Bruce William Wadman

May 11, 1931 - March 2, 2022

We will ALL miss Bruce but are so happy that he is now in eternal paradise. Bruce passed away from,

well, as he would say, old age!! He had 90 years on this earth to enjoy life and family!

Bruce was born in Larchmont, NY. His family (father Rex Wadman, mother Edna Wadman, sisters Joyce

and Sheila) moved to Beverly Hills, CA, when Bruce was in high school. According to all the stories, he

had an adventurous time in high school and met a group of friends (self-named the Sierras) who were a

close group for their entire lives. Bruce attended Stanford University and earned a degree in Economics.

Bruce then joined his father’s company, Diesel and Gas Turbine Progress Magazine, and added the

Worldwide Diesel Catalog. Bruce eventually retired from the business at the age of 70!!

Bruce married shortly after graduation from college and created a family of three daughters (Joanne,

Dianne, Lisa). Sadly, his youngest daughter, Lisa, died of cancer in 1975 at the age of 12. As often

happens in such sad circumstances, a divorce followed within one year.

Much future happiness to come though!!

Bruce, above all, was a family man. He volunteered as a “big brother” and was lucky enough to be a “big

brother” to Craig. As time went on, Bruce made his little brother, Craig and his two sisters, Laura and

Jennifer, and Craig’s mom, Diane (a registered nurse), his family. Bruce and Diane were married on

February 24, 1978. Along with Bruce’s two daughters, the blended family grew to seven!! Bruce’s desire

to live as a family man and continue his life of caring happily made this group a loving family.

Bruce enjoyed many activities:

TENNIS – a talented tennis player until the age of 80, when he could still beat his daughter and grandson

– him against both of them at the same time!!

BOOGIE BOARDING – Bruce would ride the waves as often as possible. His family, and probably

everyone else, knew him as the weird guy wearing the wetsuit top, trunks, booties and aviator-looking sun

hat (bright orange) strapped under his chin!

VOLUNTEERING – Bruce was an active member in the Catholic Charities, Catholic Church, Mexican

American Education Guidance Association (MAEGA), Rotary, and the San Dieguito Boys & Girls Club.

Most important to Bruce was family. He provided well and was a wealth of knowledge in many areas (he

knew all the answers in Trivial Pursuit)! Bruce provided many adventurous trips and family celebrations.

We loved all the family get-togethers at various places in the United States (Glacier Park, many national

parks) and also several overseas adventures with Diane. Bruce set such an awesome example on how

to be a compassionate and caring person and to take care of others.

Bruce made it through open heart surgery at age 83 but never fully recovered, He suffered from health

issues and dementia the last year of his life. What a strong guy, though! His wife Diane always said to

him . . . “You do your best and I will do my best!” They both did do their best. Bruce and Diane were so

very lucky to have each other. Bruce’s family will miss him so very much (he was truly one of a kind!!).

Bruce was the ROCK of the family. Even though we will miss him every day, we are so happy that he is

now at peace and in paradise!

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Rex and Edna Wadman, daughter Lisa, sister Joyce and

some good friends.

WE LOVE YOU BRUCE!!

The memorial service/celebration of life for Bruce will be held at St James Church in Solana Beach on

Saturday, March 12, 2022, at 12 p.m. A reception will follow.

**Special thanks to Hospice By The Sea (Carolyn, George, Barbara and all the staff) in Solana Beach for

caring for Bruce and his family. They are truly special people.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Mexican American Educational Guidance Association

(MAEGA) and Hospice By The Sea in Solana Beach.