Bruce Bronzan Obituary

Bruce C Bronzan
Sept 28, 1947--Sept 28, 2020
Bruce Clinton Bronzan

Nicknamed "The Legend" by his children and family, Bruce Bronzan passed away peacefully, on his 73rd birthday, surrounded by his loving family, after a brave battle with lymphoma. His radiant soul will live in our hearts forever.
He is survived by his wife Jeri Brittell, his daughter Chloe Bronzan, his son Forest Bronzan, his sisters Mary Bronzan, and Ann McDonald, as well as his step daughters Lani Free and Miriam Kopstein, and ex-wife Linda Bronzan.

Bruce was raised by his loving parents, Nick and Peggy Bronzan of Fresno. Nick instilled in him a love and commitment to public service, which led to a long and exceptional career in the health and social-service arena. He was a county mental-health program director, and then served as a county supervisor for eight years as the lead for all health and human-services programs. He was a member of the California State Legislature for 10 years and chairman of the Health Committee and the Select Committee on Mental Health. Mr. Bronzan authored more than 100 major pieces of legislation, including the first "parity" bill in the nation, along with major efforts in aging and long-term care, health, mental health, disabilities, and kids at risk. Mr. Bronzan was honored numerous times for his work in health and social services, including receiving the first Jacob Javits Award in New York for advancing the cause of mental health. After serving in the legislature, he had a position as a dean at UCSF, and then went on to create the web portal "NetWork of Care", with his business partner Afshin Khosravi, of Trilogy Integrated Resources. Bruce was a visionary leader, and inspired many people with his enthusiastic support of all who are in need. We will all strive to carry on his good work.

Bruce's mother Peggy, a fine artist, inspired him with her passion for art, music and theater. This led to his acting in numerous community productions of Shakespeare plays, with his daughter Chloe, as well as playing Atticus Finch in "Mockingbird" with Fairfax players. He was passionate about all forms of art, music, food, wine, and could discuss any of these topics well. He loved a lively dinner party, and was quite a good chef!

There will be no funeral service at this time, but some day, post-pandemic, we will have a grand celebration of his life.
If you wish, a donation in his name can be made to Mental Health of Los Angeles (MHALA.org), in his memory.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Oct. 14 to Oct. 18, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Bronzan

12 Entries

Grandpa Lenny Heifetz

March 16, 2024

The world lost Bruce way too soon. My old pal (and great bass player), George Zenovich, told me about this wonderful young statesman, years ago, when Bruce was still at Fresno State. America could surely use honorable statesmen like Bruce, today! Rest in Peace, Bruce. We still use the potholders that Bruce gave us that support "Bronzan for Assemblyman." I'm sorry to be so late in this commentary about a truly great human being: Bruce Bronzan. My wife of 56 years, Bonnie Balatti Heifetz, was so proud that Bruce went to her old alma mater, McLane High School.

Deborah Hall

May 28, 2023

As an Assemblyman, Bruce Bronzan helped my mother, Millie Hall, secure my brother, Randall Lake's, name on the Vietnam War Memorial in Sacramento. My brother, a Marine, fought in Vietnam. He was 19 when he died of malarial fever in the Philippines in 1966.
My mother learned that my brother's name would not be on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., because he didn't die in combat. This is not unusual. There are many others who have been dishonored in this way.
My mother wrote letters and reached out to then Assemblyman Bruce Bronzan. He helped her see that my brother, Randy's, name was added to the Sacramento Memorial. We attended a ceremony where my brother, Randy, and other soldiers, were remembered and honored. This brought my mother great comfort, and I will always be thankful that Mr. Bronzan heard her grief, and stepped up to help her. His efforts on my mother's, and my brother's behalf, exemplified the kind man and compassionate public servant that he was.
My sincere condolences to his family for their great loss. It's obvious that a lot of people will continue to remember him.

Chloë Bronzan

November 9, 2021

Thank you for all of your comments. I just came across them, a year after my dad´s passing. Reading such wonderful stories about him has meant so much to me. I will definitely be sharing them with my brother. We miss "The Bruce" terribly. Not only did we lose a great dad, but a close friend as well. His radiant, charismatic, wise and hysterically funny essence burns brightly in our hearts.

Judy Edwards McNeal

June 1, 2021

Bruce, you're one of a kind - and I'm proud to say I knew you since high school. I recall serving on committee's with you at McLane, as we both held school offices, and it was always fun to work with and around you. As years went on, you were instrumental a couple times in George and mine's life, helping us thru an issue back in the 90's. You were fun, you were smart, you were kind and you were simply a wonderful human being. I'm blessed to say "I knew you" and I'm grateful you "stepped into my life". Miss you Bruce. Judy Edwards McNeal

Jillary Hardy

May 30, 2021

Hi Mary , Jill Hardy here . My deepest condolences go out to you and the family . I’m Susan Lila Keene Hardy ‘s daughter. I was wondering where you live . I live in Santa Barbara . Please call me or text me at [email protected] or 805 705-1347 or Facebook me at Jillary Suzanne Hardy .

Linda Sawtelle

November 1, 2020

Bruce - So grateful to have known you and called you a friend. I loved your insights and thoughtfulness and depth of conversation that you could go to. And to Jeri - sending so much love at this time and so sorry that Bruce's life was cut so short. Only Love
Linda

Michael Pritchard

October 26, 2020

You gave my Oldest son a job . You made me appreciate leadership on mental health . I want your kids to know you were humble , charming and compassionate . All my children are healers . People like you were why . Prayers for family . I will do a Comedy Show dedicated to you and your visionary wisdom. Pritchard Family

Carla Javits

October 19, 2020

I was fortunate to meet Bruce Bronzan in the 1980's when I worked for the CA State Legislature. I was quite honestly so excited when he received the first American Psychiatric Association award that honored the legacy of my father, Jacob Javits. Mr. Bronzan was a leader in his spirit - passionate, humane, and results oriented. I learned so much from him about mental health. And while he was a fierce and effective advocate for better policy, he was also willing and adept at taking on the challenge of actually doing something to make it easier for people, including people of limited financial means, to access the services that are so urgently needed. He was such a kind and genuine person. I really thought the world of him and I am so sorry for the family's loss. Please know that his beautiful spirit and many accomplishments continue to inspire me and many others.

Oswald Hall

October 19, 2020

A timely ray of sunshine, if even for a moment, is heart warming. Shine on

Ann McDonald

Planted Trees

Judy Edwards McNeal

October 18, 2020

Oh my gosh - what a shock to me and all of our friends who spent our high school days with him serving on school commissioner rolls & out of school following his career - he was a very big help with some things my husband and I needed to take care of while he was part of the Senate & I’ve never forgotten his help & input solving our problem. I loved talking to him and learning about his next big career move and in fact I talked to him in August because he was going to try to make our Christmas luncheon this year with the group that still continues to see each other regularly - my heart was broken when I heard this - such a loss to the world and my condolences and sympathies go out to all of his family

Bill Carlson

October 14, 2020

I knew Bruce in the heady political days in Fresno in the late 70s and early 80s. He ran for the California Assembly and won. those were good times and great fun. I remember Bruce's terrific sense of humor when we walked door to door trying to get votes. You had to have that humor when you did that work. He was a kind and compassionate person who served the people well in all the roles he took on. Bruce loved his family. He loved all of us. We were lucky to have known him.

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