Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Bruce Nance Obituary
Bruce Dale Nance
Bruce Dale Nance, 71, of Salinas, passed away peacefully Tuesday, June 7, 2011, at Stanford Hospital surrounded by family and friends at his side.
Bruce was born July 20, 1939, in Chicago, IL. His parents, Dale and Freda Nance, moved to Hollywood in 1940. He graduated from Canoga Park High School in 1957. Bruce then attended Cal Poly through 1962. In 1972, he moved to Greenfield and purchased the Greenfield Department Store, later opening The Clothing and Shoe Inn. Bruce was currently employed with Hayward Lumber in the doors and window department. He was well liked and respected by his fellow coworkers as well as his clients. Bruce was a proud cardholding member of the PRCA and later a gold card member. He spent most of his life team roping and spending time with his family and friends.
He is survived by his daughter, Eden (Peter) Estrada and one granddaughter Ciara Estrada of Fresno. He is also survived by one sister, Diane Braga of Soledad, niece, Audra Vaccarezza and nephew, Justin Borzini. He is also survived by several great nieces and nephews.
Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, June 25, 2011, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., at the Braga Barn, Soledad. Guests please arrive at 11:00 a.m.
Memorial donations may be made to American Cancer Society, 945 S. Main St., Ste. 201, Salinas, CA 93901.
Arrangements are by Struve and Laporte Chapel. To offer online condolences, please visit: www.struveandlaporte.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Nance
July 9, 2011
Diane, I was so sorry to hear of your recent loss. I have fond memories of Bruce. We had some fun times together, one of which was a double date with you and Bob. He was a good friend to my own brother. When I lost my mother a friend gave me a poem that brought me some peace, I would like to share it with you. For Bruce... He is away, yet ever near, his presence fills each day. His laugh, his smile are everywhere, a memory away. And though he is no longer seen by family or friend, he lives because he was dearly loved and love can never end. God bless you and your family. Darlene Steele Thompson
June 25, 2011
Hi Diane-the years have gone so fast-long time since we were all at Cal Poly and we were roomates! I have loved Bruce forever and am so sad I couldn't be there-Mark said he would remember me to you and others and offer my sympathy. Funny, Bruce came into my mind so strong the week he passed-I wanted to pick up the phone and call him but sadly, did not. I have loving memories of him and will always remember those days. Peace to you in your loss. He was my fist love.
Sincerest sympathy, Linda Hancock
Harold Martella
June 25, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with Eden,Peter and Ciara at this difficult time. Harold Martella &Paula Banchero
Noel Salas
June 18, 2011
Eden, Peter and Ciara, we are so sorry for your loss. Bruce was such a wonderful person. You are in our prayers.
Love, Noel, Leo and the boys
June 16, 2011
Diane: So sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. He was a great friend and a great connection to my hero, Wild Bill Elliott.
John Leonard
Knoxville, TN
The way remember Bruce ('60-'61)
Lynda Elmendorf
June 16, 2011
Diane; It was so good to briefly reconnect with your brother. He spoke of you in loving terms. He was a good man. I have fond memories of your family. Lynda Benton Elmendorf
June 16, 2011
Eden, Pete, and Cara; I reconnected with your wonderful father/ grandfather recently after 51 years. We emailed a few times and spoke on the phone once. Pretty much all he spoke about was you three. What a dedicated and loving father and grandfather. I am so sorry for your loss. He will be missed by many. Lynda Benton Elmendorf (Frazier Park, CA)
June 15, 2011
Eden & Pete, We are very sorry for your loss. You were very fortunate to have such a wonderful and caring father. Hold on to the memories of your father, as they will help you through the hard times. ~Rozina and family.
Bob Steele
June 14, 2011
Hey Bruce, thanks for showing me the cowboy way. Hope you're riding "Flagg the Wonder Horse" See Ya.
ISABELL TORRES
June 14, 2011
Eden,Peter,Ciara,and Diane: With heartfelt sympathy to you and family.We will miss him very much. I worked with Bruce at the shoe store, he was an awesome Boss, and friend. Brighteyes Torres and Family. Greenfield, Ca.
Carol Garcia
June 14, 2011
Eden, Peter and Ciara our prayers to you and all our love. He was one of the few great men...The Garcia Family
Brian and Kandace Jones
June 14, 2011
Eden and family - My husband worked with Bruce at Hayward Lumber. He always talked about how hard Bruce worked and how dedicated he was. He thought very highly of him and was we were both very sad to hear that he had fallen ill. He will be dearly missed. Brian and Kandace Jones
June 14, 2011
Diane, We are sorry to hear of your loss. It seem to much to bear, but I know you will make it through. Joyce and Don Baze
June 14, 2011
Eden, Diane, and family,
We are sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. We have nothing but good memories of his time in Greenfield. No matter where you saw him, he was such a pleasant, nice guy. We were equally impressed as he took on his roll as single father so very successfully and the bond he built with you, Eden.
We know he will be missed terribly by his family as well as his friends, and neighbors.
Joan and Dennis Kuchta
Showing 1 - 14 of 14 results
Make a Donation
in Bruce Nance's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Bruce Nance
Funeral services provided by:
Struve and Laporte Funeral Chapel41 W. San Luis Street, Salinas, CA 93901
How to support Bruce's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Bruce Nance's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
