Claude O. Bruce

Obituaries

Class of 1952

1934 – Mar. 31, 2012

Claude O. Bruce, 77, of Payette, passed away Saturday, March 31, 2012 at his home. Claude lost his battle with cancer and died peacefully with his family surrounding him.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, April 5th at the First United Methodist Church, Payette. Committal services will be held at 2 p.m. at Mann Creek Cemetery. Services and arrangements are under the direction of Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, Payette.

Construction Engineer, farmer, cowboy, teacher, doting father, grandfather and loving husband, words to describe many but also one, Claude Oliver Bruce.

Claude was born to Cecil and Cathlene Bruce in the summer of 1934 and grew up with five other siblings. Claude grew up on Mann Creek where he attended Mann Creek School and then finished his high school years in Weiser. He joined the Army at Pvt. 1st Class and was stationed in Anchorage, AK.

He married the love of his life on Dec. 28, 1957. Claude and Carol would have celebrated their 55th anniversary this year.

Claude was a member of Operating Engineers for 57 years. He taught at the AGC 5-craft Training Trust for 12 years. He was passionately involved with Soil and Water Conservation, 4-H as a leader, Historical Museum and a mentor to a lot of young men and women. He was awarded numerous conservation awards.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Johna Gabiola (Danny) and Suzanne Bruce; a son, Troy Bruce; grandchildren, Matea and Paige Gabiola, Caige and Keagan Bruce; and three brothers, Jerry Bruce, Bob Bruce and W.T. Bruce.

Claude was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Cathlene Bruce; sister, Emma Lou Maestas, and brother, Laurence Bruce.

Memorials may be made to Fruitland MSTI, c/o Shaffer-Jensen Memory Chapel, P.O. Box 730, Payette, ID 83661.

From Find a Grave