Bruce Edward Oman

Bruce Edward Oman, 74 years old, passed away in the early Sunday morning hours of July 16, 2023 at his home with his wife, Patricia, holding on at his side. Bruce’s passing was quietly peaceful in candlelight while he listened one last time to a musical anthology prepared by a special group of dear friends. Bruce’s optimistic attitude, calm faith and audacious spirit carried his journey with esophageal cancer since last year. Proud son of the late Clifford and Phyllis Oman of Savannah, GA. Son-in-law of the late Frank and Albertine Landry of New Orleans.

Bruce is survived by his dearly loved wife, Patricia Landry Oman of Mandeville, LA. They have been together for 30 years. He has an older sister, Judith Oman Sneed of Spokane, WA. Bruce enjoyed a special relationship having Judy Landry Milnar and her husband, Mark, of New Orleans, not only as his sister and brother in law, but he also considered them cherished friends. In addition, Irene Landry Schulz (husband, Dr. Jim Hamsa) of Poplarville, MS. were also supportive in-laws that he appreciated. Uncle to nephews, Dr. Brent Schulz (Anita) and Eric Schulz (Maria). Survived by many family, friends and professional associates from across the country that he stayed in close contact with over his lifetime. The friends are too many to acknowledge them all here, but the comradeship of Babson brothers, Alex Clark and Gary Fernquist, both of Massachusetts, have remained especially respected for over 50 years. A special thank you must be given to Judy and Mark Milnar who were always there helping with the house and workshop issues, which was a massive undertaking. A sincere thank you is also given to an exceptional buddy, Marion “Sonny” Gonzales of Mandeville, who would check in early every morning to see how he could lend a helping hand that day. No task was ever too difficult. He always made the time and had a generous heart eager to help his friend.

Born in Alton, IL on November 20, 1948, Bruce’s early childhood was spent in Tuscola, IL. As his father’s company was headquartered in New York City, the Oman family then moved to Westport, Connecticut where Bruce spent most of his childhood. After his prep school and college education in New England, Bruce lived in many cities across the United States before settling in Louisiana in 1984. Bruce and Patricia enjoyed their northshore home in St. Tammany Parish since 1993.

Bruce earned a Bachelor of Science Degree (1972) in Business Administration from Babson College in Wellesley, MA. He was captain of both college varsity sports that he loved, the Lacrosse and Ski Teams and was a member of Delta Sigma Pi Professional Business Fraternity. Most of Bruce’s college associates still know him by his nickname, “Rocky”. He was a graduate of Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania and The New Hampton School in New Hampshire.

Before better utilizing that private college investment, Bruce spent several years as the business manager of a well known rock band in Boston in the early ‘70’s. He moved on to a corporate career with Owens-Illinois, Inc. and the Glass Packaging Institute. He then became the CEO and President of The Marketing Services Group, Inc. The company developed into becoming a nationally recognized marketing consulting firm that was originally based in Washington, DC, then moved to St. Rose, LA. It specialized in the beverage and packaging industries. The Marketing Services Group’s unique expertise was in product development, merchandising, promotions and integrated marketing programs.

For years, Bruce was a featured columnist, known as “Beyond the End Aisle” in Beverage World Magazine. He was often referenced in the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, City Business, Harvard Business Review and various other trade publications. Bruce has been guest speaker at conferences for the National Soft Drink Association, Coca Cola and Pepsi Bottlers, the Can Manufacturers Association, Glass Packaging Institute and several professional associations.

Beverage industry executives characterized Bruce as one of the more flamboyant and outspoken people, but knowledgeable and a valued consultant in the industry. Bruce often served giving expert testimony in labor, tax and product liability court cases in the beverage and packaging worlds. He was credited for knowing more about the retailing of beverage point-of-purchase display and market segmentation than any other sources in the country. One of his successfully recognized programs seriously changed grocery and convenience store operations nationally. Bruce’s work was a unique specialty that contributed to sales, operations and profitability outcomes in the entire trade.

While it’s standard design today, Bruce’s concept of developing new shelf organizers and gravity feed product designs was revolutionary in retail store coolers, as it made sure that each brand would always be recognized in the same sought after desired position. A cross section of MSG’s represented corporations included Pepsi-Cola, Coca-Cola, Nutra-Sweet, Miller Brewing, Procter & Gamble, Gerber, and Kroger. To protect his clients, ninety-nine year confidentiality agreements were customary with soft drink bottlers, manufacturers, grocery, and convenience store competitors.

From his young life, Bruce was an avid golfer. He was a former Board Director of Ormond Country Club in Destrehan, LA. Nothing was ever too complicated for Bruce to play a practical joke if it made someone else laugh or if he made himself the target of a fun gag. He was devoted to his two Chocolate Labrador Retrievers, Amos and Moses, and then later, unexpectedly, a backyard Tabby named Mr. Grey.

Bruce was a man of many self-taught talents. Along with his Scandinavian tenacity, he successfully tackled a variety of challenging do-it-yourself projects. In his retirement, Bruce enjoyed drafting computer operating hardware systems for small businesses. He had an applied insight restoring an old bass boat before moving on to an antique Porsche that needed years of refurbishing. It was a new found vacation thrill that Bruce discovered during the summer he decided he was Driving his Miss Daisy, logging thousands of miles and memories as they journeyed across the Midwest USA, crossing many state lines with Bruce at the helm of a 45 foot luxury RV Motor Home.

Bruce reminisced about his Boston band days by building a sophisticated stereo system studio with concert decibel levels designed to enjoy his extensive musical library. For couple’s pastime fun, the Oman’s were firearm shooting range enthusiasts.

Bruce’s foremost indulgence was found deep in his elaborate workshop. He had the talent, tools and skills to meticulously create impressive designs out of rare and exotic woods. He loved making wooden treasures specifically tailored to each person.

Bruce had an unpretentious nature, but a boisterous delivery that never faded even to the end. He would tell long stories to ensure the listener understood every colorful detail. While patience could not be considered his greatest virtue, the best portrayal of Bruce Edward Oman was that he was a kind spirited, ethical and generous man. Always looking on the positive side of life was Bruce’s only way to live. He would give you his own if he sensed you liked or needed something he had. He appreciated his many relatives and friends who lived near and far away and genuinely worked at maintaining each of those relationships.

Bruce would have enjoyed a spirited finale for friends hopefully, leaving a memorable impression of himself with each of those he ever met. Now and forever, he is apart of us. Bruce’s remains will rest in the beautiful Memorial Garden at St. Timothy Church on Asbury Drive in Mandeville. All are welcome to visit the garden whenever in the area. Now cracks a noble heart. Good night, sweet prince while flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.

Friends are invited to a farewell at Grace Funeral Home, 450 Holy Trinity Drive, Covington, LA 70433 on Monday, July 24, 2023 at 4:00 pm. A prayer service will begin at 5:00 pm.