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Stephen BRUCE Obituary
Stephen Graham Bruce, age 68, died peacefully on September 11, 2016 in his home in Austin, Texas of brain cancer. He was born December 16, 1947 in Orange, Texas to Judge Graham Bruce and Mary Anderson Bruce. He was happily married to Dena Blain of Beaumont, Texas for 30 years until her death in 2007. He and Dena raised their daughters, Clara Wood and Melissa Pyle.
He was an avid and expert duplicate bridge player and had many friends at the Bridge Center of Austin and around the country. He accumulated over 5,000 master points while playing with his favorite partners, Dena, both parents, friend George Pisk, and nephew C. G. Bell. He enjoyed the Austin folk music scene and the Kerrville Folk Festival. He also loved singing, playing his guitar, and the company of his dogs Cooter and Zap.
Steve is survived by daughter Clara Marshall Blain Wood of Austin, sister Virginia Bruce Provost of Austin, brother David Alan Bruce and wife Kathy of Beaumont, Texas, grandson Andrew Dillon Pyle, nephews C. G. "Gray" Bell and Andy "Bill" Bell, and niece Robin Bruce Helson and husband Russell. Preceding him in death were his parents, wife Dena, daughter Melissa, and niece Shelley Bruce Lane de Courtin.
He graduated from Stark High School in Orange and The University of Texas at Austin. He worked for the State of Texas in the Comptroller's Office for 38 years.
Steve was lovingly and tirelessly cared for during his last months by Clara Wood and his good friends Don Aishman, Sharon Hoger, and Sue Sulsar.
There will be a gathering of family and friends on September 15, 2016 from 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Cook Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX.
In lieu of flowers Steve requested that gifts be made to the Austin Humane Society or Hospice Austin.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Stephen BRUCE
Sponsored by Cook-Walden Funeral Home.
Chris Compton
November 18, 2016
So sorry for your loss, Clara. Steve was such a sweet , kind spirit.
Matt Wood
October 31, 2016
I was saddened to learn of Stevie's passing. He was such a great guy - warm, funny, caring, nurturing, patient, and of course brilliant at bridge. I was amazed how he and Dena would come home from bridge and discuss potential alternate plays for several specific hands! I enjoyed jamming with him and just hanging out. He was special and I'm glad I knew him.
September 29, 2016
I'm very sad to hear about his passing. For many,many years Steve ("The Rock") and I would discuss the many hands he would play and my opinions regarding them. He also fairly regularly would attend the "Hardly Strictly Bluegrass" festival out here in the Bay Area as well.
Ron Gossen
September 26, 2016
Stevie led a wonderful life. He was beloved by all who knew him. One can't ask for a better life, regardless of its span of time. Stevie will live on as long as there are those who remember him. God bless Stevie.
September 19, 2016
I would like to second the comments of Tom Shelton.
I was in Acacia fraternity at the same time, and Steve was a very friendly and kind fraternity brother. He was very patient in teaching me to play bridge at the fraternity house after supper.
I have fond memories of those times with Steve.
My deepest sympathies
RIP Steve
Tom Shelton
September 17, 2016
Steve was an Acacia fraternity brother at UT in the late 1960's, and although I hadn't seen him in almost 50 years, his obituary sounds just like the kind, gentle giant I remember. Steve was a familiar sight sitting around the table in the living room at the Acacia house playing bridge with his brothers. Who knew that Steve played the guitar, much less that he could sing -- but it's no surprise that his dogs would be named Cooter and Zap.
The condolence comments provide a wonderful tribute to a man who touched so many in grateful, profound ways. RIP, Stevie.
September 15, 2016
Stevie was a wonderful man, full of laughter and so good and kind to his family and friends. He will be missed by so many and that says so much as to how many lives he has touched throughout his life. We are the lucky ones to have known him.
Love, Joye & Steve French
Janis Powell
September 15, 2016
Stevie came to us with a special grace that he shared with everyone he encountered in some way or another. We were so lucky to have him. He will be greatly missed. Special thoughts and condolences to David and to all his family and many friends. With love from the "Powell girls" Janis, Nancy and Holly, with special love from Mavis to Mary and Bubby as well.
September 14, 2016
A good man with a sense of humor. We will all miss Steve.
Alex Labry, Austin, Texas
Dianne Duperier
September 14, 2016
Sending prayers for you all!
Wendy Pyle
September 14, 2016
Wendy Pyle
September 14, 2016
Wendy Pyle
September 14, 2016
Wendy Pyle
September 14, 2016
Papa loved to read to Andrew
Wendy Pyle
September 14, 2016
Wendy Pyle
September 14, 2016
Papa loved his Grandson Andrew Pyle
Wendy Pyle
September 14, 2016
Jeane Acord-Ramirez
September 14, 2016
My condolences for his family for he was an incredible person with an amazing soul, miss seeing him at the Comptrollers. Now he is home playing his guitar. God Bless...
Kristy Walker
September 14, 2016
I loved Stevie's sense of humor. He always made me smile with his keen insights. He had a gentle way about him. When I first met him he made me feel very welcomed into the Bruce clan. Stevie...you were a gift to us all.
Kristy Walker (Austin TX-now Minneapolis MN)
Paul Brown
September 14, 2016
My sincere condolences, David and family. Hairy, as he was known by those on the basketball team, logged lots of time together on the bench during games. We shared many laughs together!Best to you and your family, Paul (Bep) Brown
Mark Weimer
September 14, 2016
I met Stevie at bridge as so many others did. He was always kind, willing to at least attempt to teach me some of the finer points of the game, and was a fine person. I am sorry that he has passed.
To Clara I have to extend my deepest condolences. I know how important he was, and is to you. You and your family are in my thoughts.
