Obituary of Richard Bruce

Richard ?Rick? Bruce, 67, of Forest, passed away Sunday, December 16, 2012 at Lynchburg General Hospital after a courageous 16 year battle with cancer. Born April 4, 1945, he was a son of Jack C. Bruce and Violet Hornyak Bruce of Wadsworth, OH. Rick was a graduate of Wadsworth High School, attended Ohio State University and graduated from Ohio University. He had an extensive career with Babcock & Wilcox in Barberton, OH and Framatome (AREVA) in Lynchburg. During this time he also served on the Board of Directors for the American Cancer Society-Lynchburg Chapter. He was an active member of St. Stephens Episcopal Church where he served on Vestry. Upon retirement, he and his wife, Phyllis, moved to Manteo, NC where he was on the Pirate?s Cove Home Owner?s Association Board and volunteered at the Outer Banks Visitor?s Center. As an active member of St. Andrews By The Sea Episcopal Church, he served on Vestry and was active in children?s programs. After moving back to Lynchburg, he served two terms on Vestry at St. Stephens Episcopal Church and was named Warden Emeritus. With his love for the church, Rick helped establish a new Episcopal church in the New London area. Part of his ministry for All Saints Episcopal Fellowship was to coordinate and deliver food to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank and the Presbyterian Alliance, and coordinate teams and serve food at the Salvation Army. He also participated in and enjoyed motorcycle charity ?Toy Runs? for children. He also partnered in a construction business. Until his latest illness, Rick would ride his motorcycle thousands of miles across the country, with his last big ride being 3,000 miles with his best friend Joe, referring to themselves as Captain America and Hawk Man. In addition to his parents, Rick is survived by his wife Phyllis; two sons, Lance Bruce and his wife, Tracy, of Fishersville, VA; and Jeff Hannell and his wife Lisa of Lynchburg; two daughters, Kelli Aud and her husband Mike, of Fishersville, VA; and Teri Hannell of Manteo, NC; one brother, Mike Bruce and his wife Terri of Wadsworth, OH; and one sister, Maral Meredith of Canal Fulton, OH; five grandchildren, Morgan Hannell, Jake Bruce, Ryan Aud, Carson Aud and Landon Aud. He is also survived by numerous cousins, nieces, nephews, and sisters and brothers in law. He will be missed by his special furry doggie friends ?Abbi?, ?Bo? and ?Teddy?. A celebration of Rick?s life and faith will be held Friday, December 21, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at All Saints Episcopal Fellowship, which currently meets at the Diuguid Waterlick Chapel. The Reverend Mark Furlow will officiate at the service. A reception and visitation will be held at the adjacent greeting room after the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Alan B. Pearson Regional Cancer Center, 1701 Thomson Drive, Lynchburg, VA 24501 or the Lynchburg Humane Society, 3305 Naval Reserve Road, Lynchburg, VA 24501. The family would like to thank the Pearson Cancer Center and the 4th Floor Oncology Unit at Lynchburg General Hospital for the loving care and dedication they provided. Diuguid Funeral Service & Crematory-Waterlick Chapel, 237-2722, is serving the family.