Obituary of Audrey "Bruce" Smale

Smale, Audrey "Bruce"

Bruce passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at the CKHA-Chatham Campus at the age of 83.

Bruce was born in Chatham and was the son of the late John Wilfrid and Viola Lucille (nee Mater) Smale.

Beloved husband for 48 years of Marie (nee Muckle) Smale of Chatham.
 
Dear brother-in-law of Ruth Pilbeam of Blenheim, Willeta and Norm Biddle of London, Beth and Mark Wright of Ray, Michigan, David Muckle of Chatham, Lillian and Eddy Rota of Chatham.

Sadly missed by many nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends and especially Elaine Loosemoore.

In his younger years, Bruce enjoyed helping out both on his parent's farm and on the farms of other local farmers in the Oil Springs area.  He also did market gardening on his in-law's farm on the Ridge.  Bruce was employed at the Dresden Tile Yard and delivered furniture for K-mart and Walmart.

He was a member of the Thames Skating Club, the Hi Neighbour Square Dance Club and a former president of the Historical Toy and Doll Society of Southwestern Ontario.  Bruce participated in the Hound Dog Car Club events and took great pride in entering his Cadillacs in car shows at Bothwell, Wambo, Country Cruise in Delaware and Retrofest as well as other car shows throughout Southwestern Ontario.

He enjoyed attending Country Jamborees in Chatham, Tilbury and Merlin.  Bruce played the guitar and the harmonica and loved to sing and dance to country music.  He shared his passion for antique toys by providing displays for others to view at museums, nursing homes and at other various locations such as the meetings of the Historical Toy and Doll Society of Southwestern Ontario.

Bruce definitely had a "green thumb" and loved taking care of plants both inside and outside his house.  He also found great pleasure in meeting up with friends at McDonalds to discuss the "good old days".

The family will receive friends at the Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, ON, Saturday, August 3, 2019 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. 

Cremation to take place.

A burial will take place at Greenwood Cemetery at a later date.

The family requests that donations be made in memory of Bruce to the Canadian Cancer Society or the charity of your choice. 

Online condolences may be left at www.mckinlayfuneralhome.com

McKinlay Funeral Home, 459 St. Clair Street, Chatham, 519-351-2040