BANGOR – William Herbert Bruns Jr., 78, died June 17, 2004, at a Bangor hospital following a brief illness surrounded by his loving family. He was born in Bangor, March 3, 1926, the son of William and Evelyn (Bailey) Bruns. One of his proudest accomplishments was serving his country at a very young age aboard the U.S.S. Astoria during the South Pacific Campaign in Okinawa during World War II. He was as gunner, firing against hundreds of kamikazes. To this day, he proudly wore his commemorative hat adorned with his war ribbons. He was also very proud of his 46 years of dedicated service with the Bangor and Aroostook Railroad. At one time, he was the youngest conductor in the U.S. He retired as general yard-master. He was an avid sports fan with a special love for the Boston Red Sox. He enjoyed many things including hooking rugs for all his family, jigsaw puzzles, his harmonica, sports memorabilia and especially playing canasta with his wife. He could always be seen walking his dog in the neighborhood and made many acquaintances along the way. He will be sadly missed by his wife of 56 years, Barbara (Nickerson) Bruns; his children, Gail Bruns and Richard Cain of Corinth, William III “Bud” and special daughter-in-law, Sue, of Bangor, Peter and Debbie Bruns of Vancouver, Wash., Stephanie and special son-in-law, Fred Brown, of Bangor, Cassandra and special son-in-law Scott Byorak, of Brewer; seven grandchildren, Amy Johnston, Eric Bruns, William H. Bruns IV, Danielle Brown, Nicholas Bruns, Ashley Brown, Benjamin Byorak; eight great-grandchildren, Gregory, Megan, Davin, Mary, Brittany, Brendan, Lindsay, Gabriel; one sister, Dorothy Moody and husband, Arthur, of Framingham, Mass.; a former sister-in-law, Pauline Belanger of Brewer; sister-in-law, Lillis Curtis of Brewer; a very special brother-in-law, Richard Nickerson and wife, Jo, of Skowhegan; several nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents, a younger brother, Robert; and his grandson, LCPL Cedric Bruns, who died serving his country in Kuwait. The Bruns family will receive friends 4-6 p.m. Monday at Foley Funeral Service, 299 Union St., Bangor, where a committal service will be held at 6 p.m. with the Rev. Dr. James L. Haddix, pastor and teacher at All Souls Congregational Church, officiating. Private interment will be in Pine Grove Cemetery. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to a charity of their choice.
WILLIAM H. BRUNS JR.
