Photo Celia Hunter.
Bruce Lepper in his studio at home.
Last week, Millbrook lost a well-respected international artist.
Bruce Lepper was a world-renowned bird carver best known abroad for his wildfowl and songbird carvings and locally for his efforts to promote and protect the beauty and heritage of our community
After a successful career in graphic design in Toronto, Bruce stumbled upon bird carving at the One of a Kind Toronto show in 1985 and never looked back. Two years later, he was already competing in local shows and went on to earn many top awards for his creations in Canada, the US and the world, receiving the top prize in the worldwide competition for wildfowl wood carving in 2010. He became one of the nation’s most distinguished carvers best known for his wildfowl, songbird and raptor carvings.
Carving may be a solitary endeavour, but Bruce loved to share his gifts by teaching and judging in competitions and festivals that took him across North America. He embraced these opportunities to meet new people and offer feedback to novice carvers, something that had been so helpful to him in his early projects.
Photo Celia Hunter.
Bruce Lepper’s miniatures.
Bruce Lepper also shared his talents with the local community, contributing to a variety of local committees. Two weeks ago, he attended the Millbrook and Cavan Historical Society’s Annual General Meeting, where he had been a member for many years.
The organization’s President, Celia Hunter explains Bruce’s connection with the community through this organization, noting that at the AGM he “took an active part as always, although he declined with good humour the invitation to continue in his role as Heritage Committee liaison on our Board of Directors. Over several terms, he advised us and encouraged us, and was always willing to lend a hand. Together with his wife Lyn, he helped us out with all our special events including Blocks and Blooms.”
Hunter describes Lepper as an extraordinary gentleman, immensely talented and completely personable who knew how to put people at ease. Recognized as one of the premier songbird and wildfowl wood carvers in the world, he also championed this community, giving generously of his time to enhance and promote the beauty and the heritage assets that characterize Millbrook and the surrounding area. She remembers his big smile and a twinkle in his eye, saying “He cared, very much. We will miss him and value his memory. It was an honour to know him.” KG
