Bruce D. Ringer, 63, of Tarentum, died of colon cancer at the hospital Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020. Bruce was born Friday, April 12, 1957, in Natrona Heights, to Dorothy (Negley) Ringer and the late Andrew Ringer. He graduated from Highlands High School class of 1975. He was an Army veteran. He was a certified welder and was a union sheet metal worker when he moved back from Florida. He took part in the 911 search and rescue at Shanksville, Pa. He opened the first doggie day care in Allegheny County in 1996. He was the first nationally certified professional dog trainer and the first certified nose work instructor in Western PA. Bruce had been a dog trainer for more than 35 years. He loved being around the dogs and opened Ringer's Pet Dog Training in Tarentum, and then a second location in Natrona Heights. He lived and worked dogs 24 hours a day, seven days a week for 35 years. Bruce is survived by his wife of 37 years, Kim (Freehling) Ringer; his four dogs and many daycare dogs that were like family; his mother, Dorothy Ringer; his sister, Barbara (Johnny Lee) Cranfill, of Lakeland, Fla.; his brother, Andrew Brian (Juanita Webber) Ringer, of Anchorage, Alaska; nine nieces and nephews; and nine great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father. As per Bruce's wishes, there will be no public visitation or services. Cremation will take place. Services are under of the care of the ROBERT PETERS FUNERAL HOME INC., 1521 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065, 724-224-7730. For more information or to leave a condolence, please visit www.petersfamilyfuneralhomes.com. Memorial contributions can be made to help pay medical expenses. They can be mailed to Kim Ringer at 3041 Freeport Road, Natrona Heights, PA 15065, or there will be donation added to Ringer's Pet Dog Training Facebook page.

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Published by The Valley News Dispatch on Dec. 23, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Ringer

12 Entries

Amy Voytosh

February 5, 2021

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Kim,
I am so sorry to hear about Bruce today. He was a wealth of knowledge and a very kindhearted man. Always willing to help. I know he is missed by you and many. I will keep you, your family and pups in my thoughts and prayers.

Heaven has a true friend for all of our pets who have crossed the rainbow bridge.

Carole Hunt

December 28, 2020

Our deepest condolences to Kim and all of Bruce's family. Bruce was such an incredible man. I will miss and remember him always. We are so thankful for his sincere love and care of our Rocky 2. I will always remember him saying every morning, "it's Rocky Raccooooon". It'll be a comfort knowing you're waiting for him up there when it's his time. RIP Bruce. :(....
Jim and Carole

Brenda savage

December 26, 2020

Kim we are so so sad to hear of Bruce’s passing. You have our deepest sympathy. He was so wonderful with our little boy jack. We thought the world of him. We think the world of you. So so sorry for your loss. Love you. Brenda and Donovan

Thomas Mikus

December 24, 2020

To Bruce,it was famously said that a mans heart is measured by how much he was loved by others.the size of your heart is immeasurable.I knew you since grade school.You were funny and kind.Rest in peace my friend.To Kim and family I offer my thoughts and prayers.

JANE BOWSER

December 23, 2020

To Kim and the Ringer family you have our condolences. Bruce was such a wonderful man. His ability to work with dogs is outstanding. My Paxton and Mazie will definitely miss him at doggie daycare. Such a devastating loss for all who knew him. Jane Bowser

Kathy Link

December 23, 2020

So sorry to hear. Bruce was always helpful if you had any questions or problems. He knew his stuff . Will be missed! Enjoy your next life Bruce!

Joe Nulph

December 23, 2020

I love you Bruce, you are a true dog whisperer!!! Thank you for the life long
friendship & all the good times memories we had!!! Rest in peace my brother.

steve bohatch

December 23, 2020

Condolences to the Bruce's family. RIP

Libbie Acre

December 23, 2020

Bruce will be missed by humans and many dogs....mine included. Condolences to his wife and family

Bonnie Sinclair Merten

December 23, 2020

Bruce and I rode the same school bus for many years. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

Holly R Fish

December 23, 2020

This is so sad to read..he was a very special person that connected with dogs like no one else..Kim..my heart breaks for you..your in my prayers...Holly Fish

Melissa Pogoersckey

December 22, 2020

This man was of the very few people that I've ever felt comfortable leaving my babies with, aside from Kim. The pups always knew where they were going and they act ridiculous if we ask if they want to see pappy Bruce and nan Kim. He always loved our pups like his own, and made sure I knew that... EVERY time he would try to "steal" them.

I'll never for get how hard he laughed the first time I got flustered picking up cheza and he said "who? Never head of her. Good name tho". He never let me live it down either.

Man are we going to miss you so much Bruce. I cherish every little great habit and every *result of spoiling* habit Benji and Cheza have come home with. Thank you for loving them so much, thank you for forcing Benji to share, teaching him how to do stairs and to get on and off furniture, and teaching Cheza (and us)
that it was perfect to be a big white gentle giant. They both light up when they hear your name. Thank your for telling us all of your crazy stories about florida, Jamaica, and all the other fun/silly/crazy times you've had. Josh and I will make sure Kim gets extra love, because she deserves it. Fly high angel, please make sure all the fur babies we loved so much get to sleep in that giant custom bed.

This page asked what Bruce was to us. He wasn't a friend, he was our family. We love you guys.

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