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Donald Bunger Obituary
September 30, 1943 - February 5, 2025
Donald Bruce Bunger, of Helena, Mont. died in his home, after a battle with cancer on February 5, 2025. He was 81 years old.
Bruce was born September 30, 1943 in Hamilton, Mont. to Polly Taylor and Donald Bunger. Bruce graduated from Hamilton High School and then attended a few different universities before graduating from the University of Montana with his degree in Forestry.
Bruce met Joyce Davis in 1975 in Missoula, Mont. and after a few years together they decided to move to Helena to look for a place to start their lives and build a family. In 1981 Bruce and Joyce moved to Blue Cloud where they both worked on their dream of making a place for people to develop their artistic abilities and further their spiritual journeys. Sadly, Joyce passed away in 1998. After Joyce's death Bruce continued working towards this idea. His art can be seen at various locations around Montana including The Myrna Loy and The Feathered Pipe Ranch. Bruce had a strong connection and respect for Native American culture and made roughly 200 medicine pipes that have been distributed all over the world. Bruce published his book of poetry titled Yellow Pipe and Me. A Journey in 1977, which his family treasures dearly. To know Bruce was to know an extremely talented and kind man. The accomplishments mentioned above really only scratch the surface of how important of a person Bruce was to many. Not only does he leave behind a wealth of stories and memories but a reminder to always "leave beautiful tracks" as he would always say. Bruce was not afraid to be himself and create the life that he wanted to live. This was apparent through one of his favorite quotes that he told to his children often "to thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man" (Shakespeare, Hamlet, 1.3.78).
Remaining to cherish Bruce's memory are his children, Derrick, Tiffany, Jordan, Jaybee (Kim), and Joci (Drew); his grandchildren, Eva, Bert, Alex and Luke; his sister, Mary; and his niece, Mary Jean. His vision will continue to live on through his family, the memories of the thousands that were touched by his art and friendship and his property at Blue Cloud.
Preceding Bruce in death are his spouse, Joyce; his parents, Polly and Donald; his niece, Colleen; his nephew, Robert; and his sister Jane.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 4025 Blue Cloud Rd, Helena, MT. 59601 at 2 p.m. Please contact the family for more details.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Bunger
2 Entries
Shelly Elizabeth Proulx
February 16, 2025
Bruce touched many lives on many different levels. May his spirit soar and wrap his love around blue cloud and his family forever...RIP
Shelly Proulx
Frances DeMaree
February 15, 2025
When I was younger living in blue cloud one of my favorite things to do was sneak some private time with Bruce when he was in his shop working alone. I would go in there and sit on a seat and watch what he was doing. Eventually he would look up and he would say some of the oddest words that would make up a beautiful conversation. He would often ask me a question that I wouldn't be able to answer right away, I'd always have to ponder for days weeks or months before I could answer his question. I miss the way that he would stare at me and I couldn't help but to blush and giggle and run away because he was peering at my soul.
Love you
Frances DeMaree
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