Bruce Pardy
July 6, 1933 to March 9, 2022
Obituary
To view the service for Bruce Pardy on Monday, March 14, 2022 at 11 a.m. from Gower Street United Church please clink the following link: https://youtu.be/zemqIGKldh0
Our cherished and admired Bruce Pardy peacefully passed away at home on Wednesday, March 9th, 2022. Bruce was born in Little Harbour, New World Island, NL, the much-loved husband of Cynthia (Janes) and son of the late Norman and Violet (Ivany) Pardy.
Leaving to mourn his loss are his proud children Rick, Jane (Jack Lavers), Keith (Caroline); daughter-in-law Jacqueline Sheppard, grandchildren David Bruce, Marc, William (Joanne), Donald, David John, Jennifer, Nicola and Natalie; and by his sister Peggy (Jack Taite). He was predeceased by his son Randell, sisters Gladys, Suzie, Audrey and Bertha (William Schroeder) and brother Richard (Julie).
Norman Victor “Bruce” Pardy, or Daddy Bruce to his eight grandchildren, moved to St. John’s at the age of two to a small house on Pleasant Street.
By his own admission, he was a shy boy. As a child, he loved the outdoors and first learned to swim on the sandy riverbanks near Mount Pearl in the summers. In school, the unusual combination of math and history came naturally to him — an early indication of the intellectual curiosity that defined him and the fascinations he carried with him through life.
Bruce started his university education at Memorial College where he studied preengineering and completed his undergraduate engineering degree at Nova Scotia Technical College in 1958. It was at Memorial where he met the love of his life, Cynthia. Behind the auditorium at Memorial College, they stole their first kisses in between classes.
Bruce qualified for his esteemed Association of the Engineers of the Province of Newfoundland in 1960. After graduating, Bruce became the first engineer on staff at Newfoundland Engineering and Construction Company. He forged a bold path within the engineering world, helping to build some of Newfoundland’s most iconic civil engineering projects including St. John’s City Hall, the original buildings at Memorial University, Elisabeth Towers, and the Confederation Building.
His career afforded him the opportunity to live abroad on assignment in Sri Lanka for a year with his family. This eventually led to the formation of Project Management and Design Ltd. Subsequently, Bruce’s creativity and personality brought together five local engineering companies to form the BAE-SNC Group in the early 1980s.
His company’s success brought prosperity and Bruce routinely practiced generosity to others. He lifted others as he climbed. No one was greater testament to this than his trusted lieutenant and confidante Elizabeth Thistle who joined the team in 1972 and then worked alongside him for the next 50 years. Ultimately, he mentored hundreds of people throughout his life.
One of his proudest professional accomplishments was serving on the Canadian Royal Commission for one of Newfoundland’s greatest sorrows – the Ocean Ranger disaster. His honorable work with that committee transformed the safety standards of the offshore drilling industry, and crystallized Bruce’s purpose as an engineer and as a Newfoundlander.
For a man who had an accomplished career as a civil engineer, building some of the foundations of Newfoundland’s growth, the thing he was most proud of building was his family. He was as tender-hearted as they come. A devoted, loving, and patient husband, Bruce cared for his wife, Cynthia with an intensity one can only know from decades spent side-by-side with a life partner. They were a devastatingly handsome couple, always dressed to the nines for cocktail hour and hosting their friends and family for dinner parties at home. On summer evenings, they loved to share cold beer out on their deck together, tossing out peanuts for the black-capped chickadees.
Bruce and Cynthia always said that the joy of starting their family young was that they got to grow up together, alongside their children. Perhaps it wasn’t the easiest way to do life, but that’s the way it went. Throughout the years, they’ve collected dozens of faded film photos from their raucous years waterskiing and fishing in Deer Park with Rick, Randy, Jane, and Keith. Deer Park was home to some of his happiest times with family and friends, particularly Donny Fagan, Albert Hickman, John Cahill, Jim Gushue, and Bill Case.
Another benefit of starting their family early was that Bruce and Cynthia had the chance to truly and completely relish being grandparents. Grandfather was a role which Bruce took on with the same passion and dedication he did as an engineer, a husband, and a father. To his grandchildren, in their youth, Daddy Bruce was a magician. He bewildered his grandkids for hours by making cards disappear into thin air and willing corks from the tops of wine bottles to shapeshift between his hands at the dinner table. At Christmastime, Bruce and Cynthia’s home at Waterford Avenue transformed into a snow globe of music, meals, laughter, and other festive delights. Daddy Bruce could often be found sitting by the tree with one of his grandchildren, sharing in the wonder of the electric toy trains humming around the tree on Christmas Eve.
