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Bruce Waggoner Obituary
Bruce Paul Waggoner
7/5/1949 - 12/6/2014
Bruce was born in Colorado on 7/5/1949.
Bruce enlisted in the Navy in 1970; he served 3 tours in Vietnam. He then studied abroad in France and there he learned to speak and read French fluently when he arrived at the University of Bordeaux. In 1975, he came back to the states and obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree at the University of Colorado. He then enrolled in the University of California and there he obtained his Juris Doctor degree in Law. In 1980, he passed the Bar in Sacramento, Ca. Bruce served as an attorney for the United States Air Force from 1981-1989. He also served with the California District Attorney's Office. He worked for State Fund from 1989 to retirement in 2012, also being Attorney in Charge for Redding and Eureka.
Bruce was an active member of the Sierra Club for many years. He served as Executive Director of the Mother Lode Chapter from 1996-2004. He also was the Executive Director in Shasta and a continuing long time member. He also contributed in many ways to the Palo Cedro Park. Bruce was a hard-working, fun-loving man. He loved practical jokes. He had a passion for the outdoors and wild life, as well as protect them. He enjoyed the little things in life and would always stop and smell the roses.
He is survived by his partner of more than 24 years, Ray Trow. He is also survived by sister- and brother-in-laws Jack and Candi Kilgore, Sandi Happke; Aunt and Uncle Art & Jan McKinney of North Dakota, nephews and nieces Brady Shoemaker, Danny Kilgore, Chance Kilgore and family, Careen Cadiz and family, Chris Happke and family. Bruce is also survived by many dear friends.
He will be greatly missed.
Please send flowers to Elks Lodge, Saturday December 13, 2014, or donations in Bruce's name to the Sierra Club Shasta Group or Mother Lode Chapter.
A CELEBRATION OF LIFE WILL BE HELD:
Saturday, December 13, 2014, 11-3 p.m. Redding Elks Lodge #1073
250 Elks Drive, Redding, Ca. (530) 243-5900.
This will be a catered event.
Please sign the guestbook at http://obits.redding.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Waggoner
DENNIS A SOMMESE
December 18, 2014
Very sorry to hear of the passing of a fine Attorney, Veteran and Patriot to his country. We handled some very tough cases in Labor Law, Labor Management Contract Disputes and State Workers Compensation together. We were associates and adversaries at different times since 1987. He was diligent, honest and fair man always. He knew the law. Always prepared to argue the case.
Tom Mahan
December 16, 2014
Sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I worked with Bruce at State Fund. Bruce was always a hard working attorney with a sense of humor. He will be missed. Tom Mahan
Carol P Johnson
December 15, 2014
I worked with Bruce for many years. He was a wonderful person to work with. He would give you his undivided whenever you needed help, even if it meant that he would stay late to complete his own work. His open door policy was not only for work issues but for life issues as well. It was always good to see his smile or to see him lean back in his chair with his hands behind his head as he pondered on the solution to your question. I will truly miss him.
Bruce showing an employee's grandchild his aquarium
Diane & Ken Otto
December 13, 2014
Bruce was my boss at State Fund in Redding, but he was much more than that ... he was my friend. His sense of humor never ceased to brighten my day. He would always bring us treats every Friday and at Christmas time he would don his Santa Claus suit and entertain the children. While participating in an event for battered women called "Walk a Mile in My Shoes", he actually broke his ankle but he finished the walk because that was the kind of man he was. It was a shock to hear that such a vibrant man, who loved life had passed. My husband Ken and I will never forget him. He was and is one of a kind. I wish there were more people like our dear Bruce in this world. It would be a much better place.
Cindy Christiansen
December 11, 2014
What a wonderful person, he was always approachable and very gracious, he will be missed by so many.`
December 11, 2014
I was saddened to hear that Bruce has passed. He was a fine lawyer and a consummate gentleman. Our condolences to his partner, family and friends.
Bernardine Ford
December 9, 2014
I worked with Bruce at SCIF and he was a real gentlemen and a fine attorney and was always so willing to help us with cases.
Diane Wells
December 9, 2014
I was very sad to here of Bruce's passing. I worked with him for 23 years. He was so wonderful to all of us. My condolences to his family. My heart goes out to you all for such a tremendous loss.
Joan Branin
December 9, 2014
I knew Bruce from McClellan Air Force Base and from working with the State. He was a wonderful man. So smart and kind. He always had a happy spirit; he helped me so many times. It was always a joy to talk to him. We will greatly miss him.
Judy Barry
December 9, 2014
Bruce was a gentleman and a gentle man. So kind, funny and lively. He will be truly missed.
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