Bruce Richards

I think I worked with Bruce in 1964 at Camp Wilbur Herrlich, a camp of Lutheran Social Services in NYC. I recently came across some letters he wrote to me then. He was supportive to me at a difficult time in my life. I'm sorry we lost touch so long ago. Christina Bauers

We considered Bruce as part of our extended family. He joined us for holidays and we would always do a big trip in May to celebrate our birthdays. He always could make us smile and laugh with his humor. The world is a little less bright without him in it. He was very loved and will be greatly missed.

I met Bruce when I was 16 and he was 19. We were Caravaners for the Lutheran Church who were trained to organize youth groups during the summer for Lutheran churches throughout the USA. We traveled in groups of four and Bruce and I met during a training session in Ohio. Our friendship continued until he passed. We lived a continent away. I live in NJ and he lived in Oregon. Distance did not matter as this friendship lasted 69 years. Bruce was definitely my best friend and we shared the...

Bruce was a mentor and friend to me as I began my teaching career in 1995. I felt seen and celebrated by him. He had a way of inviting passion and joy and humor. I miss our long breakfasts at the J&M cafe. Ten grain cereal and solving the world´s problems again and again.

Bruce was a kind, gentle man, with a wonderful sense of humour. I enjoyed the many cards he sent me. I enjoyed the times I shared with him. A man that gave so much to so many people and did not ask anything in return. A man of faith. Someone that I could be totally open and honest with. He accepted me just the way I was. I will truly miss our conversations, his smile and his ability to mentor me. Bruce, may you rest in God`s keeping forever.

Have missed trading emails for quite awhile, and miss you even more now. Bless you for who you were and who you cared for.

It was a joy to work closely with Bruce. He was serious when seriousness was needed, and of a friendly and light heart whenever possible.

If Bruce´s mission was to make the world a better place he was an authentic overachiever. He will be missed, and remembered, by so many better for having known him.

Bruce was a man whom i had the pleasure of working with. He was so much more than his job titles and responsibilities. Anything that Bruce did was done with respect and thoughtfulness. He added to the lives of his coworkers as well as to the lives of many students.