Bruce Melanson, Second World War veteran

Colleen O’Marra writes:

I’ve just read the obit of a great Canadian and a local hero as well.
Bruce Melanson, World War II veteran ,honoured his fellow soldiers
with the planning and financing of the Juno Beach memorial in France.
Also very active at The Legion and of course proud to have served in
Remembrance Day ceremonies. A Queen’s Jubilee Medal was just one of
the awards received by this outstanding Canadian. ( Colleen M.
O’Marra)

[End of comment]

Below is an obituary for Bruce Melanson:

BRUCE MELANSON WWII Veteran

Passed away peacefully in his sleep, on October 15, 2013 at 6:45 p.m. Partner to Sonya Godina, father of Ann Vincent and Sue Cortese and her husband Rob, grandfather to Kerry-Lynn Vincent, Jocelyn, Alex and Kasey Bland, and loving uncle to many nieces and nephews. Bruce was an Alderman in Etobicoke for many years. He was instrumental in raising funds to build the Juno Beach War Memorial in France and had travelled there for the last few years on June 6th to honour the Veterans who died in the wars. In 2011 Bruce met the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge when they came to Canada that summer. He was awarded the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for his work at Juno Beach. For many years he was involved in helping seniors in the community, and worked at the Legion to raise money for various causes. Bruce will be missed by many. Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 17 from 5-9 p.m. at Bernardo Funeral Home, Albion Chapel (855 Albion Rd., 1 light east of Islington Ave.). A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Holy Angels’ Catholic Church (61 Jutland Rd.) on Friday, October 18, 2013 at 10 a.m. In memory of Bruce, donations to Autism Ontario – Toronto Chapter would be appreciated.