Bruce E. Van Dyke

BOW Bruce Van Dyke, 62, died Friday August 5 at Concord Hospital from Mesothelioma. He was born in Peabody MA. He graduated from Kingswood Regional High School in Wolfeboro, attended UNH Thompson School of Applied Science and was a master plumber.

He will be remembered as a very loving, kind and giving Papa, dad, husband and friend who always put others first. He served his country for 39 years as a member of the United States Navy and the New Hampshire Army National Guard, including tours of duty in Vietnam and Iraq.

He served his state as a state employee for 34 years working one year at the New Hampshire State Prison, 11 years at the New Hampshire Adjutant General Department and most recently for 22 years at the New Hampshire State Hospital.

He served his community as a member of the Bow Volunteer Fire Department for 35 years. He volunteered at local and county 4-H activities, and was an active participant in many church ministries.

He served his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, every day. Bruce delighted in helping others.

He was the son of the late Walter and Avis (Morine) Van Dyke. He is survived by a loving wife of 38 years, Velma, of Bow, a son Michael Van Dyke and his wife Sandi of Bow, a daughter Nicole Marquis and her husband Kevin of Pittsfield, 5 grandchildren Garrett, Jenna and Cara of Bow and Mason and Carter of Pittsfield. Survivors also include two sisters Caroline ‘Kennie” Spencer of Peabody MA, Sue Stevens and her husband Steve of Ipswich MA, and three brothers Walter ‘Buddy’ Van Dyke and his wife Barbara of Billerica MA, Henry Van Dyke of St. Mary’s PA and Douglas Van Dyke and his wife Patty of Ossipee and many nieces and nephews.

Calling hours will be Tuesday August 9 from 4-7pm at the Bennett Funeral Home, 3 Church Street (the brick building) in Concord. A celebration of his life will be held Wednesday August 10 at 10:00am at the Grace Capitol Church. Burial will follow at 12:00 at the New Hampshire Veterans Cemetery in Boscawen.

In lieu of flowers please make donations in Bruce’s memory to the Bow Volunteer Fire Department, 10 Grandview Road, Bow NH 03304 or to the Army National Guard Chaplin Relief Fund, 1 Airport Road, Concord NH 03301.