Bruce and I met January 11, 2015. He was a no nonsense champion when it came to work. He would introduce me as the “new Ian” that no one respected, and that I was going to put him out of a job. Needless to say he tested my metal.
Everyone already loved and respected Bruce - and he took great pleasure in that fact.
I was an unknown southern redneck knuckledragger who had no hesitation to say “where I come from, do you know what we call reading out loud?” - bragging
To be honest, that is a common misconception that southerners allow the ignorant.
My greatest feat - which Bruce would concede - was to provide fact to many myths he believed true - and that is a feat as his knowledge and experience was extensive.
Bruce and I became fast friends as my drive for excellence, our matched ethos on integrity, and the fair treatment of merit and counseling improvements were our common bond.
Gaining Bruce’s respect was a huge accomplishment and one of my most notable achievements . Not often do you bond and gain the respect of someone 14 years senior in age.
He was accepting of all, and friends with individuals with integrity and compassion. On the topic of his respect, he did not give away lightly.
Bruce was family. He spoke of his Daddy’s strict and honorable upbringing as well as the love and judgment free zone of his Mama. And, almost daily were stories of his pride and blessed life with Jackie, Willow, Elayne, Josh and Laura, and without doubt grands Justin and Max.
Bruce invited me into his inner circle and, on short notice, I was welcomed into Josh and Laura’s home for Thanksgiving. I was far from home and that kindness has never been forgotten.
Bruce and Jackie kept in touch until the end; or should I say the beginning, as Bruce blazes another trail into eternity.
Bruce was my friend, my work family, and my brother forever.