Bruce William terBurg

September 7, 1945 - February 11, 2017

Bruce William terBurg, 71, The Villages, Florida passed away on February 11, 2017 with his loving wife by his side at Lane Purcell Hospice House in Sumterville, Florida. Mr. terBurg was born on September 7, 1945 in Alameda, California to his parents Joseph Frank terBurg and Helen (VanNeuss) terBurg. At six months of age, Bruce’s parents took away his surfboard and his movie career and moved him to Kalamazoo, Michigan where he lived until his first job. After graduating from Ferris University in Big Rapids, Michigan in Mechanical Drawing, Bruce moved to Jackson, Michigan to begin work for Aeroquip Corporation. His employment lasted almost 40 years. His love of airplanes, aerospace and sci-fi was only surpassed by his love for classic cars. He could hear an airplane flying overhead and identify the plane, the year produced and the use. He married his best friend and love Linda Raikovitz in 1985 after a whirlwind courtship. Their 31 years together found them always on a travel adventure. They enjoyed raising their beautiful daughter, Michele, and watching her emerge into a loving mother and nurse. She was so instrumental in Bruce’s care these last few years. Bruce sang in his youth in St. Luke's Choristers in Kalamazoo. As a member of the prestigious Singing Lads, he won the best chorister award for 4 years in a row. His deep bass voice was also included in such operas as Carmen and H. M. S. Pinafore performed by the Central Florida Lyric Opera. In The Villages, he sang every Sunday at the Church on the Square. He was invited to join the Philharmonic Chorale, Bach with a Beat and The Pops Chorus. Bach with a Beat was definitely his second family. He is survived by his loving wife of 31 years: Linda Ann terBurg of The Villages, FL; daughter: Michele Lynn Kreider and her soulmate Charles Scott Rendon of Lady Lake, FL; granddaughters: Katelyn Marie Kreider and Elizabeth Ann Kreider. A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held on Sunday, February 26, 2017 at 12:00PM at Page-Theus Funeral Home, Leesburg, FL. In lieu of flowers the family has requested donations be made to Childfund International to the attention of Sarah Gorman at 2821 Emerywood Parkway, Richmond, VA 23294. Bruce sponsored two young children in Ecuador. Online condolences may be shared by visiting www.pagetheus.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Page-Theus Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Leesburg.