Bruce was a teacher and a mentor to his children and grandchildren alike. He infused in his family a knack for squinting at the status quo — everyone who knew Bruce knew his furrowed brow. But Bruce wasn’t perfect. He could be stubborn, obsessive, and, if you ask his children, he had a hard time letting go. But it was also these qualities which made his connection to others deep and intense, his love of knowledge passionate, and his penchant for a long conversation unparalleled. Sometimes when Bruce became engaged in a lively conversation, he’d lean back and look upwards, as if the answer were somewhere up in the sky.
Here was a man who was always talking about history. But his life is a testament to the fact that he made his own indelible mark on it. He will be remembered for his capacity to translate his imagination into physical forms that defined the landscape of Newfoundland. He will be missed for his warm sense of humour and his heart that knew true and eternal love. He will be known forever as a man with the most voracious mind and gentle soul.
Bruce’s curiosity defined him. And while he lived his life immersed in the vast wide world and the cosmos above, he lived and died a proud Newfoundlander. May he rest in power and live on in our hearts.
Visitation will take place at Carnell’s Funeral Home, 329 Freshwater Road on Sunday, March 13 from 2-4 and 7-9 p.m. Funeral service will be held from Gower Street United Church on Monday, March 14 at 11 a.m. The service will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend.
Schedule
Visitations
2-4 p.m. on March 13, 2022
7-9 p.m. on March 13, 2022
Carnell’s Funeral Home
329 Freshwater Road
View on Map
funeral
11:00am, Monday March 14th
Gower Street United Church
Keith,
It’s been too many years since I saw you last – and this isn’t how I want to reconnect. I’m so sorry to here of the passing of your father. I know how proud you were of him, and I can only imagine how proud he was of you. Cherish your memories!
Paul Blanchard
Newmarket, Ontario
Cynthia and Family: So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a great guy and a pleasure to work with.
Rick and family,
Gail and I were saddened to hear about your father’s passing. I first got to know your father during those years when you and I were in grad school at Memorial. Both he and your Mom were certainly very welcoming whenever I visited the Pardy household.. I’m sure your father’s many accomplishment in a wide diversity of professional and personal pursuits will bring you great joy and comfort to all of you.
Ted and Gail
Bruce was an outstanding entrepreneur ,always on edge of new things. During my time at RBC Royal and having the pleasure to know him, it was always a great
experience to deal with him with his persuasive way and positive outlook . He had much success during his life and made a very positive contribution to his beloved province of Newfoundland and Labrador. My condolences to all the family on his passing. Rest In Peace my friend Bruce! Sam Walters retire V P RBC Royal Bank
To the Pardy family.
I have many happy memories of Bruce from days gone by. My sincere condolences to you all on his passing.
To the Pardy family,
Please accept my sincerest condolences with the loss of Mr. Pardy. I knew Mr. Pardy from my days running the Children’s Recreation Program at the Lodge and looking after Marc and David. Mr. Pardy always treated me with respect and I enjoyed working with him. May he Rest In Peace.
Sincerely,
Jen Davis & family
Condolences to Rick and family on your loss.
Keith,Rick,Jane and families
Sending you our condolences and sympathy.
So very sad to read this news. Deepest sympathy to Cynthia and all the family.
Condolences to the Pardy family
Condolences to Cynthia and the Pardy family. Enjoyed conversations with Bruce and a golf game or two. Sad to lose another friend.
Gord and Glenn Myers
Dear Mrs. Pardy, Rick, Jane and families,
What a loss for you all, and for Newfoundland and Labrador. All who met or knew Mr. Pardy were touched by his his drive, intellect, leadership and care for his family, friends, colleagues and others. Know we are thinking about you and wishing you all the strength and comfort you can draw from your wonderful memories of a life so well lived. Janet Miller Pitt and Robert Pitt
Our deepest condolences to you and your family at this time. Such an amazing life.
Bruce was a wonderful example for anyone who cared upon decency and respect. Not a close friend, but certainly, a good friend, someone who could be counted upon in difficult times. We had the utmost respect for him and certainly enjoyed his company whenever the opportunity presented.
Sincere condolences to you all!
To the Pardy Family
Our sincere and deepest condolences to you.
He was a good man, to me personally a mentor.
Rest easy my Friend
Jane, please accept my sincere and deep condolences at this so sad time.
Sincere condolences to Peggy and all the Pardy family at this sad time.
