Bruce Runyan Engstrom

Bruce Runyan Engstrom, of North Little Rock, passed away peacefully on February 20th at his home in North Little Rock at the age of 76.

Bruce was born on September 30, 1947 in Little Rock, Arkansas. He began his career as a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in 1972 after graduating from the University of Arkansas in 1970 and Hall High in 1965. After college, Bruce began working at Russell Brown, then the state’s largest accounting firm. In 1981 he was a founding partner of Engstrom and Digby, which later became Engstrom, Grayson, Green and Patterson (EGGP) and grew into one of the largest accounting firms in Arkansas, today known as EGP.  Bruce had a long and accomplished professional career, receiving numerous professional designations, including the Certified in Financial Forensics (CFF) in 2008, the Forensic and Valuation Services (FVS) in 2016, and Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) in 1998. Bruce was known for his intelligence, but most of all his steadfast commitment to the highest ethical standards.

Bruce was also active in the community, serving on numerous boards, including the North Little Rock Planning Commission and the Arkansas State Lottery Commission. He was also the Treasurer for the campaign to pass the eighth-cent sales tax that was instrumental making the Arkansas State Parks system among the best in the nation.

Bruce was a man who took care of his business, but his heart was in spending time outdoors, most notably at his beloved Lake Ouachita. He loved nothing more than spending time at the lake surrounded by his family and friends.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Sue Engstrom; his devoted children, Allen Engstrom and Carrie Lebowitz, and her husband, Scott Lebowitz. He was a proud and cherished grandfather to Zachary and Samuel Lebowitz, and Jackson and Mason Engstrom. Each of them held a special place in his heart, and his legacy will continue through the lives he touched and the family he adored.

There will only ever be one Bruce Engstrom. He was the one and only rebel-accountant. He was a mentor and teacher and played an outsized role in the growth and development of many.

The love of his life and his “why” was Sue. They were married for 53 years.

He was a loving and supportive father who taught and inspired his children. The lessons he passed will be with them all their lives and will live on forever through his grandchildren and successive generations.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at the E.O. Manees House, located at 216 W. 4th Street in North Little Rock from 4-6pm on Saturday, February 24th.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Arkansas Hospice.