Bruce A. Klockars

1947 - 2022

Bruce A. Klockars

Belchertown, MA — Bruce Allyn Klockars, 75, of Wilson Road, Belchertown gave up his 2½ year struggle with cancer on Sunday 8/14/22 at home. He was born in Woonsocket, RI April 25, 1947, the son of Elsie L. (Nygard) and Carl B. Klockars, Sr.

Bruce was an industrial designer, graphic designer, teacher, artist, craftsman, collector, philatelist, humorist, fisherman, and logophile. As a teenager Bruce was mentored in the tool and die craft by his father and grandfather. He graduated from Rhode Island School of Design in 1970. He became an inspirational visual arts teacher & head of the Art Department at Eagle Hill School, then earned an M. Ed. in 1975 from UMass School of Education. He veered from his doctoral program to pursue a career in the new field of adaptive design, combining his background in machine shop experience, design, and education. Bruce initiated the program of Adaptive Design Services at Monson Developmental Center and was Director for 33 years.

In retirement, he was founder and principal of Bard Brook Press, a publisher of original works by under represented authors. He was a volunteer and Board Member at the New England Small Farm Institute (NESFI) and a coordinator of the Belchertown Community Garden (BCG). Bruce was a member of the Belchertown Historical Commission and a member of the Belchertown Arts Council.

Daughter Sarah found the perfect word to honor his Swede-Finn heritage—Sisu. It means inner strength, stoic determination, hardiness, courage, bravery, willpower, tenacity and resilience— especially when the odds were not in his favor. Bruce had these qualities in abundance. Nothing was more exciting than a good problem to conquer—even better if he could offer up a deliberate spoonerism, pun or shaggy dog story to entice others to join him in the fight.

Beside his beloved wife of 51 years, Eileen L. (Minkin) Klockars, Bruce leaves a daughter, Sarah L. Klockars-Clauser and her husband Arlo; a son, Brent A. Klockars; two grandchildren, Alonwyn L. Clauser and Julien A. Clauser; a brother, Erik C. Klockars and his wife Karen; and a sister-in-law, Joan M. Klockars. Bruce was predeceased by his parents and older brother, Carl B. Klockars, Jr.

The family wishes to thank the Cooley Dickinson Hospital VNA and Hospice for their extraordinary guidance and end-of-life care. Donations may be made in memory of Bruce A. Klockars to the New England Small Farm Institute, P.O. Box 937, Belchertown, MA 01007 or the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC). Arrangements were under the direction of the Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.