Bruce Manderson

Bruce Allen Manderson passed away on September 15, 2011 at age 65 from cancer.

Committal Services for Bruce will take place today, September 20, 2011 at 12:00PM at Fort Richardson National Cemetery with full military honors. A celebration of life will be held after the service at 5:00PM, located at AMVETS Post 2 in Anchorage, Alaska.

Bruce was born on July 31, 1946 in Anniston, Alabama. He was raised by his mother and grandmother in Birmingham. Inspired in the Boy Scouts and High School R.O.T.C., Bruce always knew he wanted to serve his country. At age 17, just before his senior year in High School, Bruce enlisted in the Alabama Army National Guard. A few months later, March of 1965, Bruce and some of his class mates were called out of class to perform MP duty during the march of Martin Luther King, Jr., from Selma to Montgomery.

Bruce continued his military career with the National Guard for the following 29 years, serving in both Alabama and Alaska. In 1983, Bruce was honored as the Outstanding Senior Non Commissioned Officer by the Alaska Army National Guard. His other honors include: The Army Commendation Medal, 1985, and The Army Achievement Medal, 1987. He retired with the rank of Sergeant Major from the Alaska Army National Guard in 1993, where he served as the State Retention NCO.

After retiring from the National Guard, Bruce returned to the private sector in tool and hardware sales. He has worked for Eagle Hardware, Lowes, and recently retired-again-after more than years at Alaska Industrial Hardware.

In 1967, Bruce married Mavis Owens and became the father of Dana, and their son Allen was then born in 1968. The family lived in Oneonta, Alabama until 1980 when they moved to Alaska. In 1989, Bruce married Wanda Beane. They had their daughter Noel later that year. The last several years, Bruce has spent with his longtime companion Hannah Flaherty. Bruce loved Alaska and was very proud to live here. He had a love for the outdoors and spent time hiking, berry picking, fishing, and traveling. He was a proud member of AMVETS Post 2 and the American Legion Post 1 in Anchorage.

Bruce is preceded in death by his daughter, Dana Manderson. He is survived by his mother, Mildred Manderson; his children Noel and Allen; daughter-in-law Pamela; his grandchildren Chloe and Hunter; and his dear friend and companion Hannah Flaherty.

Bruce passed away peacefully at home as the Lord's Prayer was read to him. He was a true patriot with a deep respect for all who served our country in the military. He was honored to have served his country and the state of Alaska as a citizen soldier.