Penticton lost a major supporter with the death of Bruce Schoenne over the weekend.
There is no single word that sums up Schoenne and his impact on the City of Penticton; businessman, entrepreneur, developer, community supporter, athlete, volunteer and more all apply.
Schoenne, 58, passed away June 23, after battling cancer for the last six months.
His son, Chris, said Bruce was surrounded by family when he died at Moog and Friends Hospice House.
“The most family that was there all day was there when he passed away. We were all right beside him,” said Chris. “It did go quick and he was never in any distress or pain. He didn’t suffer at all.”
Chris said his father was a dedicated family man.
“Very dedicated to my mom, they’ve been together for almost 40 years. But he was a great dad, we would go on family trips together … he was always around,” said Chris. “He was great to have around, great to be around.”
| Steve Brown and Bruce Schoenne in Penticton's downtown, when they were considering buying the Challenge Penticton licence. Steve Kidd/Western News |
“I think the community of Penticton has lost a great citizen. He cared deeply about Penticton. He wanted nothing but the best for it,” said Brown.
As an athlete, Brown said Schoenne kept himself “incredibly fit,” even participating in Brown’s Ultra 520k endurance triathlon a couple of times, along with completing multiple Ironmans and other events. But Schoenne wasn’t just a participant, he was also a big supporter of these events.
“He involved himself in community projects, like the Peach Classic Triathlon, the Challenge, all of those things,” said Brown. “It was all about the betterment of his community.”
As a developer, Schoenne also worked for positive change.
“He is a community builder and champion, both figuratively and literally,” said Mayor Andrew Jakubeit. “He also put his money where his mouth was, not just for his developments and helping to create change, but also volunteering on several city committees.
“It’s a great loss for our community. He was so well respected and regarded.”
Both Brown and Jakubeit expressed their shock at how quickly Schoenne was taken.
“The fact that Bruce was very healthy, active and passionate about our community and now taken so quickly; while in his prime, makes it very difficult to comprehend and accept. It is a very sad day and our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to the friends and family of the Schoenne family,” said Jakubeit.
Schoenne Homes, which he operated with his wife Lyn, has a long list of completed projects, many of them converting older homes into modern duplexes.
“He certainly revitalized a lot of places and a lot of neighbourhoods that were in transition. He pushed the envelope in terms of not just density, but the look and feel of some of his buildings,” said Jakubeit.
“Bruce made such an impact on our community and those that were lucky enough to know him. I will miss him.”
Chris said the family business will continue.
“It was always part of the plan for me to get involved. In January, when he was diagnosed, I kind of took over things and my mom is also heavily involved,” said Chris.
Bruce is survived by his wife Lyn, his son and daughter and two grandchildren, as well as his mother.
Steve Kidd
Senior reporter, Penticton Western News
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