Bruce Steele Samuels

I was saddened to learn of Bruce's passing. My condolences to the Samuels family and to Bruce and Julie's community.

Bruce and Julie were, and still are, luminouaries in the world. Their lives brought light to every corner they touched. I had the opportunity to meet them right before my husband and I got married, and had the honor of having them as guests at my wedding. Beautiful, funny, courageous and full of love. Their lives were a blessing for all who knew them.

Bruce was a good friend. Bruce was a good neighbor. Bruce was important to our community in many ways. I will miss Bruce coming over to our house for meals and games. I will miss the many dinners we shared together whether here at the house or at a Chinese restaurant or Thai restaurant. For some reason, Bruce would never let me pay. When a meal was over at a restaurant, he pretended he'd gone to the bathroom so that he could pay for the bill. Bruce was quite the cat fancier and whenever he came over to our place, our cats always went to him. At some point during a get together Bruce would grab Julie's hand and hold it. It was always delightful to see two people who were together for many many years still share tenderness and loving behavior. Rest peacefully, Bruce. Rest peacefully.

Bruce and Julie were an incredible team! I am sorry they have both passed on so soon. I had the opportunity to attend Board meetings of the Oak Park Public Library for the 8 years Bruce was on the Board, he was always clear about prioritizing the community and those who worked at the Library. I also was able to see how dedicated Bruse was to people's democracy which took the form of his commitment to the Green Party. His work as Treasurer and the occasional notary were highly valued.

My heartfelt condolences to Bruce's children and his many friends.

Bruce and Julie at the Cook County Green Party meeting 2011