Bruce Eugene Wilson

Bruce Eugene Wilson was born on March 6th, 1952 in San Fernando, California, the second child and second son of Don and Lillian Wilson. They bought a home on Oso Avenue in Canoga Park, CA. It was a busy place in the 1950's. The Wilsons had their five kids, Mark, Bruce, Kathy, Lori and Matt in that order.

Bruce attended Winnetka Grammar School in Canoga Park, CA. Then onto Sutter Jr. High and Chatsworth, H.S. Growing up Bruce came from a Mormon background and attended the Canoga Park, Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints where he was baptized in 1960. He played on his church baseball team and made it also on the little league team. He became star pitcher at 12 years old. Later on he joined the high school Cross Country team. His grandparents Charles and Olive Brink lived down the street from the family and played a significant role in the upbringing of the Wilson children and impacting Bruce's childhood. Bruce was especially close with his grandfather sharing numerous ice fishing and camping trips in Idaho. He was never afraid of any type of weather, rather than he thrived in it as a result of those childhood trips with his grandfather. He also grew up with his close friend Bob Wallace reeking havoc and sharing plenty of laughs and memories.

Bruce adored his family. He and Polly were married on March 10th, 1973, in the Greek Orthodox Church, in Northridge, CA. It was a beautiful and unforgettable wedding. They lived in Canoga Park, CA for one year then bought their first and only home in Simi Valley, CA where they lived for the next 42 years. They had two children and numerous dogs along the way. Shara (now Shara Trutner), was born on Christmas day 1977 and their son, Jason, was born on September 5th, 1985. Bruce loved his children and would do anything for his family. He also absolutely worshipped his two grandchildren, Noah and Callie.

Bruce loved the outdoors. He loved camping, BBQing, shooting, fishing, and boating. All these things he did with his family. He liked being busy when he was at home, especially after retirement. He enjoyed their yard and working on the landscape with Polly. Bruce could fix or build anything. He was proud of their vegetable garden.

Bruce retired in 2017. He and Polly moved to Colorado to be with Shara and Kevin, Noad and Callie. Bruce wanted to leave California (really to follow his grandkids). It was hard for them to leave their son Jason in California but they made many trips back and forth out of their love and to maintain close contact. Bruce loved the wild weather in Colorado except for the loss of many of his trees that blew down in various storms. It did not take him long to discover the very best fishing spots in the area.

He spent half of his time helping the homeless, drug addicts, alcoholics and other sad cases from the streets of the San Fernando Valley. He was a longtime sponsor of those he met in AA and Salvation Army. He touched many lives and they will never be forgotten. Bruce was sober for 38 years. It was his time in AA where his sponsor Neal inspired him to leave the supermarket business and start his own construction company "SunWest Construction" that he ran for 25 years until he retired.

Spiritually, Bruce was a Christian. He took his faith seriously and attended church fairly regularly for many years. In recent years, he enjoyed worshipping with his daughter Shara at Mountain Community Church in Frederick, CO. However, Bruce's Mormon roots were deep. He came from a long Mormon heritage that stayed with him throughout his life.

Bruce went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, March 13th, around 4:00 am. He was at home (where he wanted to be), with Polly by his side. With a look of peace on his face, Bruce passed into heaven. At the end of July of 2024 Bruce had received his cancer diagnosis. As the cancer progressed he made one last trip to California to see old friends and spend time with his son Jason.

He is survived by his loving wife Polly, children Shara (Kevin) and Jason, and grandchildren Noah and Callie.

A visitation for Bruce will be held Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 9029 Grand Mesa Avenue, Frederick, Colorado 80504. A funeral service commence at 12:00 p.m. At 2:00 p.m. Bruce will be laid to rest at Mount Pleasant Cemetery, 520 Colliers Boulevard, Erie, Colorado 80516.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.howemortuary.com with his loving family.