Kathy, my deepest condolences to you, Kacie, and Cameron.  I’am totally shocked and saddened to learn of Bruce’s passing.  He was a very deer friend who I first met in 2003 when we were both stationed at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming.  Throughout the years, we’ve always kept in touch on the regular basis.  He always had me laughing and I’ll miss him so much.  Please reach out to me if you can.  May he rest in ever lasting peace.  

Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Bruce. He was a good fiend when we were in Aviation High School and was great to have reconnected with him when he came down to San Diego. Joe Glusic was the one who contacted me when he was planning to move from northern California to San Diego and we met up on one of the times he flew in. It was great to reconnect with Bruce and talk about life after HS and our future plans. It felt like we were at the hangar in Aviation High School all over again. With good friends time is never an issue when you reconnect. It just continues where you left off. It’s been hard for me to grasp that he’s passed. My apologies on not writing sooner. I will miss him. He’s the first high school mate that I was close to in school that has passed. Our deepest condolences for the loss of your husband, father, and my friend Bruce from the Carranza family. May Jehovah God give you the “peace that surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and your mental powers by means of Christ Jesus” that’s found in the Bible in the book of Philippians chapter 4 verse 7 in these difficult times in your life. We have you and your family in our prayers. Once again our deepest sympathy for the loss of Bruce. 

Kathy - I'm so sorry about Bruce.  Wishing your family strength and comfort.  He holds a dear place in our hearts.  Love Richard & Mouna Duarte Family

Kathy, my sincerest condolences.  It was very hard hearing about Bruce's passing.  Be strong.   He will be looking over you and your children, from the stars where he is now.  

Love, Blanca Obdulia Duarte

I’m so sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family and closest friends.

— with JOSE RUEDA

Sintiendo mucho la partida de Bruce. Vivimos una infancia muy feliz cuando nos visitaba en Ecuador, su última vez creo que fue en 1987 , posteriormente los visite en el 2007.  La vida nos da alegrías y también penas.  Bruce estará en la Gloria de Dios junto con su mami Gina, su papi Bill y sus abuelitos.  El velará ahora por ustedes desde el cielo. Dios los bendiga mucho y les de fortaleza . Un abrazo a la distancia de su familia en Ecuador para tí Katherine, Kacie y Cameron.  Ojalá algún momento puedan visitarnos.

Like Octavio, my one and only meeting with Bruce was at the NU graduation at Petco Park in June. She described him so perfectly! I came away from that weekend of events thinking that I needed to look him up and connect more with him. Our departments in the company didn't intersect regularly but I know I wanted to be able to get to know him better.  I was so shocked to read the email about his passing. Reading the messages here and seeing the photos reveals someone who clearly always showed his heart and light to whoever he encountered. That was certainly my experience of him. I am sending love to his family and friends who must feel the loss so profoundly and I hope we all take inspiration from his way of walking through life. Clearly, it left a beautiful trail in it's wake. 

It has been less than two months since I first met Bruce at the National University graduation ceremony. I was assigned to the grad check-in booths that were right next to the veterans booth where Bruce was volunteering. He was the only person the whole weekend who came up to me and introduced himself, hand outstretched, smiling and telling me his name and asking me mine. The weekend proved to be chaotic at times with nice amounts of downtime where I got to talk to and learn about my new coworker friend. Genuinely and sincerely he was one of the kindest, nicest people I have ever met. We got to talk about work, family and the Padres. When I received the email that he had passed into our ancestral realm I felt many feelings that I cannot linguistically portray however the one I wish to note is that I am so blessed to have shared the hours of time that I did with Bruce. I quickly developed a respect and admiration for him. I knew he was someone who I could look up to and look forward to seeing again at future university functions for us San Diego employees.  Reflecting on the brief yet impactful moments I shared with Bruce, I am reminded of the timeless adage, 'It's not about the quantity of time, but the quality.' In the short span we knew each other, Bruce left an indelible mark on my heart. His genuine warmth, his unwavering kindness, and his infectious smile are memories that I will carry with me as I navigate through life's journey. As I continue my journey at the university, I know that every event, every gathering, will have a Bruce-shaped space. A space filled with reminders of the importance of genuine human connection, and the urge to be the best version of ourselves. Bruce's legacy to me is a powerful reminder that every interaction, no matter how brief, has the potential to leave a lasting impact. As I move forward, I will strive to emulate his kindness, to extend my hand in friendship as he did, and to cherish every moment, understanding its potential to create lifelong memories.

Bruce at work on Midway

BRUCE MEMORIES SLIDESHOW

Ecclesiastes 12:7

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it

Matthew 5:4

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted

Psalm 34:18

The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit

Dinner with friends…

The last time I saw Bruce was on Friday, July 7, 2023 at National University. We talked about the first time we met at The Veterans Sucess Center. He told me he remembered how nice and welcoming I was to him. Bruce told me to always smile no matter what. I will miss my dear friend Bruce. May he rest in peace.

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