Peacock: Bruce Carlyle Clifford, July 16, 1955 – January 30, 2019
Bruce Carlyle Clifford Peacock was born July 16, 1955, in Cereal and remained there for the duration of his life. As the seventh of nine siblings, his younger years were filled with many adventures. His versions of these stories often differed from what his brother George recalls. He attended Cereal School, graduating in 1973. From there he worked seismic in Alberta for a spell and then worked on the trains with CN rail. He also worked on the family farm.
May 27, 1974, he was in a car accident in Smithers, British Columbia that broke his back and resulted in him being a paraplegic. He returned to Cereal to work at Cereal Motors, his Dad’s business. Despite the limiting injury, Bruce would go on to achieve many successes. He never let the disability slow him down. You would often see him moving cows, in the swather, and hauling bales. His least favourite farm job was picking rocks, but he was very adept at that one. Bruce and Karen were married February 25, 1978, at a quiet ceremony in Hanna. Their first house was in Cereal, where together they ran the Cereal Post Office, as well as farmed. They were blessed with two children, Ashley and Brandi.
When the kids were young, the family moved out to the farm where they reside today.
He will be remembered as an active community member, volunteering in various capacities with the Cereal Athletic Association, minor and senior hockey, baseball, school sports, and 4-H. Being involved in the community and coaching sports, Bruce ended up adopting a few extra kids along the way. Bruce also kept occupied by dabbling in guitar, playing cards with neighbours and spending lots of time with his grandkids.
Bruce spent his last days surrounded by friends and family. He put in orders for his favourite things – salted caesars, with white salt and no Tabasco and Chinese food – which we gladly delivered. He enjoyed flirting with the nurses and he kept his wit and sense of humour to the very end. Many stories were told and laughs were shared with each visitor that came through. Bruce went out in his typical fashion of never wanting to leave the party.
In trying to come up with Bruce’s words of wisdom, the only phrases that stand out are: “Jesus Christ, George” and “For F*&K Sake’s.” That about sums it up!
Bruce is survived by his wife Karen; two children Ashley (Lori) Peacock and Brandi (Adam) Smith; five grandchildren Denton and Kacey Peacock, and Winston, Jade and Emmie Smith. He also survived by his siblings Jim (Lona) Peacock, Shirley (Lloyd) McClellan, Jeanne (Mike) DeSerres, Bev Weselosky (Bill), John (Elsie) Peacock, Edward (Susan) Peacock, and George Peacock; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and too many good friends to count.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents C. J. and Olena Peacock; brother Burns Peacock; sister-in-law Gayle Peacock; and brother-in-law Bob Weselosky.
The family would like to thank the staff at the Medicine Hat Regional Hospital Coronary Intensive Care Unit, Foothills Medical Centre CICU, and MacLean’s Funeral Home.
Funeral Service was held February 5 at the Cereal Community Hall in Cereal. Officiating Clergy was Rev. Helen Reed. A tribute was given by Crystal Winquist, Ray Girletz, and John Kuchle. Special music was Amazing Grace and Proud Mary by Allan Ironside and Clark Huston.
Pallbearers were Curtis Winquist, Bart Winquist, T.J. Winquist, Rocky Miller, Lee Pederson and Mike Pederson. Honorary Pallbearers were Jim and Crystal Winquist, Leonard and Ina Hains, Kevin Girletz, Raymond and Donna Duffield, Rita Girletz, Ron and Sandra Rude, Darryl and Delores Bowles, Ray and Wendy Girletz, Earl and Lorna Landis, and Paul Caskey.
Memorial tributes may be directed to the Alberta Kidney Foundation, 6007 1A Street SW, Calgary, Alberta, T2H 0G5; Oyen & District Health Care Foundation, Box 150, Oyen, Alberta, T0J 2J0; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Following the funeral service, family and friends were invited to a luncheon hosted by Lori Toth in the Cereal Community Hall.
MacLean’s Funeral Home of Oyen in care of arrangements.