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Walter "Bruce" Bozarth

BORN

Walter "Bruce" Bozarth

Walter Bozarth Obituary

Walter "Bruce" Bozarth November 25, 1950 - July 1, 2011 Walter "Bruce" Bozarth was born in Chula Vista CA and passed away in Bakersfield, CA. Bruce had a long career in the oilfield drilling business until his health began to fail in 2006. He was proud to have survived almost five years after a diagnosis of brain cancer. He was extremely grateful to Drs. Jorge Del Toro and Ravi Patel. Laura Stevenson and the staff at CBCC were his miracle workers. His final employment was with Nabors Drilling as a District Manager in Oklahoma City. The work was challenging and the people he worked with were his second family. He was a friend to all and enjoyed spirited conversation especially about sports, Nascar, and politics. Bruce is survived by sisters, Dee Givens, Mary Mac Donald , Martha Fox and by his brother John Bozarth. His sister Mary, husband Chuck and their family have provided Bruce with continued love, prayers and support during these last years. He has also been on numerous prayer lists by extended family members and their friends and families. He was so appreciative of all the support. Bruce was the father of three sons Aaron, Jon and Jeremy Bozarth and the stepfather of Greg, Jeff and Lisa Ontiveros. His daughter-in-laws included Daphne, Holly, Sandy Bozarth and Julee, Carrie Ontiveros. Between his sons and step children Jackie Ontiveros Bozarth brought to their marriage 12 years ago, Bruce has the most wonderful grandchildren in the world, just ask him! They include, Joshua, Sierra, Colton, Carolina, Victoria, Marissa, Jay, Nathan, Jeremiah Bozarth and Blayne, Lexi, Olivia, Avery, and Emery Ontiveros. Bruce was also loved by his in-laws and their families including, Bill and Chris Parsons, Jim and Gwen Parsons, and his out to dinner and Nascar buddy Tommy Buckley and his wife Lynn who is Jackie's lifelong friend and sister. Bruce had a very colorful life working abroad for different drilling companies and was able to show his boys different cultures and lifestyles. They lived in Singapore and Australia while Bruce worked in the jungle and other exotic places. During his "days off' he explored many other countries showing the boys the good life in faraway places. By contrast, in later years he was very happy to be settled in Bakersfield with Jackie. Remembrances may be E-mailed to [email protected] Bruce's family would like to thank the ER and ICU staff at San Joaquin Hospital for their compassionate care. Memorial service will be held at Basham Funeral Care today Wednesday, at 2:00pm. www.bakersfield.com/obits

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bakersfield Californian on Jul. 6, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Walter Bozarth

15 Entries

Laura Stevenson

June 30, 2020

Bruce,
You were the most memorable patient in the 30 years of being a therapist. I enjoyed your wit, compassion, and thought provoking political conversations with you. I will always remember you! Rest in peace my friend,
Laura Stevenson

The Rev. Alla Bozarth

June 30, 2019

My cousin Walter is beautifully conveyed in all the loving writings here. The high regard in which he is held by his large family and circle of friends and colleagues is most impressive. His appreciation of the people in his life shines through as much as his own kindness and competence are reflected by their love for him. I am proud of my cousin for his faith and fortitude in living with his illness for so long, and also for his tribute to his medical team and caregivers for helping him to do so. My heart goes out to those close to him who are missing him, and I look forward to meeting and knowing him in Heaven, though through the words of all who have written messages here, I already can feel his presence and truly love him for all of his goodness. God bless us all.

July 30, 2011

The first time we met Bruce was around fifteen years ago shortly after he and Jackie had begun dating. It did not take us long to see what a wonderful man he was. Bruce was a "down home, salt of the earth" type of fellow. He was quick-witted, funny, and smart. We thought Jackie and Bruce were a perfect match and were very happy to welcome him into the Parsons family. They got married in a very lovely ceremony that we all attended.

Bruce and Jackie, extremely sharp at cards and games, were always trying to outbest Bill, all three of them being extremely competitive. We had fun "preaching to the choir" with each other regarding politics. Bruce was always so patient, kind and sweet with our daugter Mandy, they were planning to write a sequel to the Harry Potter series. Jackie and Bruce and their three beloved pooches joined us last summer for vacation in the Sierras, doing a little sailing and watching one of the big races at Huntington Lake.

Bruce was the dearest of friends and brother-in-law. He will forever be in our hearts.

