Bruce Thomas Colwell

Bruce Thomas Colwell, age 77, of Pittsburg, California, peacefully passed away on September 6th, 2023. Bruce was the first of six children, born in Ellensburg, Washington, January 8, 1946 to Hugh and Wilma Colwell. As the eldest, Bruce was a nurturing caregiver and steady champion to his younger siblings: Kathleen of Ellensburg, Sharon Nickels of Seattle, Edith Henderson of Bellevue and Camano Island, Ellie Blackberry of Benton City, and brother Steven (deceased).

A lifelong learner with a fervent interest in history and politics, Bruce graduated from Ellensburg High School in 1964 and received his Bachelor of Arts in History from Central Washington College. He was raised to be a proud worker. Starting at a young age he helped his father scale lumber in the woods of the Central Cascades. Bruce was always active in politics, including serving as President of the Central Washington State College Young Democrats and Collegiate Vice President of the Washington State Young Democrats. Bruce's tireless advocacy for to those in need- family, friend, colleague, or stranger- was anchored by a forcefully earnest belief in the inherent worth and dignity of others.

After serving as a classroom teacher for many years, mostly in Seattle Public Schools, Bruce became active in the Seattle Education Association, serving as its President on two occasions. He also served in leadership for the Washington Education Association, as President of the National Council of Urban Education Associations, and on the Board of Directors for the National Education Association. Later he served as a union executive for the California Teachers Association, working in Oakland and other East Bay Area school districts. Bruce was known for his strong leadership and diligent advocacy in negotiating contracts for public school educators. His work made a positive impact on the lives of educators and many generations of children.

In his later years, Bruce and his wife Nicky often traveled nationally and internationally, to share time with his network of cousins, extended family, and friends. In addition to his four sisters, Bruce is survived by his two children Jennifer Lynn Loy and Brian Hugh Bradley Colwell, his dearly loved wife and partner of 43 years Nicky Hays Amodeo, and his six grandchildren, Adele, Clem, Alana, Hazel, Tripp, and Huxley who were an immense source of pride and joy.

The family requests gifts in Bruce's memory be made to either Reading Is Fundamental or the American Civil Liberties Union.