Cynthia and family: Sincerest sympathies on Bruce’s passing. He was one in a million – affable and entrepreneurial …one who left his mark on all of society . we were privileged to have known him and have spent many pleasant hours together . May the cherished memories you’re left with help you through this time of sorrow. .
My sincere condolences go out to all the Pardy family at this sad time. Sending peace and comfort.
Sheilagh
Jane so sorry to hear of your beloved dads passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Alice and Myron Kennedy
My sincere condolences to you all during this very sad time. Take care, Suzanne
A fine man who excelled in business, athletics and Family!
Our deepest sympathies.
Our condolences to the family, he was truly a wonderful man, my husband Rob had the privilege of working for Bruce the past 5 years , many a time when he called looking for Rob ,Bruce and I would end up chatting for long periods on different topics about life in general. He was a sweet caring man with a heart of gold who loved his family dearly. I will miss thoes conversations. God bless your family at this difficult time. Rest easy Bruce. ROB AND CAROL PARSONS
Mrs. Pardy, Rick, Jane, and Keith
We are so saddened to learn of Mr. Pardy’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your families at this difficult time.
The Pardys and my parents were great friends.
Mr .Pardy’s presence always involved generosity
,friendship ,conversation and laughter.
Great qualities in a productive life.
Condolences to my friend Keith and the whole Pardy family.
Keith, I am so sorry to hear of the passing of your father . I trust that your family, friends and memories will help you and your family through this difficult time.
When Bruce was present , great conversation, humour and positivity always followed. He was a great friend to my late husband and me, in every sense of the word. I shall miss you Bruce..
Jean Burnell
To the family of Bruce Pardy,please accept our sincere condolences on the loss of your father. Francis &. Elizabeth Keating.
My condolences to the Pardy family . I had the pleasure over the last couple of years to visit your dad and mom at there beautiful home to do there hair . Had many people conversation about life , stories of the past and his children and grandchildren whom he adored . Rest In Peace gentle man .
My condolences to the Pardy family . I had the pleasure over the last couple of years to visit your dad and mom at there beautiful home to do there hair . Had many people conversation about life , stories of the past and his children and grandchildren whom he adored . Rest In Peace gentle man .
Keith, Rick, Jane and Aunt Cynthia,
so sorry to hear of Uncle Bruce’s passing, our thoughts are with you all. Reading Uncle Bruce’s obitruary, brought back some found memories of him and time with you all. Myself and Douglas used to all look forward to the ghost stories he would tell us as kids at the cottage when we were young. He will be sorely missed, our thoughts are with you.
Keith, Rick and Jane,
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a man who achieved exceptional success in both business and family, a rare accomplishment. Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time.
Dale and Lesli Bowering
Park City, Utah
Cynthia and family so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. . condolences to all Sharon Outerbridge
Rick, Jack and all family
Bruce’s life was an example to all, including as a family man, a community man, and as a businessman. He was just outstanding.. Sorry for your loss, but what a fine life to celebrate.
Sending sincere condolences to the Pardy Family. I have fond memories of Bruce from social gatherings , I also enjoyed working with him and Elizabeth when Stella’s Circle rented space on Bond Street. He was fun to deal with- .always had a twinkle in his eye!
May your wonderful memories sustain you in your time of loss.
Aunt Cynthia and family;
Remembering the life of a truly amazing person. We are mourning your loss with you all. He was an honorary Uncle to us kids and he was always interested in hearing about our stories and accomplishments, whilst always leaving us with his words of wisdom to think about. He never settled for the ordinary but strived for the extraordinary. A life lesson for us all. May he rest in peace.
Mrs. Pardy, Rick, Jane and Keith:
So very sorry to hear that Mr. Pardy has passed away. I started my first job with him in 1975 until 1995. Mr. Pardy was a kind man who always had a story to tell. Hoping that you will all find great comfort in your memories during this time of sorrow. 🦋
To the entire Pardy Family
Our deepest sympathies to you All.
Yes he certainly left his mark in NL however I think he left. It mostly with his wonderful Family. A very good thing.
We remember him well., especially myself. I remember many happy times in Deer Park spending time with your Family, back and forth from our cabin to yours.
Family and all those wonderful memories you all have will help you through this very difficult time. God bless you.
Janet (Granter) and Gary Butler.
sorry to hear about Bruce
To the Pardy Family,
We are sending our deepest condolences to Cynthia and family. Bruce was a very accomplished man and will be missed. You will be in our prayers and thoughts.
Hal & Trixie Wight
Our sincere condolences to the family.