Love, Chris and Bill Parsons

July 17, 2011

Bruce was very kind to my mother, Patti Parsons, who was his mother-in-law. When he and Jackie got married in 1999, Bruce was okay with Patti living in their home, and she stayed a couple of years before deciding to give the newlyweds their privacy. After moving to Glenwood Gardens she was frequent visitor for meals, games and the banter that goes on when good friends get together. Lynn

The Rev. Alla Bozarth

July 10, 2011

"May God bless you and keep you; May God's Face shine upon you and be gracious to you; May the light of God's countenance incline toward you and give you Peace."

Loving Blessings to Bruce and all who love and miss him!

Alla Bozarth

Mary MacDonald

July 9, 2011

This is Mary, Brucie's older sister by 3 yrs. and 3 months. I would like to add a little story to my comments made at the memorial. In addition to the other things I mentioned that I taught him, I taught him how to drive. In those days, I don't think automatic transmissions even existed, but I knew how to drive a shift, and I taught Brucie on that, also. He was 16, I was 19. A few months later, after he had received his driver's license, he said, "Let's go for a ride. I want to show you something." So, we hopped into our dad's little Datsun pickup, and he drove to San Diego, onto one of the city's many one-way streets. He proceeded to show me how he timed it perfectly so that he would go through every single yellow light just before it turned red. Now, I am not talking about a few lights, there was a light at every single block, and there were many! He did just that, and also bragged about how fast he could shift the gears! I thought, did I teach him that? No, he just liked a challenge, and to live on the 'edge', so the little stinker frightened me a little, but all was well. Just another example of how he liked to 'draw outside the lines', as Chuck so eloquently presented at the memorial. Bruce, I miss you terribly, and I know with time I will be ok, but right now, I feel as if a part of me is missing. I loved you so much, brother, dear!!

Ryan Blake

July 7, 2011

Bruce was my baseball coach at GBA while I was in elementary. He had a great personality and everyone gravitated toward him. His son's are also great people with excellent athletic ability to boot... a chip off the old block!!! My thoughts and prayers are with the family. Im sorry for your loss, he was a great man.

Lisa Orr

July 7, 2011

You have returned to where you started from, Uncle Bruce! You've lived a colorful life. 60 years goes by fast when you're having fun, right?! I thank God that we were all able to be a part of it. You touched so many lives and we will all miss you dearly, but we must give you back now. Our short time with you is over. Save us all seats up there for when you see us again!
We love you so very much, and you will forever be in our hearts.

Laura Stevenson

July 7, 2011

Bruce,
You were such a larger than life guy with a wicked sense of humor! I will miss our discussions about music, sports, and politics! May you rest in peace! Laura Stevenson OTR/L

Cody Cleveland

July 6, 2011

To the Bozarth Family
We will miss Bruce dearly and our thoughts and prayers are with your family at this time. Bruce was a wonderful man and had a great passion in everything he did. We will all miss him.
From
The Clevelands

baby Zoey

Nathan Fox

July 6, 2011

Uncle Bruce made an awesome run at game of life. My condolences go out to all my cousins and family who new him best. one day we will all be together. Love Nathan, Stephy and baby Zoey Fox

amanda fox

July 6, 2011

Although I have never met you, I have heard many wonderful things about you from your sister Martha, who is my wonderful mother in law. I send my prayers to the family. He is with the higher power now dancing on streets of gold through those pearly gates. I shall meet you In heaven. God bless!!

crystal bartels

July 6, 2011

We will always remember you Uncle Bruce. You leave us with lots of great memories. You fought a great battle and overcame many hurdles. We will always love you and keep you in our hearts forever.

Martha Fox

July 6, 2011

Well Brucy, you made a good life for yourself, seen the world. Now you are with the Father in glorified body free of pain and disease, drinking from the river of Life. You taught me patience, how to drive and indirectly led me to the Lord. I will always love you so very, very much and miss your great optimism. Your glass was never ever half empty!! Will see you again before you it.
Your baby sister, Martha

Cathleen Pierucci

July 6, 2011

I'm going to miss him so very much. He was always the "cool" uncle and I enjoyed every minute I've ever gotten to spend with him and will always wish there were more. He's leaving behind a great legacy and a huge family whom love him dearly. Rest in peace, Uncle Bruce. I love you. Your niece, Cathleen Pierucci

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