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In memory of those who have Crossed the Bar
CAKE, David Bruce - It is with deep sadness that we, the family of D. Bruce Cake announces his passing at the age of 89 on January 20, 2026 at Northwood Manor in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
Bruce is survived by his daughter, Heather, as well as a sister, Marlene, and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his loving wife of 63 years, Anna, and his parents, Vera and William Cake.
Bruce was born in Toronto and grew up in various townships in Ontario, including Lemonville and Stouffville. He was a great academic and band student and gained the respect of many of his teachers, as was evident in the letters of recommendation which were found in his high school yearbook.
Bruce was a member of the Canadian Armed Forces (Navy) for over 30 years. In his capacity as Chief Clerk, he was an innovator and pioneer for getting word processing available on Navy ships. He served in Ontario, Halifax, Edmonton and Bermuda. After he retired from the Navy, Bruce worked at the Dartmouth Yacht Club for many years.
Bruce was a quiet man, but he was passionate about his interests. An early love of motorcycles was followed by enthusiasms for wood working, British cars and boats. He was a skilled craftsman, making beautiful furniture, toy train tables, and even a rocking horse for Heather's godson, William. For a period of time, Bruce owned a 46-foot motor-sailor yacht, and he was a member of the Dartmouth Club for over 25 years. He refurbished the boat over a period of eight years, then promptly sold, as he enjoyed the work on the boat more than the boat itself. His love of British cars led to the purchase of a 1988 Jaguar. Bruce and Anna were long-term members of the British Automobile Touring Association of Nova Scotia (BATANS), and the Jaguar Association of New England (JANE). Together they toured Nova Scotia and the New England states, often joined by their Siamese cat, Meggie.
Bruce's enthusiasms led to other adventures and purchases. Heather recalls travelling to Falmouth, Nova Scotia on Christmas Eve in a snowstorm to pick up Anna's Christmas gift of a purebred Old English Sheepdog. Another time, he brought home a baby grand piano in several boxes. It was no small feat getting it out of the house when it was finally finished. He also bought a very large church organ. He took organ lessons for a while but later traded it for a diesel engine for the boat.
Bruce was a kind and wise father. He rarely raised his voice, and when he did it was directed only at the many cats that were part of the household over the years. He always ensured that Heather had the most recent gadgets and understood her passion for collecting and for the musical group, ABBA. He bought tickets to attend an ABBA concert in Montreal as their North American tour did not include Nova Scotia. He built specialized bookcases to house her book collections and gifted her the first edition, proof copy of Sylvia Plath's "Ariel" from 1963 that will forever hold a very special place in Heather's heart.
He will be missed.
We would like to acknowledge the tremendous care that Bruce received from the exceptional staff at Northwood Manor (Halifax) and Haliburton Place (Windsor). Dad's last days were peaceful, and he was always kept comfortable. Thank you, as well to Dr. Jason Reynolds who was his family physician in the community and Drs. C. Smith and McGregor who were his long-term care physicians.
Reception to be held at the Atlantic Funeral Home in Middle Sackville on February 10, 2026, from 12-2.
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