Deceased October 12, 2018
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In Memory
Bruce passed away on Oct. 12 with his wife, Kathy, at his side. After many years of alternating between summers at their home in Short Hills, N.J., and winters in Daniel Island, S.C., Bruce and Kathy made Daniel Island their permanent residence in 2007. Entering Amherst from the Summit (N.J.) Public Schools, he joined Psi Upsilon, where our friendship from freshman year deepened over the next years.
Our last meeting was at a dinner hosted by Bill Tehan ’54, with Jerry ’54 and Jane Grant; George Tulloch ’54 and Benni; Micki Hoitsma; and me and my wife, Ann, following the memorial service for Derrik “Red” Hoitsma ’54. I am now the last survivor of that Psi U contingent. Life in the Psi U house in our day was a truly convivial experience, and Bruce was always a lively presence. I am pretty sure that he and I joined in a ritual carefully observed by our class members: since Bruce’s 21st birthday was just a day after mine, we sequentially joined to celebrate at the bar in the Lord Jeff Inn, enjoying our first legal martinis.
After graduation, Bruce returned to his northern Jersey roots and began a long and distinguished career with IBM until he was recruited by AT&T, retiring at age 65. He was a member of Christ Church in Short Hills and the Short Hills Club. During retirement, he continued to excel at tennis, traveled extensively with Kathy and enjoyed walks on his favorite beach on Sullivan’s Island.
He is survived by his wife, Kathleen; three daughters: Katy, Abby and Molly; two granddaughters: Addie and Langely; and two grandsons: Ryan and Luke. He is also survived by three stepdaughters: Melissa, Laura and Noelle.
Tom Blackburn ’54