Obituary for Bruce Gregory Neighbor
Bruce Neighbor, 72, of Squamish, passed away peacefully at home with loved ones by his
side on October 12, 2022, after a difficult and courageous battle with Progressive
Supranuclear Palsy. Bruce faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and
courage.
Bruce was born in March 1950 to his wonderful and loving parents, Moneta and Tag
Neighbor. He grew up in several small towns in British Columbia as his father was a
Forest Ranger whose job required him to move often. As Bruce completed high school,
the family settled in Squamish.
Bruce and his first wife raised two children together, Kristine and Kelly. When Bruce
married Lois Sokolan in 1991, his family of three grew to six with the addition of Lois’
children, Christopher and Katie. Bruce loved being a father and "bonus" dad, as his step-
children lovingly called him, to all of his children. Bruce and Lois had an increasingly
loving partnership throughout the 30 years that they were happily married. They went on
cruises and many other traveling adventures through the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and
enjoyed camping locally in their motorhome. Bruce and Lois were truly the best of friends
and each other's greatest support.
For most of his life, Bruce worked long shifts at a good company that allowed him to
provide a comfortable life for his family. On top of the long shifts, Bruce commuted to
North Vancouver, oftentimes with his close friend Dean, when the company shut down its
Squamish operations. Due to Bruce’s strong work ethic and personal values, he never
called in sick to work and, when his kids got older, he worked Christmases to allow his
colleagues with young children to be home with their kids on Christmas morning.
Bruce was one of the kindest souls on this planet – he was a gentle, giving man who
worked tirelessly and was always there to ensure that his family had everything they
needed. He taught his kids and grandchildren the importance of family, hard work and
doing what is right – he was a true role model to be looked up to. Anyone who knew Bruce
knew that he was the most dedicated and loving son, husband, dad and grandpa that a
family could ever be so lucky as to have.
Bruce was predeceased by many beloved family members, including most recently his
beautiful wife, Lois. Bruce is survived by his daughter Kristine, son Kelly, step-son Chris,
step-daughter Kate (Jonathan), grandchildren Desiree, Jacob, Maria, Alexa and Megan,
his dog Luna, his brother Ted (Carolyn), his nephews, nieces by marriage, and many
cousins. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bruce’s family would like to thank Dr. Bohn, Dr. Bull, Nurse Jane, and all the wonderful
nurses, care aides, and staff at Hilltop House who cared so well for Bruce.
For those who wish to express sympathy, please consider making a donation in Bruce’s
name to Hilltop House Support Society:
https://www.hilltophousesupportsociety.org/donate
Bruce’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at
Squamish Funeral Chapel. For up-to-date information and to RSVP, please visit this link:
side on October 12, 2022, after a difficult and courageous battle with Progressive
Supranuclear Palsy. Bruce faced every challenge in life with admirable strength and
courage.
Bruce was born in March 1950 to his wonderful and loving parents, Moneta and Tag
Neighbor. He grew up in several small towns in British Columbia as his father was a
Forest Ranger whose job required him to move often. As Bruce completed high school,
the family settled in Squamish.
Bruce and his first wife raised two children together, Kristine and Kelly. When Bruce
married Lois Sokolan in 1991, his family of three grew to six with the addition of Lois’
children, Christopher and Katie. Bruce loved being a father and "bonus" dad, as his step-
children lovingly called him, to all of his children. Bruce and Lois had an increasingly
loving partnership throughout the 30 years that they were happily married. They went on
cruises and many other traveling adventures through the U.S., Canada, the U.K. and
enjoyed camping locally in their motorhome. Bruce and Lois were truly the best of friends
and each other's greatest support.
For most of his life, Bruce worked long shifts at a good company that allowed him to
provide a comfortable life for his family. On top of the long shifts, Bruce commuted to
North Vancouver, oftentimes with his close friend Dean, when the company shut down its
Squamish operations. Due to Bruce’s strong work ethic and personal values, he never
called in sick to work and, when his kids got older, he worked Christmases to allow his
colleagues with young children to be home with their kids on Christmas morning.
Bruce was one of the kindest souls on this planet – he was a gentle, giving man who
worked tirelessly and was always there to ensure that his family had everything they
needed. He taught his kids and grandchildren the importance of family, hard work and
doing what is right – he was a true role model to be looked up to. Anyone who knew Bruce
knew that he was the most dedicated and loving son, husband, dad and grandpa that a
family could ever be so lucky as to have.
Bruce was predeceased by many beloved family members, including most recently his
beautiful wife, Lois. Bruce is survived by his daughter Kristine, son Kelly, step-son Chris,
step-daughter Kate (Jonathan), grandchildren Desiree, Jacob, Maria, Alexa and Megan,
his dog Luna, his brother Ted (Carolyn), his nephews, nieces by marriage, and many
cousins. He is deeply missed by all who knew him.
Bruce’s family would like to thank Dr. Bohn, Dr. Bull, Nurse Jane, and all the wonderful
nurses, care aides, and staff at Hilltop House who cared so well for Bruce.
For those who wish to express sympathy, please consider making a donation in Bruce’s
name to Hilltop House Support Society:
https://www.hilltophousesupportsociety.org/donate
Bruce’s celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 3, 2022, at 1:00 p.m. at
Squamish Funeral Chapel. For up-to-date information and to RSVP, please visit this link: