To honour and perpetuate Jonathon’s spirit of adventure and service, the Jonathon Bruce Memorial Award will be awarded annually to a graduate from School District 83 who has been actively volunteering or working in any emergency services field. Qualified applicants are encouraged to apply through the SD83 district scholarship program which opens up each spring.
Jonathon Alexander Bruce left this world on April 21, 2025, while on his beloved Bastion Mountain above Shuswap Lake in Tappen. Jonathon’s passion for firefighting with the Tappen Sunnybrae Fire Department and BC Wildfire’s RAP attack team, and his love for the outdoors, his friends, family, and community defined him. At the time of his passing, Jonathon was completing his initial Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) training with SD83.
Jonathon was a young man of courage, kindness, and determination, who was always ready to lend a hand and share a laugh. Though his years were few, Jonathon squeezed a century of adventure and purpose into his life. His spirit was larger than life, and his impact deep and lasting. He is deeply missed by all whose lives he touched.
Lessons for Living – inspired by Jonathon Bruce:
Smile widely. Embrace the unfamiliar. Pay attention. Volunteer enthusiastically for everything – especially anything fire-, helicopter-, or EMR-related. Share insightful ideas. Be positive. Connect with others – whether they are 3 or 73. Be respectful. Maintain eye contact. Go deeply into wild places. Eat candy and read quietly while embracing someone you love. Willingly engage with life in all of its facets. Laugh. Embody sincerity. Collaborate exceptionally. Commit Fully. Know – and live – your priorities. Work hard. Be kind.
The seed funds for this award were provided by Jonathon’s family, fire family, community members, strangers, friends and a CSRD Area C grant, and fundraising efforts were spearheaded by the Tappen Sunnybrae Firefighters Association with the blessing of Jonathon’s family.
