Bruce H. Detwiler

Bruce was an instantly likable person. Warm and gentle. Smart and quick to laugh. He will be missed in this world but remembered by all he touched.

Here´s one Bruce - the man who chainsawed down a bunch of dead and dangerous trees at the turn of our driveway. Generously. He offered. Wouldn´t think of payment. Lots of work. He was a gift 0f a human being

About ten years ago I went with Bruce to observe an Oxfam Leadership Council meeting in Boston. The people on the council were in a circle, about 12 people. They acted as a think-tank reviewing current Oxfam projects and considering new ones. I remember the criteria seemed to be: effectiveness, how to accomplish a goal without setting up an unwieldy and expensive organization and getting bogged down. Stay nimble to respond as needed. Most of the projects under consideration had to do with economic justice and equal rights. There were several that needed a humanitarian response to a crisis. Many were women´s issues.

When Bruce spoke that day it was from his heart, with sincerity, with gravitas. More than anyone else in the room including Oxfam leadership he had an intellectual rigor which came from a lifetime of fighting for justice and equality.

He was the most sincere person I ever met.

I feel blessed to have known such a kind and gentle soul. You always cared so much for everyone around you. May you rest in peace knowing that the love of your life will be well taken care of by those who love you both so much. Your life was filled with so much compassion for others and you have left a beautiful legacy that has impacted so many people - friends, colleagues, children and even strangers. Lost but never forgotten.

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Bruce and Sandy with in Amazon Basin Rainforest in Bolivia with Oxfam America, 2004

My first memory goes back decades when I met Bruce and Sandy in Florida where they were teaching. And later we formed a friendship in NYC. Bruce was he kindest and most generous person and a patient teacher. He taught me everything I needed to know about "investing" and much more. A lovely person. He will be greatly missed.

Please join our project by leaving a brief statement expressing the one most important thing you wish to tell Bruce. We hope to add it to the service. Please send statements to either BHD.legacy.com or [email protected]

So sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I entered Hotchkiss in my lower mid year where we met. He was wonderful and friendly making our time there so much more enjoyable.

Glacier National Park with Jeanne and Larry

Trip to Glacier National Park

Louise with her two sons on John´s wedding day

I am so sorry to learn of Bruce's death. I remember meeting you 2 and Morgan Bulkeley in c. 1972-73, my first year after college graduation, a time of trying to explore and find my path, ultimately deciding to teach, then focus on counseling people for 30 years. We met in the Boston Cambridge area. I recall being in a class in figure drawing, taught by Ed McCluney, who let me in free. I loved visiting in beautiful Mount Washington MA, with you 2 and Morgan, such a caring, committed, creative group, all of you living out your values, making your mark in the world. Bruce was studying and writing, developing his ideas and. values. I was so moved to learn about all the ways he contributed, helping, throughout the world. I always felt so welcomed. I agree with a comment left, that Bruce made you feel like he really wanted to reach out and get to know you. So true! Then, on to reconnecting in NYC , with your huge powerful paintings, hung at George Adams' Gallery Your art insisted I look closely at humans' impact, on our earth, replacing forest and jungle with gigantic earth eating and destroying technology. Bruce always seemed so loving, proud of you and supportive of your artistic, thought provoking creations. He lived his values and made a true difference. You 2 seemed to have such a deep, lasting loving bond
I send you big hugs. I am so sorry . I hope we can talk soon.
Love,
Oey

Spring trip after grading papers and portfolios. Nantahala River Rafting

So sorry Sandy. Bruce was a remarkable man and a pleasure to have met. Carolyn and my
heart go out to you.

I have known Bruce since he was at Hotchkiss with Emby Bulkeley (aka Morgan) I am grateful for the decades and decades of friendship. A great laugh, a wonderful conversationalist and a dear friend. Mary King Austin

Great friend
Brilliant mind
Wonderful memories

Here is the photo that I believe reflects that time in Oakland.

I´ve known Bruce more than 60 years and he is one of the kindest, most thoughtful, sincere, genuine people I´ve ever met. Even in getting ready to leave this world, he thought of what he wanted to say to people and to make sure they heard it. Fun story you may not have heard: in the early 1970s, I had a new baby and was living in a starter home North Oakland. Bruce visited and enjoyed staying with us, but didn´t enjoy sleeping on the couch. So he asked if he built a bedroom in the basement, could he stay there. Talk about an offer we couldn´t refuse! Going to miss you, my friend.

We didn´t get to know Bruce well, but we were impressed by how engaging, and interesting he was. It´s sad to think we won´t have a chance to know him better. Sending Steve and my deepest sympathies Sandy.

Dear Sandy, so sad to read this. Bruce was a lovely sweet smart man. I sent love and deep condolences to you and all your family.

i KNEW Hi knre him conversation with him through Sandy, and friends; He is one of the kindest people I have met in my 77 years; My last conversation with him was about a rattlesnake

Sandy and Bruce lived near from Cornell campus those days of graduate students time. I was in the same program with Sandy. We had many occasions to get together with other students at their home. I remember, each time I walk into their home with or without my husband, Bruce greeted us with warm smile on his handsome face. He made us feel so welcome, and he could do anything to please us. Now so many years later, the memory of his smile warm me up.

