Homer Alexander Bruce, 64

Homer Alexander “Al” Bruce passed away Aug. 13, 2013, in Hungry Horse. 

He was born July 23, 1949, in Los Angeles, the son of Ernest Bruce and Nora (Davis) Bruce. 

After high school Al went on to college and obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree and had 3/4 of his Bachelor of Science degree. 

Al served in the Air Force for six years. After his honorable discharge, he worked putting in security systems in motels and hotels in Fresno, Calif. He met the love of his life, Bea. After a whirlwind courtship, they were married and have enjoyed 40 amazing years together.

Al worked for Cig Machine Co., and then got a job working for the Fresno County Water Works for 10 years when his wife’s health forced them to move. They landed in Whitefish and then finally Martin City.

He was hired by the Whitefish school system where he became head custodian. He was known there affectionately as “MacGyver.” He worked there for 25 years and retired in January of 2013.

Al would do anything to help others, and the middle school was his second home. Al loved his job and treasured all the students, teachers and co-workers who passed through its doors.

He was an avid collector of antique radios and could fix anything electrical and mechanical. He was a wonderful friend and an amazing husband. We will truly miss you.

Al is survived by his wife, Beatrice Bruce, of Martin City; brother William Ernest Bruce, and sister Nora of California.

  Services to honor Al will be held at 2 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 16, at Columbia Mortuary, 1010 4th Ave W. in Columbia Falls, with a military honors graveside service at Woodlawn Cemetery immediately following the service. A reception will follow at the Middle School, 15 Spokane Ave., in Whitefish.