MABIN, Bruce

Bruce Charles Mabin December 10, 1952 – November 29, 2024 Born December 10, 1952 in Edinburgh, Scotland. Passed away November 29, 2024 in Creston BC at the age of 71, after a short battle with Occupational Cancer. Bruce grew up in Lethbridge Alberta after coming to Canada with his parents and his younger brother at the early age of four from Edinburgh, Scotland. He attended school throughout the Lethbridge area, where he made many lifelong friends. Bruce had various jobs throughout his life and always gave 100% at everything he did whether he was selling jeans, selling light fixtures, or making French Fries at the local McCain plant. Bruce then started with the city of Lethbridge as a draftsman until 1977 when he moved into the Fire Department. This is where he found his true calling and began his life of service. When not on shift with the FD he built houses for himself and others in and around the Lethbridge area with many stories and escapades to tell. He even landed a headline story of the local newspaper. Bruce remained with the City of Lethbridge Fire Department, as a Fire Prevention Officer rank of Captain for 23 years. In 2000 Bruce made the move to beautiful British Columbia and the Creston Valley where he took the position of Fire Chief for Creston Fire Rescue until his retirement in 2012. He was instrumental in bringing the NFPA 1001 Standard of training to the department and saw the majority of the Creston membership obtain Level II certification. He was also very proud to gain the Chief Fire Officer designation from the Canadian Fire Chief’s Association (CFAC). During his time as Fire Chief, Bruce also contributed much time to the Fire Chief’s Association of British Columbia (FCABC), acting as the Education Director and later as part of the Executive for Zone 4, Bruce cherished this time, again making many lifelong friends who he considered family. As much as Bruce was proud of his service, he was even prouder to be a father, brother and Grandfather. He felt so blessed to have his two sons Gabe & Duncan and he loved them so! His heart grew even bigger when Verna came into Gabe ‘s life, giving him the first daughter he never had. Bruce was also a loving big brother to Dave and Jennifer. He loved to tell stories of them growing up, family camping, fishing trips and trying to finish those mince and tatties before they got cold. (a Scottish thing) When the southern Alberta wind finally blew Bruce to Creston this is where he found his true love Laura and acquired an even bigger family than he ever imagined having. Gaining a step- daughter, 2 step-sons, a Mum and nine more brothers and sisters. In 2001, his first grandchild Shylo was born, which started a new generation of joy. Soon after, Joel, Jacob, Madelyn, Ty, Raemie, Ryan, Kaleb, Ryker, Andrew, Greysen, Bentley, Auryn, Jayden, Quentin, Khloe and Elliott arrived in order to fill his heart and soul. He loved to brag about each and everyone. When not spending time with his family, one of Bruce’s passions was cycling, whether on his mountain bike or on the trails in the snow with his fat-tire bike. He said it was good for his mind and body. Bruce also had a passion for Toyotas, specifically Land Cruisers and found a whole community that shared the same. He built and rebuilt his 1971 FJ40 over a 10-year period, and love to show it off. He loved all animals specially his dogs, Fergus and Barney. They spent most days together teaching Bruce patience and probably making him a little deaf. He will be forever missed by his love Laura Dodman. His kids and their families, Gabe & Verna Mabin of Lethbridge. Duncan & Jamie Mabin of Calgary. Step-daughter Nicole & Teddy Nickason of Castlegar, Step-sons Sam Armitage of Archerwill and Dustin Armitage of Regina. His Brother Dave & Yvonne Mabin of Yahk, Sister Jennifer & Trevor Todd of Harrison Hot Springs. His Mum in-law Margaret Acton, Brother in-law(s) Robert Dodman (Jeanine), Mike Dodman (Wendy), Rick Dodman (Lora-Lee) & Rick Schmidt. Sister in-law(s) Cathy Prins (Jon), Shelley Lindsay (Don), Kim Bruckshaw (Andrew), Rachel Dodman and Susan Dodman. Numerous Nieces & Nephews & Cousins and the Brotherhood & Sisterhood of the Fire Service. Bruce was a good friend, genuine and caring to so many more and will not be forgotten. Now at peace, Bruce is together again with his parents, George and Jamesina Mabin of Lethbridge. His sister-in-law, Brenda Schmidt of Creston and his brother-in-law Barry Dodman of Brooks. Celebration of Life Service Monday December 16, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. Creston & District Community Complex Creston Room, 312 19th Ave N. Creston, BC Friends wishing to make a Memorial Contributions may do so to the ALS Society of Canada 180 Bloor St. West, Suite 500, Toronto, ON M5S 2V6. Condolences for the family may be offered at www.crestonvalleyfuneralservices.ca Funeral Arrangements entrusted to Creston Valley Funeral Services. Service will be livestreamed at https://vimeo.com/event/4768257