Bruce Allender

Bruce MacInnes Allender, born on October 1, 1964, in Ararat, Victoria, Australia, passed away peacefully, leaving a legacy of kindness, adventure, and unwavering commitment to family and friends.

Bruce was the beloved son of Catherine and Keith Allender and the cherished younger brother of Rodney, who sadly passed away last year. He grew up on the family farm in Warrak, surrounded by rolling hills and a close-knit rural community that instilled in him the values of hard work and camaraderie. Bruce's childhood was marked by happy days on the farm, shared with his cousins and extended family, often working alongside them in the woolshed, where even as a young teenager, he displayed his spirited nature by successfully leading a strike for higher wages.

Educated at the small, one-teacher Warrak school before moving on to Ararat High School, Bruce demonstrated early promise, traveling long hours each day to expand his horizons. He later pursued his tertiary education at Deakin University in Warrnambool, graduating with a degree in Applied Science in Aquatic Biology. This academic foundation sparked a lifelong curiosity that took him across Australia, Southeast Asia, and around the world, embracing new cultures and experiences. Bruce was a man of the world.

Bruce's professional journey began with Macquarie, where he developed a strong foundation in business and leadership. In 2001, he transitioned to Black & Veatch, taking on a business development role that brought him to Kansas City. Over the years, Bruce rose to the position of Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the InfraManagement Group, demonstrating his talent for strategic growth and project management. While Bruce had many mentors throughout his career and was inspired by countless people. In 2023, Bruce embarked on a new chapter alongside another mentor and friend, joining Kiewit as the Vice President of Sales for Municipal Water, where he continued to make a lasting impact on the industry.

In addition to his professional achievements, in 2020 Bruce was appointed to the Kansas City Planning Commission, reflecting his commitment to community service and thoughtful urban planning. Bruce was proud to call Kansas City his home.

Despite the geographical distance, Bruce never wavered in his commitment to his Australian roots and family. Bruce was very proud of his nephew Wesley and his niece Jillian. Wesley married Jasmin and they have two children, Tyler and Talisha. Jillian married Marcus and they have three boys, Joshua, Alexander and Samuel. Bruce was a very proud uncle, always celebrating in the successes of his family.

He promised his parents he would return for every Christmas, a pledge he kept whenever possible, despite the challenges of illness and global travel restrictions.

Bruce maintained a close-knit group of friends in Kansas City, and several became what he referred to as his surrogate family. He celebrated many holidays with his long-time friends The Murphy's becoming affectionately known as "Uncle Bruce" to their daughter Kaitlyn and their extended family.

Bruce was known for his love of a good social gathering, often hosting dinners for friends. Most notably, he and Melissa hosted the annual Great Aussie BBQ for 12 years at the American Royal. This beloved tradition included shipping crocodile and kangaroo from Australia, serving hundreds of friends and sharing a taste of his homeland with his American community.

A passionate sports fan, Bruce's love for his friends and family was matched only by his devotion to the Collingwood Football Club. In his younger years, he celebrated their victories with gusto and cherished attending iconic sporting events like the Boxing Day Test matches at the Melbourne Cricket Ground, where he witnessed historic moments, including Shane Warne's 700th Test wicket.

After moving to Kansas City, Bruce continued to cheer on his favorite football and cricket teams with an amazing group of KC Aussies, keeping his passion for Australian sports alive and making a damn good group of friends whilst doing so. Bruce was also an avid Sporting KC fan and regularly invited friends to join him in cheering on the team from his club seats.

In his final years, Bruce faced serious health challenges, and his close friends provided unwavering support, caring for him with immense love and compassion. Their friendship and dedication offered Bruce great comfort and strength through his illness, reflecting the deep bonds they had formed.

Bruce will be remembered for his hearty laugh, deep conversations, and the humor and joy he brought to those around him. His memory will forever be cherished by his family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. A "SENSATIONAL" celebration of life will be planned for Bruce at a later date. Details will be posted.

Bruce, may you rest in peace, reunited with those you loved, and forever in the hearts of those who loved you.