Bruce Carson, of Ottawa Ontario, passed away on March 5, 2022 at the age of 76. After several months of declining health due to cancer, Bruce spent his final days at the Waterford Retirement Residence in Ottawa, surrounded by his family, and the compassionate health care staff that worked hard to ensure his comfort throughout.
Bruce was born in Ottawa on December 15, 1945 to the late Margaret Doogan and Robert Carson, and was half-brother to the late Jean Franklin, Jack, Bob, Weldon and Bill.
Bruce grew up in Old Ottawa East, steps from the Rideau Canal. He loved skating and playing hockey, and would often talk about watching his Montreal Canadians, battle it out against his father’s beloved Toronto Maple Leafs.
As a student during the summers, Bruce worked his way through law school in the kitchen of the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in Alberta. Bruce graduated from the University of Ottawa with his bachelor of law degree (silver medal) in 1970, and went on to obtain his Masters in Law from the University of Toronto, in 1982.
Bruce committed his life to public service, working in law and politics for over 50 years. One of his proudest moments was the work done during the Clark government in 1979, that helped 60000 Indochinese asylum seekers come to Canada.
Bruce is survived by his first wife Mary and their children, Craig (Isabelle), Carolyn, Derek (Marie-France), and his second wife Janet, and their daughter Emily (Michael), along with his step children Eric (Jennifer) and Sara.
Beloved Grandpapa Bruce, will also be missed by his grandchildren, Alianne and Clara, Ella, Mattéo and Tristan, Alyssa and Lily, and Georgina and Violet.
In death, Bruce will join his second born son, baby Christopher, who passed away a week after his birth in 1976.
A lot of people meant a lot to Bruce, as did the readers of his newsletter ‘The Morning Brief’, which he diligently published, almost daily, for the last 10 years.
A private memorial service will be held. Interment at Beechwood Cemetery.
In memoriam, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society.
Digital Guestbook
Marian Fernet
Mike Duffy
Bruce's Morning Brief was a must-read at the start of the day. He will be remembered as a thoughtful man who cared deeply about Canada, our democracy and who was generous and kind in sharing his knowledge with others. RIP old friend.
and the
David Wells
Bruce was one-of-a-kind. Smart, compassionate and political. I met him in 2006 and we did a few political project together. He had a keen sense of place and a great sense of humour. He was political and loved his country. He was a great Canadian.
Amy Mills
I amvery sorry to hear this news. My deepest condolences to Bruce's family, I have nothing but the fondest memories of him.
Jason Murray
My deepest condolences to the whole family.
Alain Roussy
Sending my deepest sympathies to the Carson family. The uOttawa Common Law Section wishes you peace, comfort and courage, during this time of sorrow. Please accept my deepest condolences.
Alain Roussy
Dean (interim), Common Law Section
Faculty of Law, University of Ottawa
Bruce was a valued friend and colleague. He was a man of many talents, with a quick mind. He was kind to so many on the Hill whether you were learning the ropes or at the end of your rope. May he rest in peace and sincere condolences to his family.