Audrey and Selby Holloway, Port Blandford, NL
The Pardy Family
Deepest condolences to the family. I was saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing.
My deepest condolences Jane to you and the entire family. Bruce was an amazing man and I know how much he meant to you. He will be sorely missed. Sending you prayers and much love.
Mitchie
Mrs. Pardy and family,
Please accept my most sincere condolences. Mr. Pardy has been a fixture in my life as long as I can remember and I am deeply sorry for your loss. Through my life I had many occasions to chat with him whether that be in offices on Bond Street, or walking St. Pete’s Beach. No matter my age at the time, Mr. Pardy always seemed truly interested to hear how and what I was doing and to share his perspective and hear mine (and perhaps to teach me a little history at the same time). He seemed to love a good chat. I always came away with something to think about. I will admit, there were times in my youth when I was less appreciative of his work ethic (Sunday morning work calls!?), but I quickly learned that his drive was rooted in passion and curiosity and a healthy dose of ‘nothing ventured, nothing gained’. Through his working relationship with my mother I have learned many things that I will carry with me, among them that the best place to suss out a problem and find a creative solution is on a hike in the woods with a trusted colleague and some fresh air.
May you all take great comfort in the words shared here in these messages, and over the days to come, on a life well lived.
Sincerely,
Maria Thistle
So sorry to hear about the passing of this wonderful man, a very sad time for you and your family,
Condolences from the Murphy Family
Fred , Elizabeth and our family!
Jane, so very sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. Sending my deepest condolences to yourself and your family.
Dear Keith, Mrs Pardy and Family and the extended Family. Please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of your Dad. We got to meet him years ago through Uncle Jack and Aunt Peggy, a Gem of a Gentleman and the Template for hard work, accountability and love of Family. This Province has lost a visionary who has left a work legacy, second to none. May your wonderful memories be a blessing as you celebrate a life well lived, and with extra warm thoughts and prayers for your Mother. God Bless.
Sorry to hear of Mr. Pardy’s passing. Condolences to the family
Cynthia and family
Sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing .Over a thirty year period and on three different occasions we worked together for the same firm . These were good times both professionally and socially.. our deepest condolences .
Lloyd and Jean Cooke
The Pardy family,
Our deepest condolences on the passing of Bruce, having worked with The BAE Group under his leadership it was a pleasure to have known such
a Gentleman.
The Pardy family
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Deepest condolences to all.
We are sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing and extend out deepest sympathies to Mrs Pardy and family..
Harold and Margie Warr
Keith, Jane and Pardy family,
So sorry to hear about the passing of you Father. He was an amazing man. I had the pleasure of working with him through the 1980’s and very much benefitted from his mentorship.. Sending my sincere condolences.
My condolences to the Pardy Family. Have Known Bruce since the early 1960s. He was a good man.
To Keith and the Pardy family,
I remember the generosity of your dad spending time with you and friends at Deer Park at your lovely summer home on the water. Very fond and fun memories.
My sincere condolences.
Keith, Jane, Rick and families, so sorry to hear of your Dad’s passing. So many amazing accomplishments in his life, and all of you are his best legacy. We feel your loss.
I send my sincere condolences to Cyinia and family on the passing of my long time friend and engineering associate Bruce, I met him first at Mun where for two years he was our star basketball player . Later in our careers we served together on the E ngineering Assoc. executive. Bruce was a brilliant engineer and a very successifull businessman He wil be missed.
To the Pardy family
I am sending my condolences to the Pardy family. I got to know Bruce and Cynthia through John and Rowena McNeil. It was a pleasure to have known him. May he rest in peace.
June Mills( Corwin)
Clarenville
Keith. So sorry to hear about your loss. Thinking of you at this time. Jim Dunn and family.
Cynthia and family:
We are so sorry to hear this news. He was a gentleman with a warm smile. We only hope the wonderful memories you all must have will help you through this difficult time.
To the Pardy family,
I am very sorry to hear about Bruce’s passing. As you know Bruce and my Dad go way back…. My parents had many fond stories about Bruce and Cynthia.
Our deepest condolences.
Tim & Lynn Butler and family
Sorry to hear the news about your father. May you have comfort in knowing that you have family and friends who share your sorrow.
Mr. Pardy spent many hours mentoring me to become knowledgeable in business and to become a leader. I have many fond memories of long conversations, some very serious and some alcohol induced….lol
Sorry to hear of his passing, my deepest condolences to the family, I am sure his loss will be impactful.
Roxanne Weinheber & Family
Our sincere condolences to Cynthia & the Pardy family.
