Ray Dela Bruno 1934-2007
This evening, some time before 1 am, Ray Bruno passed away after a year long battle with lung cancer. He was 73.
As he did every night, tonight Rod was at the hospital with his father, as was the rest of his family. Rather than someone staying, as his mother is also currently battling cancer, the family thought it best to try and go home and get some sleep. Rod was sitting in my kitchen when the hospital called him to tell him that Ray had passed.
The phone clutched in his hand, I held my best friend thinking of what he has done for me over the last year with regards to everything that I have been through. That while he was there for me, he too had seen the end of a relationship and also endured his father’s struggle.
If Rod was blessed to have such a father, I am blessed to be able to call him my best friend. And in saying that, there is a reflection of Ray in Rod that makes him the man that he is, one that is wonderful.
For those of you that did not know, Ray Bruno was once the coach of the Canadian national football team, and during his lifetime was offered the head coaching position at ACF Fiorentina.
On behalf of everyone that contributes to the website, and my family, I want to extend my deepest sympathies to Betty, Rick, Rod, and Randy, and for them to know that they are in our thoughts today.
If you would like to leave Rod a message with your sentiments, you can do so here in the comments. Thanks.
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May 13th, 2007 at 2:17 am
My deepest sympathies Rod. There´s nothing I can say really, except I wish you and all your family well and you are all in my thoughts.
May 13th, 2007 at 3:24 am
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family Rod. So sorry for your loss.
May 13th, 2007 at 3:40 am
Rod,
My most heartfelt condolences. I know how tough this has been for you. You know I’ll always be here for you and I promise you that will never, ever, change, for as long as we’re alive. I love you dearly and will do anything for you, and you know how to reach me if you need me.
The stars are shining a little brighter this early morning. Ray, thank you for your life.
May 13th, 2007 at 5:02 am
Rod - my thoughts are with you and your family. Sincerest sympathies for your loss
May 13th, 2007 at 5:38 am
To Rod and his family,
My heartfelt condolences and sincerest sympathies on your loss.
A candle will be lit for you and your family.
May 13th, 2007 at 5:53 am
I am so sorry for your family’s loss Rod. My deepest sympathies.
May 13th, 2007 at 5:59 am
Rod,
I am holding you and your family close in thought.
I’m so sorry.
May 13th, 2007 at 6:05 am
Rod–
I know there is nothing I can say that would lessen the crushing heartbreak of losing a parent. I am so very sorry for your loss.
May 13th, 2007 at 6:13 am
Rod, all I can say is that I’m very sorry for your loss. I’ll be thinking of you and your family.
May 13th, 2007 at 6:46 am
Rod, I don’t have the pleasure to know you but given the fact that you’ve successfully led Matt through the hard time he’s been through in spite of what you were personally going through, that shows a great deal of heart and a magnificent soul. I cannot imagine what you must be going through right now. All I can do is wish you all the strength you and your family need and all my deepest sympathies.
May 13th, 2007 at 6:47 am
Rod, very sorry for you and your families loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
May 13th, 2007 at 6:55 am
Rod, my deepest sympathies to you and your family for your loss.
May 13th, 2007 at 7:10 am
Rod, my thoughts are with you and yours.
May 13th, 2007 at 7:18 am
Sorry for your loss Rod. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.
May 13th, 2007 at 7:48 am
Dearheart,
When you lose your dad, nothing can soothe you. It is a terrible pain and as I can see by 7:50am, so many people have wished you sincere messages. I do too. I am so sorry. Take care of yourself and your mom. Lots of love, from someone you don’t know, but still has sympathy nonetheless, sdk.
May 13th, 2007 at 7:56 am
Rod — my heart&sympathies for your loss. That you and Matt were there for each other through such hard times is a true, honest thing and no guilt should come from it. I can not imagine the loss of a parent.. take care.
May 13th, 2007 at 8:18 am
My condolences, Rod. Be with family, friends, and be with yourself. There is nothing more important.
