Obituary of Bruce David Axelson

On December 24th, after a swift and courageous battle with cancer, we lost a wonderful father, grandfather, friend, and community leader. His passion was not for cars, it was for the car business.  Bruce loved working - actually loved it - and he worked until he could not.  He lived for his family, community, friends and employees….and of course making a buck!   Bruce was forever going through the dealership asking his staff how they and their families were, buying customers a coffee and making endless one liners to make everyone laugh.  His unending generosity to the community and province and his vision for growth will never be forgotten.

Bruce had two daughters with Lana Axelson; Andrea Axelson (Cam Bottrell) and Erica Morris (PJ Morris); four grandchildren whom he absolutely cherished Grace, Ben, Molly and Jack.  He spent his last several years with his loving partner Debbie Heintz.

Bruce was born on October 8, 1944, in Kinistino, SK and grew up in Prince Albert, SK.  At 14 he began sweeping floors at Anderson Motors, which was his first introduction to the Automotive Industry. After graduating high school, Bruce moved to Regina, SK to continue working at dealerships and it was not long before he was offered the role as Sales Manager at Mid West Motors.   In 1974, he had the opportunity to purchase his first car dealership, Cheyenne Chev-Olds, in Melfort, SK.  Bruce moved his family to Melfort where they settled down and remained until both girls had graduated high school and moved on to university. In 1992 he was able to purchase a second GM dealership - now known as Capital GMC Buick Cadillac, in Regina. Capital was the steppingstone to allow Bruce to pursue his dream of owning several automotive dealerships across Western Canada and the US. His family will carry his legacy forward.

Bruce is predeceased by his father Bror (Bob) Axelson and mother Inger (Hadland) Axelson. He will be missed by his sister Karen (Keith) Mowery and many close cousins, family members and friends.

Although Bruce was a very public figure, he was also a very private person.  As such, there will be no public service.  In lieu of flowers, consider a donation to your local Salvation Army.