His heart was big. Today, we share the sad news of the passing of Bruce Johnson, a beloved RE/MAX Sales Associate from Wasaga Beach, Ontario, and ardent advocate for children’s health. During his 28-year career with REMAX, Bruce became widely known for his generosity, courage and commitment to making a difference. In April 2024, Bruce was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. True to his character, he faced this challenge with strength and determination, sharing his journey openly and inspiring others. Sadly, Bruce lost his battle this past weekend with his beloved family by his side.
A few stories to honour Bruce Johnson. I remember the day he called, seeking a bit of sage advice. He wondered if a $50,000 fundraising goal was too ambitious for an initiative close to his heart. He was calling a few people in his network and I remember telling him ‘ No Bruce, you will do more! ‘ No one has ever had such a goal, and in true Bruce fashion, he went out and did exactly that, founding the Alyssa Rae Johnson Foundation for Sick Kids Hospital and the journey began.
Through his Motorcycle for Miracles fundraising rides, Bruce raised more than $1 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and SickKids Foundation, honoring the memory of his first daughter, Alyssa Rae. With courage, pride and passion, his wife Mary, his daughters Holly, Jocelyn, his family and an entire community cheering him on, Bruce achieved what once felt impossible. His dedication left us in awe then, and his absence leaves us speechless now. The void he leaves in our industry is immeasurable but mark our words, he inspired a whole generation of new philanthropists to make a. difference. Our hearts break for his wife Mary and daughters Holly and and we send our condolences to the family and to the entire RE/MAX Network.
As the founder of MotorcycleForMiracles.com, Bruce was more than a REALTOR®, Bruce was a true force of nature. Since 1997, he served buyers and sellers across Collingwood, Wasaga Beach, and the surrounding communities with RE/MAX By The Bay. Working closely in the industry with his family, sister Marilyn and the entire Ruttan Family whom, had a stellar reputation in the region. A full-time agent with full-hearted commitment, he approached every transaction with integrity, optimism, and genuine enthusiasm. Known for his skill as a negotiator, Bruce had an extraordinary ability to guide even the most complex deals so that everyone walked away feeling respected and hopeful for what came next. His reputation was built on honesty, purpose, and an unwavering belief in doing the right thing.
His industry accolades were many, yet the honours he earned through service surpassed anything that came with a plaque or a medal. Bruce proudly contributed to OREA, CREA, and NAR, holding respected designations including ABR, CRS, and GREEN. His achievements include:
• 2007 – Inducted into the RE/MAX Hall of Fame
• 2017 – Recipient of the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award
• 2017 – Honoured with the OREA “Spirit” Award
• 2019 – Named the National Association of REALTORS® “Good Neighbour Award” winner, the only Canadian ever to receive this distinction
• Three-time nominee for the CREA REALTORS Care® Award
• Founder of Motorcycle for Miracles
But more powerful than any title was Bruce’s heart. With every transaction, he and his wife Mary donated to SickKids Hospital, ensuring that 100% of the funds supported the most urgent needs of sick and injured children. Their generosity didn’t just move people, it changed lives.
Storytelling
A funny story I will always cherish, one that my husband, Wayne Munden, REALTOR® at RE/MAX Hallmark, Oakville, shares with a smile every time we remember Bruce.
We had been invited to Bruce’s nephew, Jason Rattan & Jaime Ruttan Stag and Doe in Wasaga Beach, ( where my Aunt Mary also lived. Bruce, being Bruce, was the first REALTOR® to bring an offer, of course he was! ) During the Stag & Doe, there was so many fun games and this really fun one involving Goldfish race, whichever Goldfish won the race in the water, won the big prize but you had to eat the Goldfish. Well, Bruce’s Goldfish won…and in true Bruce fashion, he ended up eating the Goldfish. The entire room erupted in laughter. It was one of those moments you never forget, pure joy and a memory to never forget.
A few days later, still laughing about it, I went out and bought several packages of Goldfish Cheese Crackers and couriered them to his office. When they arrived, Bruce had another great laugh, exactly the kind of light-hearted, memorable moment Bruce had a way of creating everywhere he went.
It’s a memory we hold close, a reminder of Bruce’s humour, spontaneity, and the joy he brought into every room.
I also had the privilege to speak alongside Bruce during a Fireside Chat at the RE/MAX R4 Convention in Las Vegas years back, with Cory Vasquez as our Moderator. It was an experience we both cherished together. We shared our stories on the importance building relationships when curated from the on-line space on Social Media to off-line and it was something we both believed in whether for business, philanthropy, community.
Bruce Johnson lived with purpose, led with compassion, and inspired with every mile he rode and every family he served. His legacy remains a blueprint for what it truly means to give back.
His legacy of philanthropy and compassion will continue to be felt across the real estate industry and beyond. Our thoughts are with his wife, daughters, and extended family during this difficult time.
The real estate community has lost a true hero.
Below are additional links to honour and celebrate Bruce Johnson’s life.
REMAX News: Dad-Daughter Motorcycle Trip Captivates the Network
SickKids Foundation: About the Alyssa Rae Johnson Fund
Virginia Munden