Debbie Jennings
September 14, 2016
My deepest heartfelt condolences to all who knew and loved Steve. He was a kind and gentle man.....a teddy bear as I liked to call him. I worked many years with Steve at the Comptrollers and he always greeted everyone with a smile. I will smile every time someone comes around with the fund raiser chocolate bars for sales because he would buy you out! I was heart broken when I found out he had passed and I will miss him as will everyone who knew him.
Debbie Jennings
Jerry Garcia
September 14, 2016
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. Steve Bruce was a wonderful individual. I am so glad to have the pleasure to work with Steve and know him personally at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Our prayers are with all. God Bless.
Jerry Garcia
September 14, 2016
Words cannot even begin to express our sorrow. Steve Bruce was a wonderful individual. I am so glad to have the pleasure to work with Steve and know him personally at the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts. Our prayers are with all. God Bless. Jerry Garcia (Austin, Texas/Laredo)
Karl Putnam
September 14, 2016
Steve was always quick with a smile and friendly, insightful comments. He will be missed.
Beth Mathews
September 14, 2016
It was devastating to hear of Stevie's brain tumor, but so rewarding to reconnect with him at the reunion in June. We all loved him. He was so lucky to have his family to care for him til the end. Peace and comfort to you!
Jack Lacy
September 13, 2016
I am so sad. Stevie will be missed. I have many fond memories of Stevie both as partner and opponent at the bridge table.
Manuel Torres
September 13, 2016
For Steve family, I am so sorry for your loss. It looks like it was yesterday when I saw Steve at the Comptroller. Nice memories, as he was always so kind, smart, always with a smile, gentle and friendly chats in the morning. I send my prayers to his family and friends. He will be missed.
Candee Scofield Hoff
September 13, 2016
My condolences on the loss of one of the finest men I had the pleasure to know. Even though we hadn't seen each other since UT, until our 50th reunion, his passing has left an indelible mark on all of us who attended the reunion and were able to see Stevie again. Stevie was always 20 moves ahead of most of us at Stark and his abilities on the football field were remarkable and legendary. But that wasn't what set him apart from the crowd. It was his ability to sway us, encourage us to do the right thing, the honorable thing. In his quiet manner, he was a force and is appropriately dubbed the "gentle giant". Clara and David, it was such a pleasure to see you at the reunion. My prayers are with you and your family.
Dewey Updegraff
September 13, 2016
We hold many fine memories of Steve, beginning in junior high and through our last email conversation. Throughout his life Steve met everyone with a smile, and usually a keen observation, mutual memory or a kind thought. He projected a kind, cool, at ease, demeanor in every situation we shared and made a positive impact on his friends during the school days of yesteryear and throughout his adult life. Many, many miss him, his smile and that mischievous twinkle in his eye. Happy Trails, Steve, and thanks for everything.
Melissa Brogan
September 13, 2016
So many fond memories of Steve from Comptroller days. Always kind, gentle and never without a smile. I simply loved talking music with him! Much love and prayers for his friends and family.
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
My sincerest condolences to all Steve's family and friends. I was Steve's brother-in-law for fourteen years and have always still considered him my family for all the years after that. I will remember all the great times we spent together when he and Dena would come visit in Orange. We played guitars, back gammon, and just enjoyed visiting. I feel honored to have been a part of the Bruce family and will always cherish the wonderful memories of days past.
Now Steve can complete the bridge foursome and play forever with Dena, Graham, and Mary. I sure they will continue to earn many master points and know they will always be remembered by the many lives they touched.
I was fortunate to see Steve a few weeks ago and wished he were healthy. Remember to love always.
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Stefanie Medack
September 13, 2016
A wonderful kind and gentle friend. Such a sweet spirit and soul. He was one in a million. Condolences to family and fellow friends.
Tony Rice Concert
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
At Clara's Wedding
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Picking in Kerrville
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Tony Rice Concert
Jeff Provost
September 13, 2016
Joel Robins
September 13, 2016
Stevie and I met when we were just young boys and were life long friends. He was my great pal, classmate, teammate, house mate, traveling buddy, confidant, story-swapper, and so much more. We shared a great many life experiences together as teenagers and young men before life took us in different directions. The person that he was left an indelible stamp on my life and so many others. You could always count on him...he was a constant in that house in Austin and in his gentle manner. He was one of a kind and had a way of touching lives. I will miss him greatly. My hope is that I'll see him again one day.
Ramona Stark-Sands
September 13, 2016
I was so sorry to hear of Stevie's passing. Even though Stevie and I were not in the same class I knew him through his brother, David. Of all the boys I knew in high school, Stevie was one of the sweetest, most kind and unassuming of them all. He was a treasure. I send prayers to his family and close friends.
Dan Morse
September 13, 2016
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Debbie Bennight
September 13, 2016
Steve was a kind and gentle soul.I worked with him for many years. I am sorry for your loss.
Ellen Pierce
September 13, 2016
For the family I am truly sorry for your loss. I worked with Steve at the Comptrollers for many years. He was a really kind person and had a great personality. He will be missed. I feel lucky to have known him.
Krystal DB
September 13, 2016
For the friends and family of Mr Bruce, I am so very sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort hear your heartbroken prayers and support you during these difficult times.
Jim Pyle
September 13, 2016
Stevie "PaPa" was bigger than life...he was overflowing with love for his family and friends.
One of my favorites memories was Andrew's first birthday celebration... PaPa, and I wore party hats and we helped Buddy blow out the candles... Buddy was PaPa's special name for Andrew. .
Andrew, Clara, David, Virginia, Gray, Andy, Robin ...We are so sorry for your loss. Clara, Don, Sharon and Sue...you were the angels who lovingly cared for Stevie in the last days of his life.
Stevie and PaPa: We love you and will dearly miss you.
Jim and Wendi Pyle
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