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Robert Bruce Obituary
Robert E. Bruce passed away January 12, following a brief illness, just nine months shy of age 100. Having been health conscious his entire life, he was still enjoying a very active business and social schedule when his entire system began to fail the day before Christmas Eve.
His formal education came from the universities of Northwestern and Michigan in mathematics, and actuarial science. He served in World War II with 109 missions as a P51 tactical recognizance pilot for General George Patton's fifth army where he also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross.
He served as President of the Fraternal Actuarial Association, Conference of Consulting Actuaries and the Academy of Actuaries, where is also served successive terms as Treasurer. Bob initially worked for his father at H. N. Bruce & Associates which he eventually purchased with his brother to form Bruce and Bruce Company Consulting Actuaries. He also served 65 years as ELCO Mutual Life and Annuity's Secretary and a director for 70 years. He was given the title of its first Emeritus Secretary and director.
Bob lost his beloved wife, Lois (Rolison), in 2007 after 61 years of marriage. He is survived by his three daughters: Nancy (Jerry) Alexander of Fort Collins, CO; Barbara (Chuck) Dillman Cornelius, NC; and Catherine (Alan) Key, Charlotte, NC, plus six grandchildren and ten great grandchildren; a brother, William. A sister, Patricia, pre-deceased him in 2016.
Burial services were private, and a memorial service to Celebrate Bob's Life has been deferred pending easing of the coronavirus pandemic.
Donations only can be made to either of Bob's two favorite charities: Salvation Army or Veterans of Foreign Wars.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Bruce
John M. Dunn
January 18, 2024
Many of the really important and positive things I learned about life happened as Bob and I ran many, many miles together. He was older than me and a fount of wisdom about life - how to be a good person etc. Bob was never preachy, but led by example. I think of him often and pleased that I knew him.
John M. Dunn
January 18, 2023
I think of Bob often and the many favorable ways he touched my life. He was very wise and taught me a a great deal about life, family and the importance of being a solid human being. He and Lois were very special and very kind to me.
Gregory Bruce Buck
November 17, 2021
Uncle Bob and Aunt Lois were my godparents. I only just now learned that he died earlier this year. I have great memories of visiting them in Lake Bluff as a child. Uncle Bob got me interested in running which I do to this day. My four sons are avid runners. Take care, Nancy, Barb and Cathy.
Kathy Rainbolt
February 7, 2021
Bob, I enjoyed your mail so much that I saved it! You were a very kind man.
Jim Weisbarth
February 2, 2021
Barbara, My thoughts and prayers are with your family and sisters. You know how much your Dad did for CRL and our accounting team. Jim
John M. Dunn
January 29, 2021
I had the very good fortune to meet Bob when I was a rookie teacher in Lake Forest High School in the late 60´s, early 70´s. He and his wife, Lois, were quick to make me feel at home. Bob and I enjoyed several marathons and long runs together. I found his counsel and advice instrumental in my growth and development. Bob was a kind, generous and good man. My prayers and thought with Bob, his family and loved ones. John
Ken Faig
January 24, 2021
Bob made major contributions to the actuarial profession during his long life. He and his staff members at Bruce & Bruce were always a pleasure to deal with. My condolences to his family.
tony todd
January 22, 2021
Bob I consider to be one of the greatest people to have graced this Earth in the past one hundred years. He was kind, smart, of quick mind and wit. Most of all he was always a friend . A book could (and should) be written of Bob Bruce.
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