Bruce Basil McDowell

January 26, 1945 - August 3, 2024

Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to Fred J, and Nancy Niino McDowell, Bruce lived in Colorado for 70 of his 79 years. Bruce graduated from the University of Colorado in 1967 and embarked on a lifetime of adventures with friends and family, exploring Colorado, most of the western United States and beyond. While Bruce worked many jobs, including at the Boulder Reservoir, CU Concessions and as a bank loan officer, his life was less defined by the work he did and more by the lifelong friends he made every step of the way.

When asked for words to represent Bruce, friends and family offered the following: generous, curious, loyal, funny, impactful, challenging, inquisitive, adventurous, wanderer, outdoorsman, mentor, storyteller, and photographer. Bruce was the ultimate older brother, always looking out for his brothers, friends, and family, and was the first to offer help, no matter where or when. While his adventures did not always go to plan, Bruce said so many times when heading out on the next great adventure, “Trust me.”

Bruce is survived and will be missed by his two brothers D.N. and D. Elliott and their respective families, dear friend and ex-wife Celeste McDowell, and countless friends he made throughout the years. He was predeceased by his parents and his stepson Michael Berger. There will be a gathering in Bruce’s memory in the future.