DONALD M. BRUCE

COREA “Skipper’s Yard” and ORONO – Donald M. Bruce, 73, loving husband of Mary Alice Bruce, passed away May 15, 2009, surrounded by his loving family at a Bangor hospital, after a courageous battle with lupus. He was born March 12, 1936, in Washington, D.C., to Helen (McDermott) and Wharton Bruce. Don graduated from Ridgewood (N.J.) High School, in 1955; from the University of Maine, Orono, with a Bachelor of Science in science in 1960; and a Master of Education in counseling and guidance in 1965. Don was a teacher at Winterport Junior High School; Lebanon Central High School, Lebanon Springs, N.Y.; and Old Town High School. Don began his career at the University of Maine as a talent scout, became a youth education specialist and finally an extension 4-H specialist. Don was awarded professor emeritus in 1993. After retirement Don pursued a variety of interesting passions from Christmas tree sales, to working as an assisted living provider, to the development and operation of Schoodic Tours, a kayak/bicycle/environmental tours company on Schoodic Peninsula which he ran with his wife and grandsons. Don was also a literacy volunteer until 2008 when his illness prevented him from continuing. Don was particularly proud of his work in the following programs: Onward Program at the University of Maine; Upward Bound Programs at Bowdoin, Gorham and the University of Maine; Woman’s Atrium House of Bangor; Alcohol and Chemical Dependency trainings and facilitation; Environmental Puppet TV Productions; and connections to the Sea-a Learning Guide to Marine Education. He had a deep spiritual nature, connection to the ocean and Native American spirituality. He was a member of Orono and Prospect Harbor United Methodist churches. Don founded the Orono Men’s Spiritual Group and participated in marriage encounter with his wife and two other couples for 12 years. Don touched the lives of many as a husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He had a passion for life and lived it to its fullest. Born a Brooklyn Dodgers fan, he became an avid Red Sox fan upon his move to Maine in the late 1950s and enjoyed watching the games with his wife and family. He enjoyed greatly his visit to Fenway Park in 2005 to see the Red Sox beat the Yankees. Don played a jolly Santa for his children, grandchildren, classmates and friends for three decades. Don was grateful to be a friend of Bill W. and his fellowship for 27 years. Don was the drummer for Sub5 Track Club and Eden Athletics in support of his wife and son Jeffrey’s running careers. Don was predeceased by his parents, Helen and Wharton; his siblings, Jeanne Wilt, Wharton Bruce and Robert Bruce; and a son, Timothy Bruce. His dogs, Pebbles, Shannon, Sarah and Belle, predeceased him and joyfully greeted him on the other side. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Mary Alice (Plummer) Bruce; four children, Jeff and Kelly Bruce of Birch Harbor, Sharon Bruce of Bangor, Stephen and Susan Bruce of Cherry Hill, N.J., and Rachael and Timothy Beal of Thomaston; 10 grandchildren who knew him as “Bubba,” Gabriel and Sean Everett of Bangor, Eliza Everett and her partner, Elliott, of San Diego, Tristan Everett and his wife, Erica, of Oklahoma City and currently serving in the Middle East, Meghan, Michael, Christopher and Paul Bruce of Cherry Hill, N.J., Crystal and Austin Beal of Thomaston; as well as his faithful canine companions, Willow and Anna. Don’s family thanks his care providers, including Dr. Crowley and staff at Gouldsboro Clinic and Maine Coast Memorial Hospital; Dr. Gratwick, Dr. Wolinski; and most especially, the dedicated staff at Eastern Maine Medical Center’s intensive care unit and palliative care unit. A celebration of Don’s life will be held 2 p.m. May 30 at Prospect Harbor United Methodist Church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Ark Animal Shelter, P.O. Box 276, Cherryfield, ME 04622.