R.A. Bruce
McDonald
It is with heartfelt sadness we announce the peaceful passing of R.A.
Bruce McDonald in Vancouver on the morning of March 4, 2013.
Born June 30, 1939 to Theresa and F.J. Bruce McDonald, Bruce grew up
with his brother, Ian, and sister, Debbie.
After gaining an education in Toronto, Bruce set out on his own seeking
the knowledge needed to achieve his laudable career aspirations. He first worked on the floor of the Toronto
Stock Exchange in the late 1950’s. Since
that time Bruce lived and worked in Geneva, London, Rome, Bermuda, and New York
where he worked at the NYSE. At various
times, Bruce owned and acted as a principal of three brokerage firms, all
members of the Toronto Stock Exchange.
Bruce moved to Vancouver in the late 1970’s and commenced merchant
banking operations through Noramco Capital Corporation’s predecessor. A prominent force in the Vancouver resource
sector, Bruce founded Golden Knight Resources Inc. in 1982, and was primarily
responsible for its discovery of the Casa Berardi Gold Mine. Bruce founded and chaired Noramco Mining
Corporation, a Vancouver-based public mining finance company. Further, Bruce contributed to the development
of several substantial oil and gas companies in Canada and the United States.
Throughout his enterprising 40 year career, Bruce raised considerable
financings to assist in the development and expansion of established and
emerging companies in a variety of industries including telecommunications,
retail, service, and oil and gas, with an emphasis on the mining sector.
Bruce married Willie McDonald on March 24, 1984 with whom he raised
their two children, Morgan and Ian McDonald.
Bruce relished a good read, colourful conversation, and time spent with
friends and family. Together, the family
enjoyed his passions for travelling, yachting, and thoroughbred racing.
After a life thoroughly lived with beloved family and friends, Bruce
passed away peacefully at the age of 73.
He is predeceased by his parents and brother, Dr. Ian McDonald, and is
survived by his loving wife, Willie, his children Mark, Morgan, and Ian
McDonald, as well as his dear sister, Debbie (King) and nephew Christopher.
