Andy the Architect

It is the year anniversary of the passing of my dear father. Sharing this short piece (in the style of G&M Lives Lived) in his memory. I miss him and proud to call him my Dad.

Andrew Scott Bruce: Architect. Family-man. Skier. Cottager. Advocate for heritage conservation. Born June 10, 1939, Toronto; Died January 6, 2023, Oakville, of health complications from Alzheimer’s; aged 83

Andrew Bruce was always known as Andy. And Andy always knew he wanted to be an architect. This ambition was set in Grade 7. By the time he was in high school at Runnymede Collegiate in Toronto, he was doodling designs in his textbooks.

Andy was a strong student in art and math yet finishing his degree in Architecture proved to be a challenge; he left the University of Toronto without completing his final project. Still all consumed by architecture, he worked as a draftsman for several years, including a stint in the mid-1960s with the firm (John B Parkins) that designed the modernist towers of the TD Bank Centre and later in London U.K. (Wimpy Construction) after touring the architectural sights of Europe (with his first wife). It wasn’t until 1974, thanks to the strong encouragement of his mentor and new boss (Don Blenkorne) in Oakville that he finished his Bachelor of Architecture.

This act of mentorship was something he later emulated leading his own architectural practice. According to a former employee, he was a very demanding boss, but patient and happy to share his wisdom: in other words a great mentor.

Over the 25 years or so that Andy ran his practice in Oakville, he designed schools (a highlight was Oakville Trafalgar High School in 1992), residential homes, and many Tim Hortons outlets. He wanted his designs to be cohesive with their surroundings. A renovated bungalow, unassuming from the street, would feel spacious and full of light inside. An old train station was repurposed as a Tim Hortons. Historical features were preserved.

To this end, he worked tirelessly to advocate for heritage conservation. In the early years following the introduction of the Ontario Heritage Act (1975) he played an instrumental role in Oakville to designate buildings, as well as one of the first heritage conservation districts in Ontario, Old Oakville. Passionate about preserving Oakville’s heritage, he spent countless hours at council meetings to persuade the Town and homeowners the value of preserving historical buildings. He was firm, respectful, and stood up for what he believed in. In 2010, he was awarded the Heritage Built Award.

Andy loved architecture and design. He would wake up dreaming of designs. A talented artist, he sketched, dabbled with pottery, and created whimsical Christmas Cards recipients awaited each year. He poured his creativity into his designs. Not his clothes! He dressed in shades of brown, corduroys, and purchased the same light-coloured suede Wallabees when one pair wore out. He knew what he liked. But wearing a suit he did not. When he had to, he jokingly called it his costume.

Busy as he was, he always made time for his two kids. An avid skier well into his seventies, he taught them to ski by leading them down the ski hills. He took them to Blue Jays games and introduced them to his “oldies” music from the 50s and 60s. There was always a case of his favourite cassettes in the car. He had a particular sense of humour. A quick wit. He could not resist sharing a pun when inspiration struck. It may have been met with rolling eyes but this would not stop him. Nor could he be held back from mimicking Monty Python’s silly walks. “Walk this way please.”

Family was a priority. He added a separate Bunkie at his small A-frame cottage on Little Straggle Lake so family and friends could visit often. All were welcome at his beloved cottage. Summer after summer, it was a gathering point for the extended Bruce family, including his two brothers and nieces and nephews. His presence is still felt up at the lake today.

Andy designed his house (with his second wife) with plenty of windows and an open space ideal for entertaining. They loved to entertain and even hosted their surprise wedding! They shared a love of art and architecture. Skiing too. They took long ski trips each winter, taking advantage of the snow and mountains out West as well as aprés-ski activities. Friends often joined them.

Their house was the heart of many family gatherings and parties big and small. Andy loved to cook and try new recipes, like Peking duck and rolling sushi. He was a master at the BBQ and could effortlessly feed a crowd. Proficient at shucking oysters, it became a favourite starter he would serve to guests or bring to friend’s parties. Ideally he would enjoy these oysters with a Guinness. Friday nights at the pub with his wife was a long standing and cherished tradition.

Even after “retirement” he kept a home office in the basement, sketched at a drafting table, and participated in community planning on heritage matters. He cared deeply for his neighbourhood and presented his vision for a “Bronte quadrangle” in a detailed model with miniature buildings meticulously to scale. He was president of the Bronte Historical Society until he had to step down as early stages of dementia set in. His mind could not engage as before. His caring nature persevered. You could see it as he waved to neighbours from his screened-in porch and welcomed family into the light-filled house he designed.