THURSTON, R. Bruce

THURSTON It is with great sorrow that the Thurston family announces the passing of R. BRUCE THURSTON, a devoted husband, loving father, and principled leader whose life was guided by integrity, community, a deep belief in education, and a commitment to leaving every person and place better than he found them.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Wendy; his daughters, Kasha (Koji) and Brynne (Tyson); and his siblings, Ron and Linda. He was predeceased by his parents, Ed and May Thurston, and his sibling, Pat. Bruce’s memory will also be held close by a wide circle of colleagues and friends whose lives he touched.
Through decades of consulting, including his leadership of Management Resource Services, Bruce championed small businesses, sharing his expertise, mentoring leaders, and supporting organizations through periods of change. He also shared his knowledge as a long-serving faculty member in the Dhillon School of Business at the University of Lethbridge.
Bruce was guided by unwavering values in everything he pursued. He approached both life and work as opportunities to learn, evolve, and contribute. A passionate advocate for lifelong learning, he earned numerous accolades and academic achievements throughout his career. As a CPA, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award, and most recently, the Legacy Award from the Lethbridge Chamber of Commerce, honouring his impact on the business community.
Growing up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Bruce found immense happiness in the outdoors and in the simple joys of life. He loved being in nature and cycling, skiing, camping, and walking. He cherished reading, coffee with friends, and staying up-to-date on the latest in technology and news. These activities reflected his spirit: grounded, curious, and engaged with the world around him.
Bruce embodied the belief that meaningful lives are built through connection, service, and the courage to reinvent oneself. His legacy lives on through his family, his colleagues, mentees, and the values he lived by every day.
R. Bruce Thurston, of Lethbridge, passed away peacefully at St. Michael’s Health Centre – Palliative Care Unit, with family by his side, on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at the age of 70 years.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the Chinook Regional Hospital, the Jack Ady Cancer Centre, and St. Michael’s Palliative Care Unit for their exceptional compassion.
Friends, colleagues, and peers are invited to celebrate Bruce’s life at the LETHBRIDGE TRADE & CONVENTION CENTRE, 101 Exhibition Way South, Lethbridge, AB, on Saturday, January 10, 2026 at 1:00 P.M.
In honour of Bruce’s advocacy for heart health and local community access to cardiac care, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bringing Hearts Home Cardiac Campaign (Cardiac Sciences Capital Campaign), c/o Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation: https://crhfoundation.ca/cardiaccare/
“Let’s keep building a community where businesses grow people – and people grow businesses.”
To send a condolence, please visit www.cornerstonefuneralhome.com