And don’t try and get away with anything you wouldn’t have done while under his watch- cause now he’s got an eye on you big time : )
Love and silence,
~Dale
May 13th, 2007 at 8:27 am
Rod…my heart goes out to you and your family. What a terrible loss. I truly understand your pain - I lost my Mom to inoperable brain cancer one month ago tomorrow. She was 71. (Today’s a tough one)
I spent the night before she passed holding her hand in the dark. But, I too, had gone home at 4 am to catch some sleep and was not there. I’d spent every single day there but was on the phone with someone I really can’t stand and who treats me like crap when my Mom died. Although the hospice tried desperately to reach me, I was too late. That’s a rough one but I’m trying not to beat myself up too much for it. I guess it was just meant to be that way. For you too.
My father is also battling cancer and is currently scheduled for surgery next month for a bulging aneurysm. Why am I telling you all my stuff when this is to support you?….because I really can understand your pain. And I’m feeling this with you, I truly am.
Hopefully in life our parents are two of our best friends - mine have been. Losing them is like losing a piece of ourselves…they hold the key to all of our stories and memories that others flit in and out of.
My deepest heartfelt sympathy goes out to you and your family Rod. I’m sure your father was an amazing man. As you seem to be.
Take care of yourself.
May 13th, 2007 at 8:29 am
You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Take care, Rod.
May 13th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Rod;
As I said in my last message to you, after my mom passed from the that awful goddamn disease, I felt guilty of feeling a little relieved. Relieved they weren’t going through the physical and mental pain of the treatments, utter suffering and sometimes guilt. I know she is in a better place, and I can look back and really see how great the past was with her.
I hope you, your friends and family find some peace. Be there for each other, that’s what they are for.
Again, My condolences. It is sad to hear your news.
Rob
May 13th, 2007 at 8:39 am
Rod,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that you’re in all of our thoughts and prayers.
May 13th, 2007 at 9:15 am
Rod, my heart and my thoughts are with you and your family.
May 13th, 2007 at 9:18 am
Rod I am so sorry. If there is anything that I can do give me a call. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
May 13th, 2007 at 9:23 am
Thoughts are with you Rod.
May 13th, 2007 at 10:04 am
My thought are with you too Rod, and your family. Take care of eachother.. I’m so sorry for your loss.
May 13th, 2007 at 10:44 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time. My Deepest Sympathies.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:18 am
My sympathies. Please take care.
May 13th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Sorry for the loss Rod. He will always be with you. Take care.
May 13th, 2007 at 2:14 pm
I’m really, really sorry your dad died, Rod. If he made you into the man, and the friend, you are today, then he’s left a legacy worth being proud of. Take care, and I hope your mom gets better and your family heals.
May 13th, 2007 at 2:22 pm
Prayers for you and your family, Rod.
May 13th, 2007 at 4:00 pm
Rod, you and your family have my sympathies and thoughts during this time. Take care, Rod.
May 13th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
my condolences Rod.
May 13th, 2007 at 5:21 pm
*hugs*
May 13th, 2007 at 6:37 pm
Rod,
I could never imagine how it must feel to lose a parent. Just thinking of how you must feel right now has me in tears. You have a wonderful disposition & you can know your father left us knowing what an amazing son he had been blessed with.
May 13th, 2007 at 6:47 pm
We’re all here for you, Rod. Best wishes during this time.
May 13th, 2007 at 6:57 pm
Rod;
I am sorry to hear of your loss… I agree with what Matt said about you being a reflection of your dad’s love and nurturing…
May you find some peace in this most trying of times…
R
May 13th, 2007 at 8:02 pm
Rod-
keep in mind you’ve got so much support during this hard time. I cannot imagine what you are going through, and I hope all is well in the meantime. I’m sorry to hear of your loss. peace to you.
Steff
May 13th, 2007 at 8:33 pm
Rod,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Take care.
May 13th, 2007 at 8:36 pm
Rod,
You and yours have my deepest condolances and will all be in my thoughts and prayers tonight.
May 13th, 2007 at 8:42 pm
My thoughts & prayers are with you & your family Rod.
