Bruce Dudley Blankley
August 28, 2026
In Loving Memory
Bruce Dudley Blankley
It is with profound sadness, and immense gratitude for a life so well lived, that we announce the passing of Bruce Dudley Blankley at the age of 78.
Known affectionately as Pops, Brucie, Boo and Booman, Bruce was born and raised in Vernon, British Columbia. He loved his hometown deeply and spent his life helping make it a better place.
Bruce was part of the Blankley family business in Vernon, owning Watkin Motors alongside his father, Jack, and his brother, Budd. Bruce approached business and life with optimism, honesty, fairness, creativity and an ability to think outside the box.
His commitment to Vernon extended far beyond the family business. Bruce was a dedicated supporter of his community and was actively involved with organizations including Kalamalka Rotary, United Way and the North Okanagan Community Foundation. He gave generously, led quietly and never sought recognition for his contributions.
Above everything else, Bruce loved his family. Bruce will be deeply missed by his wife, Ruth Blankley; his son, Scott (Meg) Blankley; his daughter, Krista Blankley (Jeff); his grandchildren, Alex, Ella and Charlie Blankley, and Ainsley Nichols; his sister-in-law, Gail Blankley; his nephew, Ross (Barb) Blankley; and his niece, Jennifer Blankley. He was predeceased by his parents, Jack and Fern Blankley, and his brother, Donald “Budd” Blankley.
Bruce was a devoted Seattle Seahawks fan, which demonstrated both loyalty and an impressive tolerance for emotional uncertainty. He also loved salmon fishing off the west coast of Vancouver Island, golfing, hunting, travelling and cooking his famous deep-fried oysters every Boxing Day. Whether everyone actually needed deep-fried oysters after Christmas dinner was never up for discussion. They were tradition.
We will miss his laughter, his generous heart, his steady leadership, and of course, his plans. Bruce may no longer be here to organize the next step, but we are fairly certain he left us detailed instructions somewhere.
A celebration of Bruce’s life will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bruce’s memory to the Vernon Jubilee Hospital Foundation or the North Okanagan Community Foundation.
Arrangements entrusted to
Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services 250-558-0866
Condolences may be expressed to the family by phone or email through Cypress Funeral & Cremation Services:
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Comments: 15
Bruce and were life long best friends. Fond memories of all our fishing expeditions. I will forever miss him.
I have very fond memories of more than one ‘Happy Hour’ with Bruce and Ruth on my parents deck. Bruce was always full of cheer with his infectious smile, corny jokes (I swear he laughed at them more than we did!) and crazy stories. A kind, loving, generous and warm to the core human being.. We are all richer for knowing him. He is truly missed, but his memory will live for generations because of his selfless dedication to his family, his work and his charity,
We so enjoyed Bruce and our interactions with him over the years at his dealerships and the auction. Our hearts go out to the Blankley family, and we wish you all peace and comfort during this time. May he Rest in Peace
I want to send my deepest sympathy to you Ruth ♥️ Scott and Krista and family
Bruce was such a kind man. I’ll always remember the stories Hugh told me about their special friendship. I always enjoyed seeing and chatting with him at the office. I was so saddened to hear this😢 my deepest condolences condolences. Heather
Rest in Peace Bruce!!
A very sad loss of a true Vernon Icon.
We will forever hold fond memories of his leadership in the community, especially with Kal Rotary and the Dream Auction. His formula for success continues.
Our condolences to Ruth, Krista, Scott and families.
Bruce and Assunta Shepherd.
Rurh and Family, I am so saddened to hear of Bruce passing. He was a wonderful, wonferful, wonderful human being and I too will miss him dearly.
Dear Ruth…our thoughts are with you..so sorry for you and your family .I was lucky to know Bruce as a friend and a wonderful, thoughtful, generous human. We shared amazing times together fishing and playing
I am 80 now and have to remember to enjoy each day as it comes and to be thankful that I can
All our love Ray and Donna
Dear Ruth…our thoughts are with you..so sorry for you and your family .I was lucky to know Bruce as a friend and a wonderful, thoughtful, generous human. We shared amazing times together fishing and playing
I am 80 now and have to remember to enjoy each day as it comes and to be thankful that I can
All our love Ray and Donna
Brucie had a profound impact on me as a 17 year old rotary exchange student and for the next 40+ years. The. Blankleys are part of my family and my kids saw Bruce as a special and kind uncle. There was always advice, a corny joke and that wonderful chuckle. Thanks for sharing him
Ruth, Scott and Krista – he will truly be missed around the world and it is still hard to believe he is not with us.
Much love Kathryn, Ellen and Fergus Lelan from New Zealand xxxx
Bruce was a kind and gentle soul and will be missed dearly! Rest well friend
My Condolences to Ruth, Scott, Krista and the whole Blankley family. Bruce will be sorely missed and fondly remembered. Bruce always took the time to stop and say hi and ask how things were going and was always a pleasure to be around. He was generous and kind and a great man.
Mr Blankley was such a genuine man. Always happy to see you. I have many great memories and always loved hearing his stories. He was generous to my family and we were lucky to have spent many good times together over the years. Thoughts are with the Blankley family at this difficult time.
What a sad day for me to hear of Bruce’s passing! I went to school with Bruce, he was my friend and neighbor. His mom and dad and Bud were special to me and my family too!! I stopped in at Watkins a little while ago to say hi. Bruce wasn’t there but he called me. The conversation was, ” Bruce…this is Bruce and we caught up on stuff.” Man, I miss him and didn’t want to hear he that he’s gone. I grew up with him. So many memories!!
I met Bruce when we were in grade 7. My memory of him was that of his incredible sense of humour and his really big heart…so kind! Condolences to his family!