Bruce Tredway

BRUCE TREDWAY November 2, 1919 - September 4, 2006 86 years, Born in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada to Earl and Ethyl Tredway, Bruce was raised with his older brother Reg until going to high school and junior college in Marysville, CA. An accomplished athlete, excelling in track and baseball, he pitched a number of no-hit games in junior college. Transferring to the University of California, Berkeley in his junior year, he became absorbed in his studies as a History major. This would become a life long passion, shared with his family. As WWII became imminent, he joined the Navy Reserves; then transferred to the Army Air Corp when war was declared: and trained as a bombardier/navigator at various facilities on the West Coast. While a cadet in eastern Washington, Bruce met Donna Blaxall on a blind date and by the end of the evening had professed his intentions to marry. Donna thought him a bit of a smart alec at the time, but Bruce proceeded to win her over and they were married in Feb 1943. He proclaimed this was the luckiest day of his life for the next 63 years. Bruce was sent to the South Pacific to join the 500th bomber squadron, 345th bomb group of the 5th Air Force located in Port Moresby, New Guinea. Arriving in December, he proceeded to fly many hazardous missions in B-25 strafers with this famous and decorated group. By December 1944, he had acquired enough points to return home to his wife and son, born on July 7th. Bruce then took advantage of his flight operations knowledge and joined Pan American Airways as a dispatcher. Two more sons were born in the next few years. He then was assigned numerous overseas assignments in a 36 year career with this flagship airline. Assigned to Hawaii, the Philippines, Fairbanks, Alaska, Belmont, California, Germany and Miami, Florida, many lifelong friends were made and kept in contact. Bruce and Donna moved back to San Carlos California in 1979 just before retirement to be close to their children who were now working in Silicon Valley. Upon retirement, Bruce joined the Green Hills country club to enjoy his passion for the game of golf. Many new friends were made and his golf game became quite good. At the same time, the WWII bomber squadron started having reunions and those friendships rekindled. His love of history has been passed down to the three sons and many stimulated conversations have taken place as a result. Bruce was particularly interested in the Civil War period, attending a Civil War discussion group meeting regularly for lunch in San Carlos. He enjoyed these meetings immensely. Bruce also was a member of the Sunnyvale Senior Sitizens Golf Club where again he enjoyed the camaraderie of golf with a wonderful group of people. Last year, Bruce and family attended his squadron's reunion in Washington, DC where the newly dedicated WWII memorial was visited. The Smithsonian, Udvar-Hazy Aviation museum, Memorials and Gettysburg were seen as well. It was a wonderful and fascinating trip for all. Bruce was a stimulating intellect, and athlete and supremely family oriented parent. His character and honestly made him much respected by his friends and acquaintances, loved by his family. We have been blessed with his presence over these many years and will celebrate in his memory. Bruce is survived by his wife of 63 years, Donna Mary; brother, Reg Tredway of Kona, Hawaii; three sons, Ron Tredway of Oakdale California, Brian Tredway of San Carlos California and Larry Tredway of Pleasanton California; daughters-in-law, Crystal and Lynn Tredway; sister-in-law, Glenna, eight grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and many extended family members. Memorial service will be held at the White Oaks Chapel, 1696 El Camino Real, San Carlos, CA at 2 p.m. on September 13th, 650-591-5791.