Robert Blake Bruce

A model of hard work, generosity, and unpretentious success, Robert Blake Bruce died June 23rd in the embrace of his family. A true son of Madison, Wisconsin, Bob was born in 1931. He was the second of three children of Robert and Helen Bruce. He attended the University of Wisconsin in Madison where he excelled on the golf team and majored in finance. A lifetime of working in a field he loved was fueled by Professor Frank Graner whose passion for investments spawned generations of great money managers. As a Sigma Chi Bob met Kappa pledge Nancy Meng beginning an enduring love. After a wedding in Milwaukee and a move to Chicago, their family grew including 5 children and 6 grandchildren.

After many successful years at a prominent Chicago investment firm, Bob set out on his own in 1972. He eventually purchased a small mutual fund in 1983 and on-boarded his eldest son, Jeff. Their partnership turned into 35 years of savvy decision-making and included many years on the Forbes Honor Roll. He also established the Bruce Foundation, donating millions to numerous charitable organizations.

His membership at Skokie Country Club produced 6 club championships, and numerous senior championships but more importantly abundant friendships sparked by his honest nature and wry sense of humor. He maintained enduring friendships with fellow Badgers including Albert O. Nicholas with whom he started an endowment for UW athletics. This expanded to include the UW Club Sports endowment enabling all students to experience the power of sport. Bruce and his longtime friend and golf coach, John Jamieson, were instrumental in planning and building University Ridge, UW's golf course. Bob and Ab contributed significantly principal to building the adjacent indoor/outdoor golf practice facility.

Bob relished his children's and grandchildren's accomplishments and encouraged each with ambition charging education.

Bob will be missed by his children Susie, Betsy, Jeff and his wife Hilary, Pete, and Carrie, and his grandchildren Jake, Reilly, Cooper, Hannah, Emily, and Katie. He will be buried at Roselawn Memorial Park in Madison by the side of his beloved Nancy.

In the spirit of Bob's generous nature please donate to a cause of your own choosing or to Beverly Farms 6301 Humbert Rd. Godfrey, IL 62035