Lloyd "Jack" Bruce

Jack was born in Seattle, WA on May 17, 1927 to Gordon and Babe Bruce.  He spent his very early years in Seattle then moving to Portland, OR where he spent the majority of his life.



Jack attended high school at Benson Tech in Portland where he served as their senior class president. He attended college at the University of Portland and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in business.



He entered the Merchant Marines and spent time in California, but decided to make a change and left the Merchant Marines for the Air Force, spending time in San Antonio, TX. He was transferred back to Portland with the Oregon Air National Guard, weather detachment. Nice to be close to home!  Jack received an honorable discharge from the Air Force in 1952.



Jack grew up in Lake Oswego during his high school years.  Lake Oswego was where he met that cute girl across the street, Lee Meadows.  She would become the love of his life!  Jack and Lee spent time sailing, water skiing on the lake in the summer time and even enjoyed a winter that allowed them some ice skating time on the lake.



Jack and Lee married on July 16, 1949 in Lake Oswego, OR.  Not much time for them to become accustomed to married life before they found they were expecting the first of five children! Jack was working for Portland Fish Company at the time and would move the family, for a short while, to San Francisco, CA.  Adventure was to be a part of their lives.



Jack made the decision to become self employed and ventured into the restaurant business.  First was Sellmore Ice Cream in the Sellwood area of Portland.  After several years he sold Sellmore and brought the Circle B Chuckwagon to life. He worked hard for his family and built a good business.  Best steaks, burgers, and BBQ Beef sandwiches in town!!  Restaurant business, as good as it was, kept him away at work much of his time.  He eventually, chose to sell the business and spent his remaining working years at Rodda Paint Company from where he would later retire.



He was a member of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul for years along with time working at St. John's church as their maintenance person.  He took beautiful care of the grounds where there are still thriving examples of his contribution to the grounds surrounding the church.



Jack absolutely loved the outdoors!  There were many times spent with his family creating memories; camping, fishing, hiking, some sailing and a lot of time canoeing. He was very accomplished with wood working and spent time carving unbelievable pieces of art for us to cherish for all time.  He also produced awesome handmade canoes, 5 in all; one of which still hangs in the carport just waiting for the next trip out. Jack possessed a wonderful appreciation for what our God has so richly blessed us with in this country of ours.



Jack's retirement years were spent enjoying his wife, Lee and family, along with many trips with their trailer to beautiful parks, lakes, rivers and the ocean. He also loved spending time in Westport, WA where his Mom, Aunts and cousins had settled many years earlier.



He is survived by his wife, Lee Bruce; five children; Becky Christen, Jeff Bruce, Kevin Bruce, Tom Bruce and wife, Kelly, and Joe Bruce and wife, Mona; eight grandchildren, Erin, Stefanie, Josh, Allison, Jaime, Lindsay, Ashley and Alex; and twelve great- grandchildren, Paige, Grant, Bailey, Ryder, Oliver, Evan, Kaylee, Savanah, Caleb, Eli, Simon and Addie. Jack was preceded in death by his grandson, Ryan.



We, Jack's family, want you to know that he was a devoted husband and father.  Our welfare was his top priority.  He had a strong faith and belief in God which was demonstrated by the way he lived his life.  We will be forever thankful to have been blessed with such a wonderful man.  Jack, Dad, Grandpa, Great-Grandpa....You are greatly missed and will be forever held deeply in our hearts as we journey forward knowing you are always with us.







In lieu of flowers, the family requests in Jack's memory: