Bruce W. Donisthorpe, born Jan. 3, 1960, native of Bloomfield, passed from this life on Sunday, July 24, 2016. Bruce was preceded in death by his sister, Karen Robinson; and his father, Oscar L. Donisthorpe, Esq. Oscar was an attorney, farmer and seasoned political strategist. His mother Christine Donisthorpe, served in the New Mexico State Senate from 1980 through 1996 and was N.M. Republican National Committeewoman from 1982 through 1988. Like his parents, Bruce was an experienced political veteran with over 35 years of experience in political and communication campaigns at the federal, state, local and tribal levels in New Mexico and throughout the United States. Bruce worked in Santa Fe as Communications Director and Press Secretary to NM Governor Garrey Carruthers and as Communications Director for the NM Republican State House and State Senate and the Republican Party of the State of New Mexico.
Bruce worked on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., working for US Congressman Joe Skeen (NM). Bruce served as the Congressman's Legislative Director, House Appropriations Committee Associate Staffer and as Political Director for the Congressman's campaigns from 1992 through 2000.
Bruce returned to New Mexico in 2001 and founded BWD Global, a firm which has worked for a variety of clients over the years including universities, governmental entities and private sector companies as a public affairs and governmental affairs representative. Bruce was a subject matter expert in communications strategy, crisis communications, outreach, networking and coalition building. Bruce received his Master's Degree in Speech Communications from the University of New Mexico in 1985, focusing on political campaign organizations and advertising. As a Presidential Scholar, he received his B.A. from UNM in 1982 with a degree in Education, focusing on Communications and Government. He was a Board Member of Kirtland Partnership and a Board Member of the New Mexico Coalition for Literacy. Bruce was an alum of the Alpha Tau Omega (ATO) fraternity. Bruce was a member of the Legacy Church, where his fellowship and education endeavors and activities will be sorely missed. Bruce was a lifetime fan of the S.F. Giants, and, of course, because of his affiliation with UNM, Bruce was an enthusiastic Lobo fan.
Bruce loved his family and his family loved him. The younger family members especially loved to play games with their Uncle Bruce and he was a-take-no-prisoners kind of player even with the little folk. He is survived by his mother, Christine Donisthorpe; brother, Paul Donisthorpe and his wife, Liane Kerr; brother Brian Donisthorpe and his wife, Theresa; nieces, Nicole Donisthorpe and Karysta Donisthorpe; and nephews, Kurtis Donisthorpe, Andrew Robinson and Neil Robinson. Services will be at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 28, at the Legacy Church East Campus, 4701 Wyoming NE in Albuquerque. A reception will follow in the Legacy Church
Gymnasium. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in his name to the N.M. Coalition for Literacy or the UNM Foundation.

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Published by Farmington Daily Times from Jul. 28 to Aug. 4, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Donisthorpe

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9 Entries

Michael See

January 7, 2019

Just learned of Bruce's passing. Bruce was a great friend to me for many years. We enjoyed many great times together here in Las Vegas as members of our United Baseball League (The UBL). He even invited us to Game 4 of the 1998 World Series (Yankees vs Padres) and we saw the Yankees win it all. Such a great guy. RIP old friend. You are missed.

Leland Turner

April 6, 2017

Read the notice about Bruce in the UNM alum magazine, my condolences to the family. Bruce was a member of the speech and debate club ahead of me in high school and we looked up to him, he demonstrated to us how to be professional and to make a cogent argument. At UNM I would see him rushing from class to class in a suit and tie, an example of a serious student to us all. We would visit from time to time and it was good to know somebody else from Bloomfield. I didn't see him after college but was glad to read he worked in Washington and Santa Fe, we were proud to know him and his family.

Peter Pierotti

October 15, 2016

I just learned of Bruce's passing from one of his fraternity brothers. Bruce was an adversary debater when I was in high school, but a good friend during undergrad at UNM. He introduced me to KUNM radio, helped me in my student political campaigns, and was a great classmate in the communications department. He always knew what was going on, who to talk to, and how to get things done, and freely shared his knowledge with good humor. I saw Bruce only once in the last 20 years, so he will live on in my memory as before.

With Sympathy,
Peter Pierotti

David

August 17, 2016

Bruce was a great person to work with, fun to talk to, and great at his job.

Stevan Villers

August 1, 2016

It is with deepest condolences I send this message to the Donisthorpe family. Bruce was a dear friend to me ever since high school. He will be missed by me. Rest in peace, Bruce

July 29, 2016

I am so sorry for your loss. I will always have kind memories of your home and family Chris. God be with you and all of yours .

Autumn Young Turland

Ahmed Dadzie

July 28, 2016

I am filled with tears. The last time we met was at a bite of Belgium. You were very helpful and kind and contributed your best towards my project. I'm heart broken that you couldn't live to see your name acknowledged in my research. With tearful eyes we watched you, and saw you pass away. Although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hardworking hands at rest. I believe God broke our hearts to prove to us, He only takes the best.
Rest in peace Bruce, you will always be remembered.

Kevin Mauzy

July 28, 2016

Our deepest condolences to the Family. Christine, Paul, and Brian our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. May God fill you with His presence, peace, comfort, and love..........

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