Bruno F Sutter, born June 12, 1952, passed away in Penticton, BC on September 6, 2020 after a year long, valiant battle with cancer.
Born, raised and educated in Switzerland, Bruno immigrated to Canada in 1974 with a Mechanical Drafting/Engineering Degree and continued this career in many places throughout BC. His adventures first started by working on a ranch and then logging in the Rock Creek area. However, the goal was to travel, so Bruno and his best friend Armin, set out on a journey, exploring Alaska, the Rockies, cross Canada to the eastern sea board, down the US coast, deep into Mexico then returning to Canada via the US west coast.
Settling in Penticton for a couple of years, Bruno then moved on to Kelowna to use his skills as an engineer. Some of his most notable accomplishments involved design/repairing major mining equipment and designing equipment for a local packing house. Bruno also designed and managed projects to construct ambulance bodies, 'crumbie buses' and major components for a heavy-duty trucking company. He was instrumental in designing and building wheelchair conversion vans with raised windows.
It was in Kelowna where Bruno met his partner Vicki, and they started their 33-year journey through life together.
They moved to Victoria in 1991, where Bruno spearheaded the design and building of ambulances and handy-dart buses. His reputation in this industry eventually lead to his move to the mainland in 2000 where he and Vicki resided in White Rock. As plant manager of a major manufacturing company, he successfully lead an autonomous bus division continuing to design and oversee the construction of handy-dart/shuttle buses for BC Transit/Translink until his retirement in 2014, at which time they moved to Penticton.
Throughout the years, Bruno's passion for travel took him and Vicki to many places. Wonderful vacations (precious memories!) were spent in many parts of Mexico, Europe and the South Pacific.
Another passion Bruno was known for was his love of the arts. An accomplished artist himself, he appreciated all forms of art and dabbled in many mediums including photography, pastels, oils, pencil, poster creations and collages.
If you knew Bruno, you knew he could fix just about anything, from appliances to clocks, plumbing to electronics... if he couldn't fix it, he'd take it apart, piece by piece to examine every part - just to figure out how it worked!
Bruno was very much a 'people person', enthusiastic in conversation about anything and everything. He was also caring and compassionate about all living creatures, he took great pleasure in watching and identifying birds and was known to rescue and nurture many and release back to nature. He'd capture bugs, just to study them...and then of course release them. His love of nature is depicted in many of his art pieces.
Bruno will be sorely missed by the love of his life, his soul mate, Vicki. He will also be loved and remembered by his siblings, many nieces and nephews (overseas), extended family and very dear friends.
The family would like to thank Dr. M. Lawrie and staff, as well palliative care nurses, Carrie and Rhonda for their care and compassion throughout this very difficult time.
As per Bruno's wishes, there will be no service. In lieu of flowers, Bruno would like you to enjoy your favourite bottle of wine with someone special, hold them close and cherish the moments you have... life is fragile.
To send condolences please visit www.grahamfuneralhome.ca
Simple Cremations by Graham Funeral Home