Bruce Macklin John

Bruce John Obituary

John, Bruce Macklin

Bruce Macklin John of Ithaca NY passed away peacefully at Cayuga Medical Center on Sunday March, 15, 2015 after a brief illness. He was born on April 17, 1932 in Iowa to Bernice and Macklin John. He obtained a BA in Economics from Penn State University, a Masters in Rural Sociology at the University of Kentucky, and worked towards a PhD in Rural Sociology (a field founded by his father and two fellow Cornell graduate students) at Cornell. A lifelong activist in community affairs, he marched in civil rights marches in the 1960's and founded the Mountain Heritage Festival in West Virginia in the 1960's, which still takes place annually to celebrate the culture and heritage of the poor and rural mountain folk of Appalachia. Bruce was a founder of the not-for-profit Better Housing in Ithaca, which serves to keep low and middle income seniors in their homes. He volunteered through Kiwanis, serving on the board as president several times. He also volunteered on many domestic and foreign trips through St. Paul's church and the Wesley Foundation at Cornell. In the late 1960's he was part of a USAID team to Tanzania to assist the Masai people. Additionally, he was active in local politics, serving for a few times as Democratic Chairman of his town. He greeted President Jimmy Carter on his trip to Ithaca for a campaign stop. Bruce worked most of his career at Cornell in Cooperative Extension, creating and running a number of statewide programs. Bruce John is survived by his second wife, Elinor; his two children, Wesley John and Karen Armstrong; and his sister, Marilyn Henniger. Additionally, he has several living grandchildren, nieces and nephews. His first wife, Charlotte, predeceased him in 1995. Calling hours will be Thursday, March 19th from 5-7 PM at Ness-Sibley Funeral Home, 23 South St., Trumansburg. A funeral service will be held on Friday, March 20th, at 2 PM at St. Paul's Methodist Church in Ithaca. Donations may be made to any of the following: Better Housing, Ithaca NY, The Wesley Foundation, Cornell University, or The ME John Speaker Series at Penn State University Rural Sociology Department. For additional information please contact Ness-Sibley Funeral Home at 1-888-534-5446 or visit www.ness-sibley.com

Published by Ithaca Journal on Mar. 17, 2015.
34465541-95D0-45B0-BEEB-B9E0361A315A

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce John

Not sure what to say?





Bruce came to my house in Ithaca and set up a crib for Julia before I went to China to adopt her. He was a very giving person and I remember him fondly. So sorry for your loss. I live with Julia in Naperville now and she is a freshman in High School. Photo is attached.

God bless.

Maureen Stillman

March 26, 2015

Elinor, my heart felt sadness is with you and your family and you will be in my prayers.

Rebecca Johnson

March 19, 2015

Elinor and Family:

I am so sorry for your loss. Bruce was a wonderful man, and contributed so much of himself to make things better for people. He will be greatly missed.

Tina Champion

March 17, 2015

To Wesley and Karen so sorry to hear about your dad.its been many years since I have seen you guys but have never forgotten all the good times we had growing up together he always treated me like one of the family I will miss him

Ed Williamon

March 17, 2015

Elinor, I am so sorry for your loss.
Mr Bruce was very special to me; I
will remember him fondly

Doran Diedrickson

March 17, 2015

Wesley and Karen so sorry for your lost i will never forget all the good times I had growing up with you guys your dad always treated me like one of the family i will miss him

ED Williamson

March 17, 2015

Elinor, you are in my thoughts and prayers. Bruce held a very special place in my heart that will never be forgotten. I am sure he is up there discussing life with Bob Sweet.

"Blondie"

March 17, 2015

Karen, I'm saddened to learn of your Dad's passing. My thoughts will be with you during this difficult time.

David Pitts

March 17, 2015

Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results

Make a Donation
in Bruce John's name

Memorial Events
for Bruce John

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Ness-Sibley Funeral Home

23 South St, Trumansburg, NY 14886

How to support Bruce's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Bruce John's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more