Posted by diane wengelski on September 13, 2001 at 11:52:31:
The public visitation for Bruce will be Friday, 9/14, from 4:00-8:00 at the
White Funeral Home in Lakeville. By Bruce's request, the funeral service itself
will be a private ceremony.
White Funeral Home
20134 Kenwood Trail
Lakeville, MN 55044
(952)469-2723
Bruce's wife, Janell, his daughter, Kylie, and his many close friends thank each
of you for your loving thoughts, your kind words, your supportive hugs, and your
hopeful prayers. Although not how we would have liked, those prayers have been
answered ... Bruce has been healed. The pain has stopped. I'm confident that now
it is Bruce seeking to have our pain lessened ... and it will be. Just as we
supported each other during Bruce's illness, so too will we support each other
through our own healing.
I think the highest tribute that each of us can pay to Bruce this day, and every
day, is to hug our children (or friends/spouse) extra tight, and, in Bruce's
words ... just "Be glad that you have them."
We should all be very, very proud of Bruce. This terrible disease (lung cancer) held Bruce's
body hostage for many months, but in the end, Bruce was in control. The doctors
forecast that it would be several very difficult weeks for Bruce. Our fine
friend did not listen to them. I believe that just as we joke about Bruce being
a "polite drunk" ... he also chose to pass 'politely' away before putting
Janell, or any of us, through an agonizing couple of weeks. Once home, he was
in control. He spent the day with special friends, then spent the evening
relaxing on the porch with his faithful dog Lefty laying at his feet. They
watched the sun set. He slept peacefully that night and awoke to watch the sun
rise. Janell held him closely as his breaths got further & further apart and
then stopped at 6:45. It was just as Bruce would have wanted it. He passed away
in his wife's arms with some of his very best friends (Mark & MKay) at his side.
I will miss Bruce greatly ... but am very comforted knowing that his passing was
so peaceful.
Memorials are open to your own discretion, but Janell has suggested that given
his strong affection for children, perhaps a childrens charity would be
appropriate. (e.g. The Children's Cancer Research Fund.)