Bruce Jennings

Bruce Jennings

Cushing, ME - Bruce Jennings, 77, passed away peacefully at his home in Cushing, Maine on February 11, 2025, with his family by his side after a short but courageous battle with brain cancer.

Bruce was born in Lebanon, NH on November 24, 1947, and attended Lebanon schools. It was during his high school years he discovered his love and talent for ski jumping. This would become his passion and as he developed his style and skill, the recognition followed. Bruce was recruited to ski at the University of Wyoming and gained national and international recognition and was a two time All American. Though he was not one to share his many accomplishments, Bruce was proud to be the only skier ever (or since) to be awarded the Outstanding Athlete in 1969 for the University. He was also named athlete of the year for the State of New Hampshire. From 1968 to 1972, he was a member of the US Ski Team earning many accolades for the jumping team, and from 1976 to 1980, he was the regional jumping coach for the US Ski Team; he had the honor of coaching the team at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, NY.

In 2016, Bruce was inducted into the American Ski Jumping Hall of Fame. In one of the many articles written about Bruce, it was stated that "Jennings is one of the few American jumpers who have been classified among the world's best. In the late 1960's he was one of the top performers in Austria, Switzerland, Germany and Finland as well as the US."

In 1968, Bruce married Linda Burckes in Meriden, NH. They began their family, and in 1972 moved to Northfield, VT where they raised their three children while Bruce coached and taught at Norwich University. Bruce had a 25-year career at Norwich and served as both the ski coach and men's soccer coach as well as acting as teacher and advisor to countless students and athletes. After leaving Norwich, Bruce and Linda moved to Cushing, Maine where they owned and operated Saltwater Farm Campground for 25 years. During this time, Bruce worked endlessly at maintaining their beautiful property to share with visitors from around the world. Bruce cherished books and tirelessly read anything he could get his hands on, including calculus textbooks. In addition, he loved his tractor, family conversations by the pool, and his woodworking shop where he created beautiful furniture for his family.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda, and his three children, Stacey (Todd) Souza of Cushing, ME, Randy (Jim) Swormstedt of Laconia, NH, and Nicholas (Emily) Jennings of Lempster, NH, his sister, Pamela (Gordy) Thomas of White River Jct., VT, sister in law, Christine Burckes of Cushing, ME and his seven grandchildren: Sidney, Jennings, Elizabeth, Fia, Olive, Cyder and Fern who all very affectionately called him Grumpy. He loved spending time with all of them and attending their many sporting events.

He is predeceased by his parents and his sister Patricia.

A celebration of life for Bruce will be held at a warmer time, later this year. In honor of Bruce's memory, the family would love for you to support young local athletes in the pursuit of their dreams.

Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hall Funeral Home and Cremation Services. To share a condolence or memory with the Jennings family, visit Bruce's Book of Memories at www.hallfuneralhomes.com.