| Graduation Year | Class of 1967 |
| Date of Birth | Jan 23, 1949 |
| Date of Passing | Nov 04, 2023 |
| About | Bruce Carl Love, age 74, died of natural causes at his home in Bellingham, Washington on November 4, 2023. Bruce was born in Eugene, Oregon on January 23, 1949 to Russell and Delphine (Henderson) Love. He subsequently moved to Yakima, Washington at a young age and continued to live there throughout his youth and for most of his adult life. Bruce enjoyed an idyllic childhood growing up in a loving family that included two younger brothers. The Loves were a tennis family. Bruce spent a lot of time on the courts and was a state champion tennis player in high school. After graduating, Bruce attended Willamette University where he majored in history and continued competing in tennis. After college, Bruce had the opportunity to travel the country and to live and work in California for several years. Then deciding to pursue his teaching certification, Bruce moved back to Washington and attended Central Washington University. With his teaching certificate in hand and a new bride, Bruce settled in Yakima to start his teaching career and to raise a family. Bruce worked for two decades as a middle school teacher and as a coach for youth sports. He later had a second career as a machine operator, which was his employment at the time of his retirement. Bruce had a wide variety of interests that he pursued in life and could never understand how anyone could experience boredom. He was a lifelong avid reader, enjoying an eclectic range of fiction. He maintained lists of critically acclaimed books and movies that he wished to read or watch and made steady progress in crossing titles off his lists. He had a deep appreciation for the power of music and listened to a wide range of genres that included everything from Bach to the Rolling Stones. Self-described as a tireless participant in physical exercise, pursing fitness was also an important part of Bruce's life. He could often be spotted cycling, walking, or jogging around Yakima. Bruce also enjoyed following current events in the news and sports. Bruce's profound love for his family is what he spoke of as mattering the most to him. He is survived by his four children: Lori Love, Heather (Steve Clark) Love, Holly (Andrew) Fletcher-Love, and Drew Shoenbach. Bruce also leaves behind his four grandchildren: Kaya, Kascha, Ada, and Easton, his two great-grandchildren: Cora and Freya, and his brother Steve (Mary Lou) Love. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Scott (Robin) Love, and his former spouse Deborah Love-Nott. Bruce will be remembered for all the wonderful and unique things that made him who he was and for the positive impact he had on others. Bruce exemplified so many admirable character traits. He was gracious, humble, considerate, patient, tolerant, open minded, generous, and he remained grateful even in the face of adversity. He never had a bad word to say about anyone. He took a genuine interest in people, was an excellent listener, and a good friend to those fortunate enough to know him. He had a kind and gentle soul. He appreciated humor and had a fun-loving nature. Bruce was also a deep thinker who pondered the vast mysteries of life. May his loving spirit continue on and roam free in the great unknown. There is no public service being held for Bruce. If you would like to share a memory of Bruce, you can visit www.JernsFH.com. The family would like to give special thanks to the many healthcare professionals who treated Bruce with compassion and provided excellent care during the last years of his life while he was battling the effects of neurodegenerative disease. |
