On September 22, 2025, our community, and Gonzales Rotary Club, lost a beloved son, husband, father, and great service heart. Bruce joined Rotary in 2023 and got to work immediately providing suggestions for service to and in our community. Even before he was promoted to his position as District Executive for Scouting America in the Capitol area Council for Boy Scouts, he worked with Rotary to sponsor a chapter of Explorers in the Gonzales High School. He shared his experiences in Rotary with others to pique interest in joining the Club.
Just so you will understand how “service” oriented Bruce was, he also served on the Board of Directors for the new YMCA, was an active member of Noon Lions, a contributing member of the Auxiliary of Memorial Hospital, served on the Executive Board for COPE (Community Outreach/People Empowerment), was an involved member of the Knights of Columbus, and belonged to the Gonzales Historical Commission.
And, just so you know how respected Bruce was in the community, there was a huge outpouring of love shown Bruce as several groups stepped up to the Rotary Club’s challenge to match the $2500.00 we raised. The effort was to help Bruce meet his goal to gather $15,000 to fund improvements to the Live Oaks Boy Scout Camp being developed. Several of the other service organizations participated with donations and support of a live dinner and show by the Jewell’s Jewels troupe; it was a huge success. It touched everyone’s heart that the show was a Christmas theme so that Bruce could experience Christmas joy one more time in his brief life.
But what was more profound, in my opinion, was that Bruce had certificates to present to all of the groups and individuals helping raise funds, along with a special coin that had the Boy Scout’s oath and pledge. He presented each member of the cast with a patch that his 7-year-old daughter designed for the Scouts in a competition (she won!). Once again, he was always thinking of others and showing appreciation for anything done for him or his “kids”.
Bruce was a devoted Christian. He belonged to the St. James Catholic Church in Gonzales, where he served to help educate others about Jesus’ love for us all. I will always be grateful for Bruce’s devotion to the Rotary Club, and for him introducing me to Scouting.
I am now the official registered nurse for all the camping activities of the Capitol Area Council troops. Many of the scouts went to Bruce’s services to bid him farewell and express their appreciations for his leadership.
He was very loved, and will be sorely missed! Rest in Peace, Bruce!