Bruce Joseph Leperre

After a long struggle with Alzheimer’s, Bruce Leperre passed away, peacefully, and far too soon, on February 11, 2026 at the Ste. Rose Hospital, where he, also, was born.
Bruce leaves to mourn many friends and extended family, but especially, his Sister, Diantha, and his beloved pets, Samee, Mitts and Brawler.  He was predeceased by his grandparents, many aunts, uncles, and cousins and the most amazing and music-inspiring parents, Antone (Tony) and Anne-Marie (Marie).

Bruce loved life and connecting with people, particularly anything music related.  His passions of reading, photography, adventure, travel, music, and motorcycling, along with simply sharing his quirky sense of humour, filled with aardvark references and cat juggling suggestions,  consumed his busy days, pre-illness, and as much as possible after his shocking Alzheimer’s diagnosis when he was forced to leave jobs he loved.

Bruce grew up in Waterhen and attended high school in Ste. Rose.  He was a graduate of the National Institute of Broadcasting in Winnipeg, then worked at A&W and Princess Auto very briefly before landing his first radio job at CKLQ in Brandon, MB.  Shortly after, he moved closer to his roots and did a short stint at CKDM, then utilized his legendary music knowledge and ‘gift of gab’ to sell music at Dauphin Mall’s Top 40 store.  Throughout this entire time, he, also, played every pre-wedding social, wedding, anniversary, Boxing Day and NYE event throughout Manitoba.

Everyone knew Bruce Leperre, Class Sound, NoizeBoyz.  He returned to the local Dauphin radio station where he spent many hours crafting his No Fences show, making jokes on the Bargain Bin and interviewing and promoting both local and national talent. He especially enjoyed his roles with both the Watson Art Centre and Dauphin’s Countryfest, as well as writing reviews for the Winnipeg Free Press and articles for the Canadian country music publication.  He helped emcee at both Countryfest and Kelwood’s Harvest Sun, and was also a Polaris Music Judge.  Bruce was nominated and recognized, multiple times, with industry awards for radio personality of the year as well as his entry into the Manitoba Country Music Hall of Fame.  He deserved every award he won and many that he didn’t, but all that mattered  was that he loved every minute and it never felt like a job.  

When Bruce wasn’t working, or at a concert, he would spend time traveling on his motorcycle with annual trips to Sturgis.  He loved to ride for miles on end, nothing but the wind in his hair and sunburn all over his face!

The Leperre family were fortunate to spend every Christmas, of Bruce’s entire life, together.  Those years and holidays are fond memories of too much food, overflowing presents, lots of movie watching, chats at the kitchen table, playful teasing, repetitive movie quotes and endless laughter.  Our Mom and Dad loved having us home and Bruce’s presence always lit up our Mom’s heart as she loved to hear every detail about what was happening in both of our lives.

Any opportunity to go fishing, with Dad, was always enjoyed, of course, after growing up at Leperre’s Waterhen Tourist Camp, where Bruce perfected the art of filling gas cans for the many valued friends, earned throughout the years.  Early jobs included guiding hopeful fisher ‘people’ as well as cutting the camp grass for hours on end.  Bruce loved making new connections with the camp customers, especially all the young American girls with the cute accents.  He kept in contact with many of them throughout the years as he loved writing and excelled at crafting a beautifully expressive and visually pleasing letter, since his penmanship was a work of art in itself.

Bruce was rarely idle as there was always new music to listen and share, and share he did, with anyone and everyone who would listen.  He never said no to going somewhere / anywhere!  His face would light up and he would get very animated and excited whenever he heard a new band or was able to share how good a new band or artist either was or would be.  He made pilgrimages to Minneapolis to see and hear any musician he could.  His ear for talent was a special gift and he was rarely wrong.  He was a talented force who loved music and life and although his flame was extinguished far too soon, the love of music and the memories, of his brief time on earth,  will continue to live on.  Cheers to the music and laughter never stopping!  Bruce,  you are forever loved and will be eternally missed. 

Should friends so desire, donations in memory of Bruce may be made to the Parkland Humane Society Box 805, Dauphin, MB R7N 3B3.

A Celebration of Life Service for Bruce Leperre was held as a Happy Hour Celebration of Life at the Watson Art Centre on Friday, June 19th, in collaboration with Open Mic night starting at 5:00pm, in Dauphin, MB

A Graveside Service was held for Bruce on Saturday, June 20, 2026 at 11:00 am from the Ste. Amelie Cemetery in Ste. Amelie, MB. Following the service a reception will be held at the Ste. Amelie Hall, in Ste. Amelie, MB. Both are open to all of Bruce's family and friends.

 

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