April 8, 1961 – March 19, 2025 

It is with such a heavy heart that we announce the passing of Thomas “Bruce” Elvins (63) on March 19, 2025. Bruce passed away peacefully surrounded by his family after a long, hard-fought battle with cancer. 

Bruce was strong and resilient in every moment of his life until the very end. He could solve any problem that came before him and would always support his friends and family through every challenge. The world is left a little darker without him. 

Born in Duncan, B.C. on April 8, 1961, to Roy and Gloria Elvins, he entered the world ready to take on every challenge. As the youngest boy amongst five siblings, he always managed to do just that, helping make a full house feel even fuller with love and his own brand of well-meaning chaos. Even in childhood he would willingly help all those around him, even if it led to him being roped onto a church steeple with only his brother-in-law, a paint brush, and a task he successfully completed. 

As he grew, he established a fulfilling career in bodywork – earning a Red Seal in his industry. In 1982 he was blessed with his first son, Wesley. Not long after he met his wife, Jill, in 1986 in Okanagan Falls, B.C. Together they welcomed their son, Thomas, in 1987 and were married in 1989. In 1994 they welcomed their daughter, Melinda, and settled in Kamloops, B.C. where they planted their roots. 

Over the years he dedicated his life to balancing work, family and all those he loved with effortless ease. He established himself as an expert in his new field: construction where he earned another Red Seal, many other certificates and accolades. Over the years he built many beautiful, award-winning custom homes across Interior B.C. and Alberta. He leaves his mark in all that he built and the relationships along the way. To Bruce it was the people that was most important. More often than not, a quick shopping trip became much longer as he met and talked to acquaintances he met years prior. 

Over his lifetime he helped in so many different ways to make the lives of those around him better. As a young man he volunteered as a firefighter with the Okanagan Falls Fire Department. In 2004 after a terrible hurricane he flew to Sri Lanka with a group of like-minded volunteers and helped rebuild the homes that were lost. In 2020 he became part of the Okanagan Falls legion, volunteering in many ways including rebuilding a ramp for better access. There are countless moments and memories of Bruce helping those that needed it – from building decks and stairs to supporting accessible upgrades at several locations around B.C. 

Bruce was a man of integrity and resilience, a man who worked hard and loved fully. He proved himself against every adversity, faced every challenge. He knew how to enjoy the quiet things in life – from fishing with his dogs and a beer, to kayaking with his wife, to sitting beside a fire with those he loved. 

Bruce was predeceased by many he cherished including his parents Roy and Gloria Elvins, Father-in-law Wayne Rundle, and several aunts and uncles and friends. 

He is survived by many who love him dearly: his wife of 36 years, Jill; his sons Wesley Elvins Thomas (Jamie) Elvins, his daughter Melinda Elvins; siblings Shirley (Mike) Vanderstap; Dale (Debbie) Elvins; Greg Elvins; Brenda (Doug) Lockhart. He is also missed by his five grandchildren, nieces and nephews, many in-laws and countless friends and his dogs. 

Due to the reach of his life and all those that knew him two celebration dates will be set. A memorial service will be held in Okanagan Falls, B.C. on April 5 from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at the Seniors Center. A casual “Toast to Bruce” will be held in Kamloops on April 11 at the Match Eatery in Kamloops, B.C. from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

You may offer a message of condolence at Schoening Funeral Service for the Elvins family.

• Date : 2025-03-19
• Location : Kamloops