David Bruce Klos

David Bruce Klos

David Bruce Klos, Bruce as he was known to all, passed away at the Chaplaincy Hospice House in Kennewick, Washington on February 22, 2015, at age 67, after a valiant two-year struggle against a particularly insidious cancer.He was born in Scobey, Montana, the youngest of four children, to Helen and Joe Klos.

Bruce graduated from Carson High School in Carson City, Nevada in 1966. He received an appointment to the United States Coast Guard Academy in New London, Connecticut and attended there for four years and received a Bachelor's of Science in mechanical engineering from the University of Nevada in 1972.

He was a member of the first class of operating engineers at Hanford who would help design and build the Fast Flux Test Facility (FFTF), then known as the "Crown Jewel" of the nuclear energy division of the Atomic Energy Commission (AEC). The challenges of developing a nuclear energy program designed for peaceful purposes, and the treatment of the subsequent highly toxic nuclear waste were many and varied, but Bruce looked upon these as opportunities. "In 35 years at Hanford I never dreaded going to work in the morning," said Bruce. "I've been very fortunate to have had a variety of challenging assignments, had fun accomplishing these tasks, and had great people to work with." He retired as Vice President of Flour Hanford Plutonium Finishing Plant in 2008.

Bruce loved the outdoors, was a superb skier, cyclist and sailor. He and his very best friend, his wife Judy, spent several years building and rigging a 38 ft. ocean-going sloop which they sailed out of Port Townsend, Washington. Judy and Bruce had a vacation home at Priest Lake, Idaho, where they loved sailing on their 18 footer into the many coves and hidden beaches in that pristine area.

Bruce was very fond of fine automobiles, especially Porsches, fine wines, cuisines, craft beers and an occasional classic single malt whiskey. He always had the latest and best in computer technology, audio-visual equipment, enjoyed cooking and even liked baking bread! He was truly a man for all seasons.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents and his sister Fran. He is survived by his wife, Judy; his son, Doug (Maggie) of Sequim; his brother Mike (Pat) of Reno, Nevada; and his sister, Edie (Mike) Bumgartner of Winnemucca, Nevada. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews in Washington,, California, Nevada, Michigan, and many cousins, all of whom admired, loved and respected him.

A funeral mass will be celebrated at St. Joeph Catholic Church in Kennewick on Thursday, February 26 at 1:00 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, it is suggested donations be made to The Chaplaincy/Hospice House at 1480 Fowler St., Richland, WA 99352 or The Tri-Cities Cancer Center at 7350 W. Deschutes Ave., Kennewick, WA 99336

You are invited to share a memory on the Tribute Wall at www.muellersfuneralhomes.com