Bruce Linder

Bruce Linder, beloved husband, father, and proud “Papa”, passed peacefully in the arms of his loving wife on March 5, 2016 after a long and strong will to live. He leaves behind the love of his life of 36 years, Sande Lyn Linder, his three beautiful children, beloved son Bruce Joseph Linder and wife Katelyn of Agawam, the light of his life Alicia Beth Linder and spouse Daniel Gibbs and beloved son Russell Charles Linder all of Feeding Hills, his four cherished grandchildren, whom he had boundless love for, Graci Lyn and Benjamin Bruce Gibbs, Eila Rain and Asa River Joseph Linder. They were the joys of his life! He also leaves his loving brother Robert Charles Linder and wife Nancy of Hartwell, Georgia, his loving sister Cherry Ann Fowler and husband Michael of Gocher, Kentucky, his mother Betty Laverne Linder of Hartwell, Georgia. He was predeceased by his father Ray Maund Linder. Bruce was born August 27th, 1954 in Atlanta, Georgia, graduated from Sylvan Hills High School, attended Georgia Tech, and worked for The Georgia Power Company before enlisting in the United States Navy, where he completed the Nuclear Power Program. While obtaining his Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering he embarked on a 30 year career with the Hartford Steam Company as an electrical engineer and was known as “The Bull.” He could get the job done! He was the supervisor of District Heating and Cooling for the City of Hartford, CT. He was responsible for developing and implementing major capital projects, budgeting, and handling all operations. Bruce participated in communication activities at Westfield State College with his daughter Alicia, who received her Bachelors Degree there. Bruce was an avid huntsman and fisherman who enjoyed the peacefulness of the outdoors alongside his son Russell. He loved the Atlanta Falcons and Braves and enjoyed NASCAR. A man many will remember with a smile on their face when they recall his story telling. He was a member of the Springfield Turnverein and supported Boy Scout Troop 78, where he was an assistant scout master and the committee chairman for many years. He participated in many Eagle Scout projects. One very memorable one was his son Bruce’s at the Soldiers Home in Holyoke, where they spent time with Veterans and beautified the landscaping and courtyard with an abundance of donated plants and flowers. Bruce belonged to the West Springfield Fish and Game Club where he participated with his delightful granddaughter Graci in the annual fishing derby. The funeral will be held at the Agawam Curran-Jones Funeral Home Wednesday, March 16th at 11:30am followed by burial with full military honors in the Massachusetts Veteran’s Memorial Cemetery. Visiting hours will be held prior to the funeral home service on Wednesday from 10:30 – 11:30am. For more details please visit curranjones.com. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Gastric Cancer Foundation to promote duodenal cancer research.