Bruce L Laube, 81, of South Windsor, CT died peacefully at home on June 3, 2024. Bruce, Dr. Bruce to the closest friends, was born November 17, 1942 in Chippewa Falls, WI. In his adolescence, his family moved to Stevens Point, WI, where many of his life long interests began. He discovered a desire for wanting to play an instrument, deciding upon the cornet. In his words “a small brass horn with few moving parts which generated a commanding presence “ as flutes, clarinets and saxophones required “too many fingers” and he felt were prone to squeaking. Tubas, baritones and trombones were decidedly “too big” for him in the sixth grade and generally played harmony over melody. In high school, he competed in state competitions, winning gold and though he loved the music, he knew he did not want it as a career. His joy for the coronet continued into adulthood where he became an avid player at the church, accompanying the pianist during services and as part of a brass group that would also perform. He began running in his youth, which he continued into his 40s. He sang in glee clubs in his late teens, only to sing again in the church choir from age 38-72 and beyond. In high school, he had his first flirtation with chemistry in an experiment gone wrong, (not his doing) though he went off to the University of Wisconsin-Steven's Point as a pre engineering major. After a course or two in chemistry his interest in it grew with the encouragement a professor who provided him with an opportunity to do undergraduate research in chemistry at Iowa State University. He was hooked. He completed his B.S. in chemistry at U of Wisconsin, back to Iowa State for his M.S. in inorganic chemistry, then on to the University of Southern Illinois in Carbondale where he received his PhD in inorganic chemistry. It was there that he met his wife, Janis, as the result of friends in the chemistry department, recognizing a spark between them and aiding in its growth. They would have celebrated 54 years of marriage this August. After a few post doctorate research positions, they moved and settled in South Windsor, CT. He initially worked at the UTC fuel cell facility and then took a position at the United Technologies Research Center where he worked for “39.6” years. Socially he was very active with the church, taking many positions as deacon and elder. His running activities turned into bicycling, and that too, became a group event at the church as well. They took many hundred mile rides throughout New England. He did the Ride Across the State rides for both New York and Massachusetts. He did many rides in support of JDRF, due to a family member’s diagnosis. Post retirement life settled all too rapidly. And though he remained physically active until the age of 80, his mind was taken from him sooner. Friends, social activities and hobbies faded and he found joy in walking, the company of family, searching for the perfect rock, and food. Post retirement he took a memoir writing course, which captured many details of his life experience before his mind was unable to recount them and we have shared some of it here. “Define the things you like to do and do them to the best of your ability.” was what he lived by and wanted people to take away from his memoir. He was a kind, good hearted man who will be missed. He has left to cherish his memory his wife Janis Laube, children Kelly and husband, Bruce Higginbotham, Keven Laube and Kari and husband James Daniels, sister, Ruth (Ron) Grabow, brother, David Laube, multiple grandchildren, nieces and nephews. In his passing, Bruce joined his parents, Leon and Ruth Laube, granddaughter Rebekah Higginbotham and sister in law Patricia Laube. Services will be private.