader Noel Kinsella, and got to work with him when I joined PMO after we formed government in 2006. HIs insight, political acumen, writing ability and knowledge were instrumental in those minority government years. His sense of humour was also unrivalled. He has earned his rest, and may God bless his loved ones at this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Wes McLean
Ian Brodie
Terribly sorry to hear of the passing of an old friend. Bruce devoted much of his life to government and always to the issues where his compassion and good ground sense made the biggest difference. My profound sympathy to Carolyn, Craig and their family.
Gen LeBreton
Derek, thinking of you and your family during this difficult time. Sending love and prayers from the LeBretons. Xo
Melanie McCully
I met Bruce while at work in his last weeks. Bruce had a terrific sense of humour and such a wonderful soul. Bruce has touched my heart and will be missed. RIP Bruce and don’t forget to say hi to Elvis for me. Lol. Sending healing thoughts to his wonderful children whom I had the pleasure of meeting.
Peter Mackay
I share in the deep sense of sadness and loss of those who knew and loved Bruce. He made an enormous impact on me when I first entered the precarious world of politics in the late 90's. He exhibited such a sharp mind , understanding of politics and history quick wit and easy welcoming manner. Our friendship grew quickly and we worked together along side many in the rebuilding and later the reconciling of the conservative movement. His policy insights and deep passion for and knowledge of the country was remarkable. He was comfortable in all setting and respectful, never indifferent or intimidated In any debate or discussion or forum. He could "talk with crowds and keep his virtue and walk with Kings nor lose the common touch" I admired his intellect, the humour and in some cases irreverence. He personally helped me on many occasions during my time as leader, on campaigns and while in government. His was a voice of reason , experience and moderation in times of conflict. He was passionate and well read and informed about many subject the environment , economy , aboriginal affairs and much more. His penchant for policy in particular was invaluable to many leaders minister's and politics generally. He was not a fierce partisan but a ferocious believer in the need for a competitive engaged democracy. Her possessed wisdom from a life full of hard experience and broad encounters. His writing in the daily brief were a daily gift and reflected his talent to consume large often complicated matters weak together and translate for those lesser beings who didn't have the time, patience or ability to sort it all out. Bruce was a true public servant. There are too few characters in public life and stale ottawa these days, Bruce stood out in that bland world during my time on the Hill. He was a loyal and dear friend and I miss him. I know he loved his family above all else and I extend my deepest condolence to you all at this troubled time. Bruce was a great Canadian with a heart as big and as open as our Nation. He is in a better place , his work here done and he has earned his rest.
Peter and Nazanin MacKay + family
Jim Ayres
I first met Bruce in 2012, which was about the time when he started to publish his 'Morning Brief'. He had an encyclopedic knowledge of Canadian history, politics and parliamentary procedure, and often shared this vast wisdom with the readers of the Morning Brief. He also had a great sense of humour and was the 'go to guy' for advice regarding media relations and so many other concerns.
He was a good friend and I will miss him.
My condolences to the Carson family.
Jim Ayres
Toronto
Andrea Paine
I worked with Bruce on the Hill through a few minority governments. He was smart, witty and a friend. My condolences to the family and may he Rest In Peace.
Wendy Noble
As a former Parliament Hill staffer I knew Bruce as a thoughtful, kind and sage counsel always keen to share his knowledge and thoughts and he continued that in his Morning Brief. May all the memories of a life well lived bring comfort to his loved ones.
I knew Bruce in my early days in Ottawa as an approachable source of information and voice of reason. He's part of the fabric of that era of government and will be missed. Condolences to my friend Craig and the entire family.