I have many lovely memories of get-togethers over the years with Bruce, Sandy, and my parents. Bruce was a wonderful, caring, and very smart person, who was always so interesting to talk with, and he was always extremely kind to me. He was a very special person, and I was lucky to know him.
First photo is Bruce at my late father's gallery show, 5/2017.
Second photo is from one of many of of our many family Christmases together, at Bruce & Sandy's loft, 12/2006.

I have many lovely memories of times spent with Bruce and Sandy together with my parents over the years. Bruce was an admirable, wonderful, and caring person, always interesting to talk with, and always so very kind with me. He will be greatly missed, and I am lucky to have known him. (Photo of Bruce at my late father's gallery opening - 5/2017.)

Bruce and Sandy are such bright lights! They were such fun with my kids, their great-niece and great-nephews.

Bruce...my neighbor, close friend, political guru; a person of great depth, courage and strength. He was analytical, focused, determined, intense and kind. Ready with a smile, a quip, praise and humor. My, but I do miss my friend. Judy Whitbeck, Mt. Washington

I remember being a flower girl at Bruce and Sandy´s wedding. It was such a beautiful day there on Mt. Washington, which was always such a special place.

Here´s young Bruce (left) and his brother John (right) in their father´s fancy Jaguar convertible in the early 1950s.

My dear friend Bruce. I will miss our outdoor walks through the mountainous hills of Mt. Washington. I appreciate your kindness towards nature as you carefully stepped making sure there were no red lizards underfoot. Your zeal to keep moving even through rough days, always inspired me to do the same. A mind so vast you had while it seemed as I could bring up any topic in the world, you would have something to share about it. From Sagittarius A, the black hole in the middle of our galaxy, all the way to mullen plants and bob cats.......you had a beautiful mind that explored far and near. I will never forget there are many types of burch trees, how you single handily doug the ditch along your driveway, and your ultimate life goal to help others. Thank you for sharing a piece of your life with me and the world.

Al and I will remember Bruce as a gentle, thoughtful, and compassionate man. In fact, I experienced his compassion personally last summer when, while walking from Town Hall to the Blueberry Farm, I got caught in a fierce rainstorm complete with thunder and lightning. Not only was I drenched but I was frightened, when a car stopped and the driver (whom I didn't recognize) invited me to get in. It turned out that Bruce, in the passenger seat, had instructed his driver to rescue me and deliver me directly to my door. We were both grateful for that kindness! Al Koren and Deanne Moskowitz

I felt privileged to be invited to join Bruce and Emby for a number of their summer lunches on Mt. Washington. Bruce and I took a number of hikes together on the mountain; I was absorbed thinking about the wonderful stories he would tell about his adventures in Mississippi and Zambia, but Bruce kept a sharp eye on the natural world around us. He explained what was going on when a vulture, high up in a tree, vomited down on us. While we were walking on the road one time after a rainstorm, Bruce would tirelessly stop to pick up efts (newts) and gently place them out of harm's way off the road. With his humble, unassuming nature, you would never have guessed all his political, academic, and journalistic accomplishments. I will miss him deeply, Ben Green

It was a great privilege to know Bruce since our Yale days. We had great conversations whenever we bumped into each other at scholarly conferences. I think his deepest instinct was compassion...for everyone.

May Bruce forever live in our hearts.

I always enjoyed talking with Bruce because he was so interested in ideas and so widely traveled. What a fascinating and kind man! I will miss him.

As my father's brother, Bruce and his beloved Sandy have been adored by our family (including my 2 sisters) forever. His genuine goodwill abounded, and his welcoming embrace, great stories, and hearty laughter was dependable and comforting. His personal insight was profound and crossed generations. He gave generously of himself. His compassion and his understanding made him a family treasure. His accomplishments were a source of pride. We are so sad at his passing. We want to hold Sandy close and will remember Bruce always with hearts full of love.
Blessings and peace,
Diana (Detwiler) Knickrehm and family

I´ve know Bruce and Sandy since their time at Cornell. Our paths and time together have been sporadic over the years, but always deep and treasured and delightful.
Bruce devoured information and was interested in everything. A huge mind. A huge heart. Jennifer VanAlstine

I remember meeting Bruce soon after we moved to Mt. Washington 25 years ago, being glad to learn someone with his commitments was among our new neighbors, and talking with our (then) children about Mississippi summer and its place in the civil rights movement soon afterward, having learned of his role. We send our warmest thoughts and deepest condolences to Sandy and all who loved Bruce at this time. Melinda (Fine) and Zach (Lockman)

I always enjoyed talking with Bruce and Sandy on my morning walks down to the CT state line. They were often walking in the early mornings on East Street when I would be up on Mt Washington for my summer vacation.
I had no idea of all the amazing accomplishments of his life. He was such a humble kind person and will be missed on the mountain.
Sincerely,
Rebecca C. Garrett-Brown

I have a distinct memory of Bruce although I never met him. He and Sandy had already left the communal house where they met, when I moved into it. But I never stopped hearing about him. He was a profound soul.
Kathleen Cahill

When I arrived at Hotchkiss in 1958 Bruce was one of the first persons I met. When I found that he loved turtles, we became fast friends. From then on our lives were constantly intersecting paths, much like having a brother. I´ll miss him always..........Morgan Bulkeley