Bruce Elniski of Lethbridge, beloved husband of Joanne Lavkulich, passed away unexpectedly on April 24, 2025, at the age of 73.

Bruce is deeply missed by his wife Joanne; his sons Timothy and David (Katy), and grandchildren Mack and Susan; his daughter Alexa (Sun Bear Jackson); his sisters Susan (Cliff Norum) and Judy (Martin Giesbrecht); his brothers Doug and Richard; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends.

Born in Edmonton, Alberta, to Winnifred and Steven Elniski, Bruce pursued post-secondary studies at the University of Alberta before discovering his passion for electronics engineering. He went on to study at NAIT, launching a long and varied career that included a notable tenure with Apple Computer, where he contributed to the launch of the first Macintosh computer.

Bruce and Joanne made their home in Lethbridge after living in Edmonton and Calgary, and after traveling widely across Canada, the United States, Europe, and South America. He was a devoted and patient father who could often be found camping with his family, leading Boy Scout meetings, taking great pride in having the biggest bonfires of any troop, or loading everyone into the car for a cross-country adventure to a Scout Jamboree in Prince Edward Island.

Bruce worked for many years at Lethbridge College, including in an outreach program on the Blood Reserve, before joining the Holy Spirit School Division, where he was known as the go-to IT support guy—always helpful, always kind. He brought warmth, humour, and a love of learning to every interaction, and genuinely enjoyed helping others.  He had an insatiable curiosity and a love of reading across many topics.

Bruce’s lifelong love for Joanne began at NAIT, where she worked in the library and he was a dedicated student. They married in 1979, the same year they adopted two kittens—the first of many.  Bruce was an animal lover, and if a cat in need showed up at his door, it found a home.

He gave generously to others, through time and energy, supporting causes close to his heart: social justice, education, and community well-being. He was a longtime supporter of Amnesty International and the John Howard Society, volunteered at the local soup kitchen, sponsored children through Plan Canada for over 50 years, and stood with CUPE education workers in their efforts for fair compensation. Whether carrying a banner, wiring up a sound system, or helping someone with a stubborn computer, Bruce was the kind of person who simply made things work—and made people feel seen.  His pride in being Canadian was evident in his advocacy, his values, and the enthusiastic way he sang the National Anthem.

As an O-Negative universal blood donor, Bruce gave close to 150 blood/plasma donations in his lifetime, and then gave the ultimate gift of organ donation, continuing to save lives after he had passed.

Though Bruce worked in IT, it was the human connections that mattered most to him. He often said his work felt like retirement—because he enjoyed it so much. He passed away while still employed and valued the companionship of his colleagues, especially his friend and supervisor, Regan.

Bruce loved his family deeply and adored being a grandfather, fully embracing his roles as teller of "Dad jokes", and as Santa Claus during the holidays. He had a happy smile and a contagious laugh. Bruce will be remembered for his intelligence, wit, generosity, and steadfast commitment to those he loved. He lived with curiosity, compassion, and quiet strength.

A Celebration of Life will be held in early July to allow family and friends from near and far to gather in his honour. In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to do an act of kindness or charity for someone in need, in Bruce’s memory.