Bruce, Francis I.

Francis “Frank” Irving Bruce, a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend, passed away with his wife, Lori, by his side on December 20, 2020. He was born on August 26, 1935 in Canton, Massachusetts to Alice Gardner and Frank Forgione Bruce.

Frank attended Eliot School in Canton and joined the Navy at 17. He proudly served for 18 and a half years, serving in Korea, Vietnam, and the Cuban Conflict.

During his Naval career Frank married Joan L. Keefe and had five children. The family moved to California in the spring of 1965, settling in Orange County. He began his second career owning F.I. Bruce Trucking. Driving a truck meant the world to him and he included his family in his business.

While living in Orange County, Frank met and married Dawn Helwig, having two children. It was during this marriage where he moved his family to Hesperia, California.

While living in Hesperia, Frank met and married Lori Bumgardner. He and Lori continued living in the high desert and started Cal State Express, Cal Rock, and Bruce Family Day Care. He was a mentor to many children that entered his home. Bruce Family Day Care wasn’t just a place where parents would drop off their children until they returned to pick them up; these children become a part of the family. He prepared breakfast, lunch, and snacks every day for the children. He also enjoyed working for the San Bernardino County Sherriff’s Department at West Valley Detention Center.

Frank had a love for baseball and was heavily involved in his son’s baseball journeys. In Orange County his two sons played and he was a coach. It was always a family affair, as the two daughters helped keep stats and cheered on the team. While living in the High Desert he was heavily involved in Hesperia National Little League, dedicating 12 years managing, coaching, and serving on the board and making lifelong friends. He also volunteered with the Victor Valley College baseball team.

Frank’s most prized possession was his family. He never met a stranger, and his love for life was contagious. He had a laugh that brightened any room and one that could be heard from any hallway. Frank is survived by his wife, Lori, together for 36 years, and his children: Darlene Rout of Apple Valley, Norine Bruce of Victorville, Jeffrey and his wife, Rafaela Bruce, of Anaheim, Cathy and her husband, Don Duguay, of Bryan, Texas, Kimberly and her husband, Jason Nailon, of San Marcos, CA, Jared Bruce of Yorba Linda, and Jacqueline Rockcole of Adelanto. Also survived by his 16 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Frank joined in eternal life his son Richard Bruce, grandson William Francis Maples, granddaughter Jennifer Bombardier, brother John Bruce, and two sons-in-law, Alan Bombardier and Forrest Rout.

A Celebration of Life will be held on January 9, 2021 at 10 a.m. at Sunset Hills Memorial Park in Apple Valley, CA, followed by a graveside service at Victor Valley Mortuary.

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Posted by Canton Citizen on Jan 7 2021. Filed under Obituaries. Both comments and pings are currently closed.