Bruce Leon Vibbert

On September 30, 2019, Bruce Leon Vibbert passed away at the age of 68. Bruce was born on June 25, 1951 in Palmyra, New Jersey. Bruce was preceded in death by his mother, Betty; his father, Charles; and step-mother, Rosemary. He is survived by his wife Faye and his two daughters, Carolyn and Kristen, as well as two grandchildren, two brothers, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Bruce never let a dull moment fill his life and enjoyed personal hobbies as well as his work. Retired since 2012, he loved to spend time creating through carpentry, wood working, and small plumbing projects. Bruce had a passion for mentoring and leaves a legacy of helping others, both throughout his career in food manufacturing and his personal life. He always supported the growth and building projects of United Methodist churches everywhere he lived. Since 2012, when he and Faye moved to Ashburn, Virginia, Bruce was a member of Galilee United Methodist Church, where he gave generously of his time and expertise.

During his long career, Bruce worked for many major food companies. His career as a food processing engineer and quality management expert took him all over the world. He worked in Ohio, Michigan, Missouri, California, Pennsylvania, and Connecticut; as well as in Egypt, Costa Rica, South Africa, and Thailand. While working for Nestle products pet food divisions, Bruce and Faye lived for several years in Australia. Throughout his career he mentored and guided young professionals on their paths, always with an attitude of giving back gifts he had to share.

Among his family, Bruce was an exacting connoisseur of apple pie and chocolate chip cookies. His nieces and nephews will remember spending time with Uncle Bruce on fishing trips, camping trips, and visits to National Parks all over the country. He picked beach plums at Island Beach State Park in New Jersey, and taught his nieces and nephews to make jam. He climbed sand dunes at Sleeping Bear Dune in Michigan, and Sand Dunes National Park in Colorado. For many years, he also dedicated some of his time every year to serving as a camp counselor for Methodist Church camps in Mt. Gretna, Pennsylvania. His passion for outdoor adventure was evident to all who met him.

Bruce loved creating handmade furniture and he leaves behind many family treasures including rustic wood bowls; carved ducks; a hand-crafted wooden Adirondack guide boat; beautiful wooden bookshelves and tables; and his last project, a tiny painted wooden bed for his grandson's lovie, a project they worked on together just this year. The Catoctin Wood Turners club and family and friends will treasure the skills he passed along to others over the years.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation or Gretna Glen Camp, two organizations that were near to Bruce's heart. Also, consider becoming an organ donor. The last years of Bruce’s life were only made possible because of a generous gift of another loving family who choose to honor their loved one by making that gift of life.

A memorial service will be held at Galilee United Methodist Church, 45425 Winding Road, Sterling, VA 20165 on October, 8, 2019 at 11 o’clock.