Obituary of Bruce Latham

Latham, Bruce(Sr.) - Surrounded by his family Bruce Stuart Latham passed away peacefully on Sunday October 16, 2016 at the Saint John Regional Hospital. Born in Saint John on August 28, 1939 he was the son of the late Albert and Bertha (Donkin) Latham. He attended Saint John Vocational School and had been employed with Moosehead Breweries and E.S. Stephenson prior to entering the harness racing industry where he trained standardbreds in the Eastern United States and Canada. Then learned and worked in the carpentry trade before joining the Port of Saint John where he was the Business Agent for ILA 1764.Bruce was an avid hockey player. He played for Saint John Vocational School, Saint John Beavers, Irving Oilers, Saint John Mooseheads and Lancaster Mooseheads who won the maritime intermediate title in 1962 at Sydney, NS. After his competitive years he played gentleman’s hockey with the EPR Ponies and oldtimer’s hockey with the Saint John Loyalist and Saint John Mooseheads. Participating in several national tournaments and a world tournament in 1976 at Zurich, Switzerland. Bruce also had a passion for baseball and softball. He played baseball for St. Peter’s on their junior team and softball with the KBM Aces, Branch #69 Oldtimers and Carlton Branch #2 Old-timers. He enjoyed coaching hockey and baseball as much as playing. He coached eight years for the Lancaster Minor Hockey Association, ten years for Lancaster Little League, and three years with the Saint John Pepsi Junior Baseball Team. Four of the Little League Teams that Bruce coached participated in national tournaments including two in Victoria BC. Bruce also served as a member of the City of Saint John Leisure Services Advisory Board and received a Merit Award from the Province of New Brunswick for his commitment to Sports and Recreation. He strongly believed that sports and recreation play a vital role in the development of youth. In Bruce’s later years he enjoyed trips to New Hampshire where he visited with his daughter Lee and attend Patriots and Red Sox’s games with his son Bruce. He loved watching his granddaughter Hillary ride horses, play hockey and soccer with his wife Judy and was her biggest fan. First and foremost Bruce’s biggest love was for his family and pets. He was a member of St. Jude's Anglican Church. Bruce will be forever loved and remembered by wife and best friend of 49 years Judy (McAllister) of Saint John, NB; son Bruce (Monica) of Saint John, NB; daughter Lee (Sam Hatem) of Fremont, NH; and granddaughter Hillary Latham. Resting at Castle Funeral Home, 309 Lancaster Ave, Saint John, NB (506)634-1701. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, October 19, 2016 from 2:00 - 8:00 p.m. A Funeral Service will be held at Castle Funeral Home – Fallsview Chapel on Thursday, October 20, 2016 at 11:00 a.m., Rev. Canon David Barrett officiating. Interment will follow at Cedar Hill Extension Cemetery. There will be a reception following the interment at Castle Fallsview Reception Center. Donations in Bruce's memory can be made to SPCA Animal Rescue League.