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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
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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
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