Compiled by Lorna Savage
(photo credit to Werner Reitboeck)
I have contacted a few of the "earlier" handlers to write some memories of Bruce Smart who was a long time member and handler with the Ontario Border Collie Club. Rest in peace Bruce, I hope you are enjoying these from where you are, maybe reunited with your dogs.
Lorna Savage
I first met Bruce in 1992 when I first started trialling. We became friends there after and spent time sitting and talking together. I remember him beating me out for an Aran sweater at Jen Tidman's, his Dyna and my Spur, in pronovice. I really wanted that sweater. A summer at Werner's trial, Navall Farm, was so hot and both of us had basic tent trailers, no shower. We threw a rope over the top of Bruce's and backed my Ford Ranger up and tarped it completely, hung a sun shower on the rope and each guarded while we took turns having a shower. Bruce was always happy to answer questions and explain what goes on at trials to spectators. I will always remember him sitting outside his trailer, comfortable with a good book and glass of wine when he was done running.
Fiona Robertson
I met him at Lennoxville SDT as a spectator. He was all class. He explained the course to me and was very patient with my questions. Back when Lennoxville was on North Road.
Dick and Cheryl Williams
We had the opportunity to know Bruce through trials in the northeast United States. Always a kind, quiet gentleman, he loved his dogs intensely. Our favorite trials however were in Florida. Our special memories included Bruce always ready to go home after the trial no matter the time of day. We always try to get him to stay with us, but he never would. He always said that it was no problem. He had his “jolt“ and his high caffeinated beverages to keep him awake he would drive all the way home. We couldn’t believe he did it! Our condolences to his family.
Mary Thompson
I will always remember Bruce as a "dapper" gentleman with a beautiful smile, twinkling eyes, and a great sense of humour. He contributed greatly to the sport of sheep dog herding.
Dave Young
I met Bruce in the novice class in 1990. We had many great laughs over the years. Common ground other than trialing was work. We both worked at different Universities. He was the registrar at Concordia and I was a cabinetmaker at Bishop's. Bruce's role as registrar was, during convocation, was to robe the honorable doctoral recipients. Over the 25 plus years as registrar Bruce probably met more famous people than we could imagine. He had several great dogs. Peg and Dolly are two that come to mind. A pure gentleman with a wonderful laugh. Rest in peace my friend.
Nathalie Labelle
I met Bruce in 1998 after I acquired my first border collie Jaz. I was looking for a person to teach me herding and Bruce took me under his wing. We had lots of great training sessions that always finished with Carol and him inviting me for Tea to talk about border Collies and herding training. We got together for training until he retired. He was my mentor and friend and I will always be grateful for sharing his passion with me.
Amanda Milliken
I met Bruce first at Evelyn Neuendorf‘s trial, at Munster. I don’t know why we turned up at the top at the same time. It seems impossible that he should’ve been working the pen because it really wasn’t his style. I was setting out. We began chattering, and had a warm friendship for a long time. His position as registrar at Concordia led him to meet an accomplished cousin of mine, Jane Stewart, Professor of Psychology. She was awarded the Order of Canada and during a celebration for her and her Order of Canada, at Concordia, Bruce learned that she was my cousin. He shook his head later and said “no wonder every time I met her, I had to check to see if my fly was open. Your cousin. I should have guessed.”
Jim Murphy
I remember at a trial at Cummington, Bruce driving in with his awning hanging loose. I asked him what happened to it . He casually replied," I hit a bridge". When I asked further about it, he said " there was a boat passing by which I was looking at and I hit the edge of the bridge." Oh, where was that I asked. He replied, again very casually," crossing over the St Lawrence River at the Thousand Island Bridge ". We later repaired the awning. Jim is currently running Bruce's Spice.
Cynthia and John Palmer
John and I met Bruce at Louise Tackaberrys 2003 trial. We had just moved back to Canada and saw the sheepdog trial down the road. We stood by the burn barrel and Bruce came and joined us and asked if we had any questions. He told us about the people, community and sheepdog trials. He was so welcoming and exceptionally pleasant. Always enjoyed his smile and stories.
Carol Guy
I met Bruce at Kingston SDT while volunteering in 1997. My first BC was just only a couple months old. I was introduced to him and his manner was so happy and kind. He took an interest in people and enjoyed conversing with everyone. He was an OBCC Trials Committee member with me along with others - for several years. There were a few controversies over that period but Bruce was always engaged and his contributions thoughtful and reasonable. I always enjoyed sitting next to him at trials and chatting about runs and having lots of laughs about one thing or another.
When he stopped trialing I sent him birthday greetings and tried to stay in touch. Bruce was a wonderful member of our sheepdog community and will be remembered quite fondly .