My cousin Bruce was a great businessman and a great athlete especially in basketball. He loved history and I will miss our talks about our family tree.
Rest In Peace Bruce..
Kevin & Marilyn Pardy
Rick, Jane and family
So sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a real gentleman and a great Newfoundlander. I enjoyed working with him several years ago on various golf initiatives.
Sincere condolences to you all.
Sandy
To: Cynthia and Family.
We are so very sad to say Goodbye to another great Newfoundlander.
Bruce showed me a great generosity in 1990 which I’ve never forgotten and will always be grateful to him.
A true ,decent gentleman indeed.
We’re remembering many happy times with “The Florida Crowd”.
So Sorry we can’t be there in person to pay our Respects; we’re in Ireland.
With Deepest Sympathy
Paula & Pat
To Rick, Keith and family. So sorry to hear about your loss.
To the Pardy Family,
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. Please accept our deepest condolences on your loss.
Lorraine and Art Hamlyn
To all the family
My sincerest, deepest condolences to each of you at this time. May the cherished memories hold you steadfast in the hours to come. May the love and kindness of those who also feel your sadness at this time, as I do give you strength to carry through today, tomorrow and onward. Treasure each memory you hold onto. With sincerest condolences on this sad day.
All my sympathy
Cynthia & family,
Ecclesiastes tells us “there is a time to be born and a time to die”.Bruce’s time had come to die..
Bruce had a wonderful life, lived it to the fullest.He was loved by all and will be missed dearly by his friends & family..
Sending our love & sympathy to You all.
May He Rest In Peace..
Jean & Ken Ellis
Cynthia and family my condolences on your loss.Always enjoyed his company and will remember him with affection Tony
To the Pardy Family,
I will always remember how kind your Dad was to me when we would meet at the Bond Street office.
He would joke and always had time to ask how i was doing.. Your Dad was very gentle in conversation but firm with his opinion. I often walked away from our hellos with a smile and a quick education about the topic of the day. He will be missed.
Jane, I know the love you had for your dad. Hold tight the memories, and find comfort in the celebration of his life.
So sorry for your loss. Worked for Bruce from the time I left school in 1973 until he left the BAE Group, around 1987 and continued to do some admin work for him for a few years after.. He was a great boss and instilled in me a wonderful work ethic. He always said that if you make a mistake, admit it and learn from it, and move on – something to live by. He will be missed.
To the Pardy family….Jane, Rick, Keith and Cynthia
My deepest condolences on the passing of Bruce. I know your hearts are broken.
I had the opportunity, over the years, to meet him and will always remember his quiet demeanour and the lovely conversations we enjoyed.
He was the heart and soul of your family and I know you will miss him dearly
My deepest condolences to the family.. Bruce’s mother was my grandmothers sister.(Lillian Tipple).
May perpetual light shine upon him!🙏
Bruce was a lovely man. May he rest in peace. My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.
Sending my deepest condolences to Mr.Pardy’s family! I have not known him for very long but, he seemed like Avery soft spoken knowledgeable man ! God bless you all during this trying time . May you hang onto the beautiful memories and live life to the fullest through those you hold dear !
Knew mr pardy from working for him at terra nova golf resort easy fellow to talk to and work for .sincere condolences to the family and Rest In Peace mr pardy
My thoughts are with you dear Jane and with your entire family during this very difficult time of loss. I remember your dad mostly from my days hanging out at the Terra Nova Park Lodge many years ago. As I read his obituary, I see the love of family woven throughout his life. Where there is much love, there is much pain when saying good bye. You continue to be in my prayers.
The Pardy Family.
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with Bruce over a long period of time. Bruce was always a gentleman, whose knowledge and integrity made him a perfect role model, and it was always a pleasure to be in his presence.
Sincere condolences.
Don and Elsie Rideout
Our heartfelt condolences to all of the family. Our thoughts are with you at this sad time. Your memories of Bruce will be in your hearts forever.
Condolences to the Family thoughts and prayers are with you at this very difficult time. Bruce was such a great gentlemen when we spoke he was always testing my abilities. Always enjoyed our chats. Enjoyed doing business with you over the last 20 years.
Rest In Peace Bruce.
To the family
Please accept our deepest condolences for your Loss
Mrs. Pardy, Rick, Keith,& Jane :
So sorry to hear of Bruces Passing.. It was indeed a pleasure to work with him for so many years. Please accept our condolences for your loss.
Max and Sylvia Downey.
Cynthia ,So sorry for your loss,our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. Thinking of you .
Paul and Phyllis Walsh