Bruce McWhirter

My dad was the Assistant Chief Training Officer for the Oakville Fire Department. Bruce Ronald McWhirter. He battled Lymphoma cancer for 25 years. He was a great man. He was extremely proud of me, my husband John and our two children Austin and Emily. As a child, I loved watching my dad play hockey and baseball. He also loved to watch me play baseball and when I would sing. I was able to sing The Wind Beneath My Wings before he passed. He heard me and whispered “very nice dear”.  I was so blessed to have such a wonderful loving dad. I will miss him forever but am thankful to have such amazing memories of my dad. 

My grandfather was my whole world. He was not only a grandfather but my best friend. He was the first person I would run to when I had news, life updates or just to chat. He was such a dedicated and hardworking man. He put everyone else before himself and made sure you were taken care of. I think that’s why he made such a fantastic firefighter. I’ve never met such a force and strong willed person. He put his all into being an Oakville fire fighter as well as travelling to Antigua to teach the first fire crew there. He definitely would’ve kept going if he was able to. I am so insanely proud of his accomplishments and dedication. I share his story to everyone who will listen and continue to do so until my last breath. I remember being a little girl and being at the fire hall with him and touring the fire trucks and the hall. I will never forget him and his impact on not just my world but everyone else’s too. 

Thank you to the fallen and active fire crews, you have no idea how big of an impact you have on everyone.