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Bruce Van Dyke Obituary
He was born in Peabody, Mass. He graduated from Kingswood Regional High School in Wolfeboro, attended the University of New Hampshire's Thompson School of Applied Science and was a master plumber.
He will be remembered as a very loving, kind and giving "Papa," dad, husband and friend who always put others first. He served his country for 39 years as a member of the U.S. Navy and the New Hampshire Army National Guard, including tours of duty in Vietnam and Iraq.
He served his state as a state employee for 34 years, working one year at the New Hampshire State Prison, 11 years in the New Hampshire Adjutant General Department and most recently for 22 years at the New Hampshire State Hospital.
He served his community as a member of the Bow Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years. He volunteered at local and county 4-H activities and was an active participant in many church ministries. He served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, every day and delighted in helping others.
He was the son of the late Walter and Avis (Morine) Van Dyke. He is survived by a loving wife of 38 years, Velma, of Bow, a son Michael Van Dyke and his wife Sandi of Bow, a daughter Nicole Marquis and her husband Kevin of Pittsfield, 5 grandchildren Garrett, Jenna and Cara of Bow and Mason and Carter of Pittsfield. Survivors also include two sisters Caroline ‘Kennie" Spencer of Peabody MA, Sue Stevens and her husband Steve of Ipswich MA, and three brothers Walter ‘Buddy' Van Dyke and his wife Barbara of Billerica MA, Henry Van Dyke of St. Mary's PA and Douglas Van Dyke and his wife Patty of Ossipee and many nieces and nephews.
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SERVICES: Calling hours will be Tuesday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Bennett Funeral Home, 3 Church St. (the brick building) in Concord. A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday at 10 a.m. at Grace Capitol Church. Burial will follow at noon at the New Hampshire State Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.
Memorial donations may be made to the Bow Volunteer Fire Department, 10 Grandview Road, Bow, NH 03304 or to the Army National Guard Chaplin Relief Fund, 1 Airport Road, Concord, NH 03301.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Van Dyke
David Rines
August 26, 2011
My deepest sympathy to Bruce's family. I remember Bruce from our days at Kingswood Regional HS and are days together on the track team. He was a good friend and teammate always providing encouragement and leadership by example.
August 11, 2011
I am so sorry for you loss velma. May you and your family find comfort knowing Bruce is now in the arms of our Lord. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this very difficult time. Holly Mielcarz (Bow,NH)
Harriet (Morrissette) Sims
August 9, 2011
Velma and family, so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. He will be remembered as a great friend with his 4-H family, always willing to help. It was a great time for our kids and for the fun that the adults had to. Our prayers are with you and your family.
August 9, 2011
Bruce will be remembered as a man of unquestioned character and humility, was always able to help, work hard, and not worry about getting the credit. From the members of New Hampshire Hospital Maintenance Dept.
Nancy
August 9, 2011
Working with Bruce was always a pleasure as he always had a smile on his face no matter what. He loved his family dearly and his grandchildren were the spark of his life. He will be missed. You are in my prayers and thoughts.
August 9, 2011
Dearest Velma,
I was sadden to hear of Bruce, your soulmate and lover in this world.
May Jesus surround you and your family with his immeasurable love that knows not limits. May you celebrate his great life serving Jesus!
My prayers are with you all,
Bonnie Bach Mc Fadyen (Bristol, New Hampshire)
Rick Hill
August 9, 2011
Bruce was always smiling and would make it a point to say hello when he saw you. You will be missed.
Noelle Pelillo
August 9, 2011
I knew Bruce many years ago when he worked at the Adjutant General's office. What a kind, gentle, soul he was. God bless him and his family.
Paul Stone
August 9, 2011
Sadden by your loss. My prays are with you and your family,
Susan Searah
August 9, 2011
I will miss Bruce greatly. Whenever I had the pleasure to chat with him, he would talk proudly of his grandchildren, always with a huge smile on his face. He was such a gentle, kind soul who will be missed by many.
Denise and Bob Wester
August 8, 2011
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Ana McKenna
August 8, 2011
Bruce was a complete gentleman and a true role model for all of us in the 744th. I am so saddened to hear of your loss. He would always talk to me about how much he loved his family and he was always so willing to help anyone out with anything they needed. It brings me some comfort to know he is with Wally watching over us all. My heart goes out to your whole family.
August 8, 2011
Bruce will be greatly missed. He always had a kind word, a shy smile and was always interested to know how you were. A great friend and neighbor. May you find peace in knowing that Bruce's legacy will live on through his many acts of kindness. Mike, Deb, Melissa and Megan Bourbeau
Meghan Baston
August 8, 2011
Bruce was one of the kindest and sweetest souls that I ever met. He always made the time to ask about my family, and remembered every detail. People like Bruce make work a more caring place, and I will miss him greatly. My prayers are with his beautiful wife, children and grandchildren in the trying times ahead...
Amy Wagner
August 8, 2011
Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you and your family. Warmly, Amy & Mia Wagner
Steve Ainsworth
August 8, 2011
A better man would be hard to find. Stand down and rest easy Bruce. You paid your dues and then some. There wouldn't be enough room in a good sized book to tell of all of your little kindnesses and helpfulness to anyone in need. Thank you old friend. Steve Ainsworth
August 8, 2011
We will always remember Bruce as a member and retiree of the 744th Transportation Unit in Hillsboro, N.H.
He will be greatly missed,
SFC Kevin Spalding (retired 744th of 32 years)
and his wife Pamela Spalding.
Lori Flanders
August 8, 2011
Our sympathies to the VanDyke family. My husband volunteered with him on the Bow Fire Dept. May God give you the strength and courage to get through your time of grief. Bill & Lori Flanders
Bonnie
August 8, 2011
Sympathy to the family.I knew Bruce from N.H.H. Bruce was a kind and caring indivuidual that always had a smile on his face.
Lydia Gagnon
August 8, 2011
My sympathies to the VanDyke family. I knew Bruce through work. Bruce made the world a better place. He will be greatly missed.
Judey & Dave Clemons
August 8, 2011
We are very sad to hear of your loss. I will always remember Bruce's smile and can do attitude! What a great guy - we will all miss him
August 7, 2011
our sympathy to the van dykes. He was such a quiet and sensitive man. he will be missed. Ed and I will keep all the Van Dykes in our prayers Ed and Cec Swist
August 7, 2011
The world has lost a beautiful person.
Bruce, until we meet again...
Curt and Cindy Robinson (Bow, NH)
Brian
August 7, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I worked with Bruce and he was one of the nicest people I've ever met.
Laura Moltisanti
August 7, 2011
Van Dyke family,
We are saddened by the loss of Bruce. He was a great man. We are praying for you.
Stephen, Laura, Natalee and Stephen III Moltisanti
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Bennett Funeral Home - Concord209 North Main Street, Concord, NH 03301-5048
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