Obituaries

With sadness and much love, we share the passing of our father, Bruce Rickett, who passed away on June 4th, 2025, at the age of 70, in comfort, peace and love surrounding him.

Bruce was born in Lilongwe, Malawi, to Howard Alexander (Tim) Rickett and Mary Muriel (Meryl) Rickett, nee Houlder. Bruce moved to Salisbury, Rhodesia, now Harare, Zimbabwe, in the late 1950s. In 1968, Bruce moved to London, England, where he attended the Royal Russell School and then the City & Guilds of London Art School, marking the beginning of his remarkable art career.

In the late 70’s, Bruce moved to Canada with his wife, Jackie, where he attended the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design as they started their young family. In the early 80s, Bruce attended the University of Illinois to further his studies in Art History.

During the 80s, Bruce continued building his art career and painted his first mural with the Chemainus Festival of Murals Society in BC. Bruce went on to paint murals across North America, including Seattle, Alabama, Arkansas and here in Amherst, NS.

It was also during the 1980s that Bruce launched his career with Parks Canada, starting at Citadel Hill. As Bruce progressed through his career, he was instrumental in the creation of numerous historic exhibits, including Citadel Hill, Ryan Premises in NL, Grassy Island, Grand Pré, and many more. He became a large presence, building the most loyal and loving friendships during his career, which carried him well into his retirement. Bruce was the recipient of many awards for his wonderful work, where he travelled across North America, including California and New Mexico, where he was celebrated for his incredible efforts and dedication to the preservation of historical sites across North America.

Bruce was an athlete and huge fan of cricket, field hockey, which he played for many years, and soccer (more aptly, football). He rooted for his favourite team, a regular underdog, West Brom. He coached both of his kids’ soccer teams when they were growing up, and enjoyed hearing about his grandkids’ sports adventures in more recent years. Bruce enjoyed gardening and created a beautiful English garden at his home, and at one time built an English rose garden, envious of many in honour of his mother’s love of roses and gardening.

Bruce’s heart always remained with Africa, and he spoke fondly and frequently of his childhood memories with his parents and two brothers growing up in Malawi and Rhodesia.

Bruce was passionate about politics and welcomed a great debate on the state of the world at any time, along with his deep care for the environment and legacy left for future generations, especially his grandchildren.

Bruce is survived by his children, Jesse Rickett (Jenny) and Kristin Iatrou (Tak), along with his grandchildren, Yana, Nathan, Matthew and Thomas and his siblings Charles, John and Adrian, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins and his former wife, Karla Bruce. He was predeceased by his parents and former wife, Jacqueline (Jackie) Rickett, nee Darer (mother of his children).

Bruce will be remembered for his love of reading, listening to music, his incredible talent for painting in the most intricate of detail, love of history, passion for politics, and his sheer delight in having a deep discussion with a challenging debate over a hot coffee at a local coffee shop with friends and family.

His family will celebrate his life in July at Citadel Hill and will share additional details, including date and times, soon. Family and friends are invited to attend and celebrate his life.

Bruce’s family would like to share their deepest gratitude to the entire team on 7B and the 7A palliative care unit at the VG Hospital for their care, kindness and support during, in his words, “the landing of the plane”. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Myeloma Canada or Epilepsy Canada in his memory.

We will carry his memory in our hearts forever.