Bruce was born in Bakersfield, CA and attended Bakersfield High School. He grew up in a relatively strict home, where his schoolwork was emphasized, and he was allowed only one extra-curricular sport. His parents considered football and baseball too dangerous, so Bruce settled on swimming, which he excelled at as a high school swimmer.
After graduating high school, Bruce briefly attended undergraduate school, at Bakersfield College. Within a year of attending college, he enlisted in the Army and departed for basic training. He would eventually fight in Vietnam and be honorably discharged following his three-year enlistment. While serving in the Army, he attained the rank of Specialist 5, better known as a Sergeant in today's Army.
Bruce married shortly after returning home and had two children, Jim and Tracie. Bruce earned the trade of electrician and worked for his father who owned his own electrical company. He raised his children through elementary school in Bakersfield, CA and was part of a dune buggy club that frequently met at Pismo Beach for long weekends and racing in the sand.
Bruce and his family moved to Tehachapi, CA and transitioned to being a Correctional Officer for the California state prison in Tehachapi. As Jim took an interest in rodeo and Bruce spent more time with his cousin Tom who was a Farrier. His passion for ranching and being a cowboy began to grow. Both children eventually competed in high school rodeo and Bruce built stables in the backyard for the family horses. Bruce and Jim competed in Team Roping during off weekends, Jim roping the head and Bruce scooping up the heals. Although it was the sport of team roping that would cause Bruce to lose his right thumb, he loved being a cowboy and dreamed of having a ranch of his own.
Within a few years of his children graduating high school, Bruce followed his dream by transferring to the state prison in Susanville, CA and purchasing land by Tom, where he raised horses and cattle. He would later move to southern California, setting his eyes on retirement in a warmer climate and switching from horses to hogs. The cool factor of taking a ride on Papa's bike is something his granddaughters will always remember fondly. He eventually found his way to Yuma where he settled in to what he considered to be the best life lived.
Bruce loved riding his motorcycles and trike! He was very involved with HOG for many years and made lasting memories. He loved his yearly trips to Sturgis for a week of riding and catching up with old friends. When he met his wife Fay, he found companionship and so much love.. They both had the same interests which made life so enjoyable. Date nights were always fun times.. they both loved to dress up for each other and dance the night away. They enjoyed their yearly vacations, but most of all they enjoyed being with family and they both loved the Lord.
Thank you sweet Jesus for giving us Bruce. His son Jimmy described him so well...He was a man who could fix and build anything and would drop everything to help out a friend or family member. He knew how to make the most of any situation and found the silver lining in everything life presented.. Rest in peace, Cowboy!
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared for the Bryan family.
