The community of Harden Murrumburrah was saddened to learn of the loss of one of its greatest characters on the weekend. Ian Andrew Clarke-Bruce passed away on Saturday, June 8, when he lost his battle with cancer.
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'Brucey' was born on May 13,1945, the youngest of three boys.
"Golf and travel were a huge part of Dad's life." daughter Jodie Johnson said.
"He worked for the Electricity Commission until he retired, and then he travelled to Queensland, the Northern Territory and Magnetic Island, as well as within NSW."
Ms Johnson said she visited her father at Walgett, where he was working at the Walgett Golf Course.
"Dad took me on the back of the bike to show me around the area; there were emus everywhere." Ms Johnson said
"He was very passionate about his golf. He even took me to the 'Pub in the Scrub', which was made completely of wood, and was set on a 9-hole golf course, but you had to be careful when playing, because some of the holes were actually mine shafts."
Mr Clarke-Bruce was well known for his pranks, often at the expense of his family and friends.
"Dad knew that Barney Heywood hated snakes, so he used to bring them into the club in his esky to get a reaction from Barney." Ms Johnson said.
"I don't think Barney was too impressed, but Dad thought it was hilarious."
Ms Johnson said that her father showed a gruff exterior, but that underneath, he was a big softie.
"When we told Dad that he was going to become a great-grandfather for the first time, he couldn't speak for two hours, because he was crying too much." Ms Johnson said.
Mr Clarke-Bruce is survived by his daughter Jodie, son Andrew, his partner Niki, granddaughters Emily, Kirsty, Britinny, Coady, Jasmine, Ruby, grandson Joel and great-granddaughter Halle May.
Rest in peace, Brucey, you will be missed by your family and many friends.