Bruce George Duke

Bruce George Duke

1922 - 2016

Bruce Duke passed peacefully at home on October 13, 2016 surrounded by his beloved family. Bruce was ninety three years old and still actively committed to his at work in ceramics and jewelry metal.

He was born in San Diego and attended San Jose State University where he earned his BA in art. It was there that he met the love of his life, Claire, to whom he was married for 68 years before her passing two years ago. He earned an MA in sculpture at Ohio State University.

After his formal education, Bruce taught ceramics at San Joaquin Delta College for 39 years where he inspired and mentored students, many of whom went on to achieve national prominence for their work in ceramics. These included Viola Frey, Bill Abright, Bruce Cadman, Michael Lucero, David Phelps and Joe Mariscal, among others.

Bruce was proud of his Greek heritage and it strongly influenced his work. Among his many showings and exhibitions, one of his favorites was "Bruce and Jim Do the Classics," at the Alan Short Gallery where he partnered with artist and long time friend Jim Lewis.

Bruce taught, lectured and performed demonstrations until his death. Once coined "The Father of Stockton Ceramics," Bruce recently presented a one man show at the Grand Theatre Center for the Arts in Tracy called "Father Clay, A Bruce Duke Retrospective."

Bruce is survived by his daughters Cathy Anderson of San Diego, Jodi Duke of San Carlos and his sister Delta Ockert of Oregon. He has three grand children, Tiffany Anderson,

Travis Anderson and Alexandra Duke Franz and four great grand children, Brittany, Austin, Hunter and Ryder.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to San Joaquin Hospice and the San Joaquin Potters Guild. Checks may be sent to the Guild at 2437 Pheasant Run Circle, Stockton, 95207 on behalf of Bruce Duke.