Mr. Elkins L. "Jack" Bruce

1935 - 2012

Elkins L. 'Jack' Bruce, age 77, of Bois Blanc Island and Englewood, Fla., died suddenly Wednesday, October 17, 2012. The son of the late Ruth Peach, Jack was born on October 15, 1935 in Detroit, Mich. He graduated from Detroit Southeastern High School in 1953 followed by a two year stint in the U.S. Army with European deployments during the post World War II reconstruction. He then resumed his schooling, receiving BA and MA degrees in Education from Eastern Michigan University and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Michigan. He had a lifetime career in education including superintendent positions in Hart, Mich. and Anchor Bay School District in New Baltimore, Mich. Jack served on many boards and was always actively involved in the communities in which he resided. He was very proud of having brought the Michigan Opera Theater to the metro area public schools. Jack had a multitude of interests including many hours of reading, golf with his buddies, and cheering on the University of Michigan football team. He is survived by his wife of 25 years, Joan Nash Watts; sons, Scot (Lisa) and Jon (Charlotte); stepdaughter, Kristen Watts Carey (Michael); grandchildren, Kyle, Jake, Shawnie, Dustin (Heather), Kelsie, McKenzie, Christian, Patrick and Adam; great-grandchildren, Jackson and Jamison; sister, Naomi Sleek; and mother of his sons, Janet Hoffmann. A service will take place on Saturday, October 27, 2012 at 11 a.m. at the Gendernalik Funeral Home, 35259 Twenty-Three Mile Road, New Baltimore, Mich. Friends may visit at the funeral home on Friday from 4-7 p.m. and Saturday before the service from 10-11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the McKenzie Rose Trust, 264 N. Rochester Ct., Gilbert AZ 85234 or Donald F. Nash Memorial Textbook Award, Saginaw Valley State University Foundation, 7400 Bay Road, University Center, MI 48710 or charity of choice.