May 13th, 2007 at 9:44 pm
Rod, So sorry for your loss, thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
May 13th, 2007 at 9:52 pm
My condolences, and best wishes for you and your family.
May 13th, 2007 at 10:07 pm
I’m so very sorry for the loss of your father. I wish you and your family strength to get through this difficult time.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:09 pm
I am happy that your father lived a long life, and was able to be part of yours.
May 13th, 2007 at 11:35 pm
consoling the consoler…
Rod, a stranger wishes you well.
He feels sad imagining your loss,
and will treasure more what wealth he still has.
Here’s to a better tomorrow,
to save us from today.
May 14th, 2007 at 2:46 am
A little under two years ago my father passed away at the same age. The circumstances were different for Rod but I’m sure it was just as devastating. I hope his passing was as painless as possible, and took place with his full knowledge of how many will miss him. We can ask for little more on our deathbeds.
Best wishes to you and your family, Rod.
May 14th, 2007 at 6:22 am
Cancer is a disease that I hope we find a cure for someday. Sadly, every family is somehow affected by it. I’ve lost two grandmothers to Cancer and luckily, my grandfather who is 94 beat it two years ago and is alive and well today. I am so thankful for that.
Unfortunately, my grandmothers werent so lucky. I’ll never forget the last time I saw the grandmother on my dad’s side of the family. She was in the hospital bed, helpless, knowing that she’d left her house,family, her life for good. At the time I was 13 and didnt realize what was going on. I was just finishing up a visit with her in the hospital when my dad,tears streaming down his face, told my sister and I to go give her one last hug goodbye because we werent going to see her again. Although it was 15 years ago now, that moment has been forever instilled in my memory and my heart. Every time Im given or give a hug I remember that moment like it was yesterday and embrace the person and the moment that I am having with the individual as if it were the last I will share with them.
Rod, my condolences to you and your family. Your mother and father will be in my prayers. You are lucky to have a great person like Matt there to support you during this time.
May 14th, 2007 at 7:11 am
My condolences and deepest sympathies.
May 14th, 2007 at 7:40 am
Rod, my sincerest condolences and sympathies. If you are as amazing as Matt says you are and you learnt what you know from your dad, then he will truly be missed by those around him.
My sympathies and prayers go out to you, your friends and family.
May 14th, 2007 at 8:49 am
Dear Rod….
remember that when he left his material body…he did leave in Peace….and with a Heart full of Love for you and your Family.
His Spiritual body will forever be with you and his loving arms will forever be wrapped around you….Trust me, cause I know.
May 14th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
Rod - You and your family continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. I’m sorry for your loss. I pray that you will find peace and comfort in knowing that your father is now in a better place: a place where cancer can no longer reach him.
God bless,
~J·
May 14th, 2007 at 12:36 pm
Sending love. I’m sure he was very proud of the man you are. I’m so very sorry.
May 14th, 2007 at 7:45 pm
Dear Rod -
I do not know you, and I have no words of comfort. You have my sincerest sympathy. I know quotes are the last thing you probably want to hear, but these have always struck me:
“A brief candle; both ends burning
An endless mile; a bus wheel turning
A friend to share the lonesome times
A handshake and a sip of wine
So say it loud and let it ring
We are all a part of everything
The future, present and the past
Fly on proud bird
You’re free at last.”
~ Charlie Daniels
“For death is no more than a turning of us over from time to eternity.”
~ William Penn
May 14th, 2007 at 8:17 pm
Sweetie, if there’s anything I can do to make you smile you can call me anytime, I’m hugging and kissing you right now…
May 16th, 2007 at 5:43 am
I’m so sorry Rod. Me and Finny are sending our love to you across the ocean.
June 1st, 2007 at 2:33 pm
Rod:
I hope you received my email with my deepset sympathies.
I knew Ray Bruno as a fair and tolerant man.
I knew Ray Bruno as a intelligent and well versed man.
I knew Ray Bruno as a sports fan.
I knew Ray Bruno as an encouraging father.
I knew Ray Bruno as a friendly, amiable man.
I had coffee with Ray Bruno.
I knew Ray Bruno.
Peace.
John Berringer