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Bruce passed away on July 16, 2016 at 5:28 pm from a sudden and brief bout with stage-4 lung cancer that was discovered only a month before. Bruce was 67 years old.
(from Randall Thomas); I first exchanged emails with Bruce in March of 2016, and he was giddy in finally purchasing his dream car, his Superformance Cobra. He mentioned his cousin Randy lived in Gillett, Wisconsin near me. Bruce asked me what I thought of the GT40 and his reply was eerily, "...Even though I've never even ridden in one, it's the new #1 on my bucket list. I just hope I live long enough to fulfill it!…". Sadly, Bruce never did.
Then out of the blue on June 12, 2016 Bruce called and told me he was just diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer that morning and was already planning to ship his car to his nephew Charlie in Ohio. Bruce said, "...He's my nephew, but if I had a son, I'd want it to be him…".
Without many words, I said to Bruce, "...I don't know what to say except for that while it may seem inconceivable, to many we leave this Earth without a notion before. To be able to prepare and plan for that trip is a gift wrapped in a tearful package... but a gift nevertheless. It looks like you are taking advantage of that gift! I always have known that life is a journey... and leaving this Earth is just the beginning. All one has to do is to go outside and look up at the stars, and know there is more. Much, much more. …"
This was Bruce's last reply to me on June 12, 2016 at 11:38 pm, only a month before he died;
"…(that) brought tears to my eyes, but gave me a new perspective to "my challenge"! I thank you! Damn I wish I could have met you. Maybe if the chemo delays the inevitable, we can. If not maybe we can chat on the phone soon. Sincerely, Bruce 434…"
Bruce passed away exactly 34 days later.
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