In the early morning hours of Wednesday, October 16, 2013, Bruce Emanual Rabuck passed away at home with his family by his side. Bruce was born on October 3, 1932 in Coon Rapids, Iowa to Earl and Lena Rabuck.
Bruce graduated from high school in 1950 and went on to receive his Bachelor of Science degree at York College in York, Nebraska. He was accepted to medical school at the University of Iowa. Bruce was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant in his 3rd year of medical school and then Commissioned 1st Lieutenant in his 4th year of Medical School. He was Commissioned Captain upon graduation and continued his internship at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.
Bruce spent the next 4 years in the US Army Medical Core. After completing his obligation to the US Army, Bruce set up a medical practice in St. Marie’s, Idaho. After several years practicing medicine in Idaho, he joined the Associate Clinic in Cranbrook, BC.
Bruce was an active member of the Cranbrook Alliance Church as a Sunday school teacher, an elder, director of Christian Education, head of Missions Committee and Christian counselling. He counselled at the church for several years while still practicing medicine at the clinic. During this time, Bruce joined with two other school teachers and the Sr. Pastor to teach lay people to counsel - this course was accredited by Regina Bible College.
Since retiring, Bruce has concentrated on golfing and travelling to see family. He was diagnosed with Lymphoma in January of 2013.
Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 45 years, Donna Rabuck, daughters Barbara (Chris) Moggey; Linda (Jack) Chisholm, Laurie (Ted) Gelech, son Eric (Jackie) Dye and daughters-in-law Julia Rabuck and Rhonda (Mike) Rabuck-Giesbrecht. He is also survived by 22 loving grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren. Bruce has left a legacy for all his grandchildren by writing a book called “Life” to give to them. He is predeceased in death by two sons - Roger and Richard Rabuck.
A Celebration of Bruce’s Life will be held on Saturday, October 19, 2013 at the Cranbrook Alliance Church at 1:00 pm. Memorial donations may be made to Interior Health Authority, Community & Home Services, Palliative Care, 20 - 23rd Ave. S., Cranbrook, BC V1C 5V1. Condolences may be left for the family at www.markmemorial.com