Bruce PETRY Obituary

Late 2020 and a phone call from friend Ron and during our chat I was advised and very saddened indeed to learn Bruce had passed away in 2016 under very tragic circumstances. Bruce and Andrew took on the wonderful space Studio ARTek, 70 New North Rd, Eden Terrace, 1988. The building was originally the RSPCA.

Artworks remained with them and over time were cared and loved by them both. Recently March 2021, Andrew contacted me regards the paintings provenance and conservation. My most grateful and appreciative thanks Andrew for works retained in a safe and loving environment for over 30 yrs. You have my deepest empathy and sympathy for the passing of Bruce. Thank you for everything you have done and continue to do with creative endeavour. Take care Love from Diana (Lee-Gobbitt) Windsor NSW.

As one of Bruce's many Australian colleagues, I am so sad to hear that he has left this world, and so unexpectedly too. I had hoped for more chances to meet, talk about heritage and its importance in everyone's livesand well-being. Vale Bruce and thank you for everything you contributed and shared. Condolences to all those close to Bruce, such a loss.

All my thoughts with my dear friend Adam and also of course to Andrew. Will always remember you two as the guys living in the super stylish building up New North Road and for Bruce trailing a path for historic builings in NZ. Giles xx

Dear Bruce,
I hade the pleasure of meeting you almost a decade ago - as a wonderful teacher and educator at Unitec. I had the unforgettable experience of joining you for the Gummer & Ford tour many years ago.You have instilled in me a profound appreciation and reverence for the past. Your amazing passion for heritage and conservation would continue to live on. your warmth, compassion, and dedication towards your students and friends would be greatly missed. My deep condolences to Andrew, and family. RIP Bruce.

I only knew Bruce for a short time and was shocked to hear of his passing. He was clearly a passionate and focused man who spoke his mind when he needed to. That approach to his work I found most refreshing. I enjoyed our brief working time together. Bruce's passing is another example of how fleeting life can be. RIP Bruce.

Dear Bruce, thank you very much for being an amazing friend and for sharing your passion of art and the Heritage Preservation talks with me, I really enjoyed being with you. You are always kind, generous, compassionate and you always cared so much and loved your friends. I miss so much your presence, great sense of humor and your kind smile. Precious memories of you will forever remain in our hearts, we will never forget you. Peace be with you, Bruce.
Andrew and Bruce's brother and Family - please accept my heartfelt condolences.

I am pleased to have known Bruce since we were both at secondary school - Bruce at Rongotai and I was at Wellington Girls'. That friendship continued and Bruce was my first ever flat mate.
Together, we learned some of life's important lessons:
- it is possible to eat too much lasagne
- never paint all the walls of your kitchen fire engine red
- "reclaiming" wood from old building sites can be hazardous
- staying up late and working all hours can be both stimulating and addictive
- love is precious and sometimes complicated
- belly laughs and enjoying life with good friends is a treasure that lasts forever!
Thank you Bruce for being part of my life. I will always remember your passion, your creativity and your genuine warmth and kindness. They are fabulous gifts you shared with us all.

As we all come to terms with what we have lost, I look to those things that we can hold on to such as Bruce's warm smile, infectious laugh, passion, and the joy he brought to every day. These wonderful, perfect, and beautiful memories live on and are ours to keep forever. Thank you Bruce for being generous in spirit and so loving in friendship. You are greatly missed.

Dear Bruce - you were a wonderful friend! We will miss you very much. Thank you for all the memories we will always treasure.
To Andrew - our hearts are with you at this time. You are such a great guy and yours and Bruce's love has been such an inspiration to so many people. We are here for you - with all our love.
To Ian - our thoughts are with you at the loss of such a great brother. Our love to you and Lenny!
from Rex and Johnny