He ended up in a rehab center after surgery. We talked a lot at this time. I had heard and experienced too many of these stays that did not go well. Bruce, of course, got himself well enough to get back home. Progress was slow. Our calls alternated between " Hey, I stood for 15 seconds on my own and took three steps! ", to discussions concerning insurance carriers and getting them to pay for the physical therapy he needed. Bruce made it all the way back to being able to drive again. 
That is what makes today so difficult. Bruce always came back. If he had a cold or a flu I never worried because he would just shrug it off, lay low for a few days and get back to it. Back to finding out what everyone was doing, scheduling lunches with his friends and enjoying being with his family. Bruce was my conduit to classmates from Linden I did not get to see- he was connected to a lot of people. He enjoyed people and cherished his friends. Another yearbook quote, " Bruce, You're one hell'uva  buddy and a nice guy. I wish you luck in all you do and hope to see you a lot. Friends, Brian Peets" ( Not sure why I put my last name in there but I did. ). And that's what we were- friends for 55 years. Hard to let that go. Hard to write something down as it feels so final.
Bruce would have been very happy to see so many of his friends gather in his honor. He would not be happy with the reason. But as he watches us tell stories about him and enjoy each other's company he would tell us not to worry. Enjoy life, enjoy your family and friends, enjoy each precious moment. And then he would get up and walk into his new day, with a little hitch in his step,
Goodby Bruce. You were as good a brother as I have. See you on the other side.
Your Friend, Brian Peets

After High School I did not see a lot of Bruce although there is a picture of us together in his Grandmother's basement celebrating his 21st Birthday. Must have been a great party. For as long as I study the picture I still cannot remember any of the details of that night! I was just happy to be invited.
At age 30, Bruce was attacked by Guillan Barre syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that affects your nerves and muscles, Bruce had a severe case and had to be air lifted from St. Joseph's hospital in Stockton to UC Med Center in Sacramento. I first received word of his condition when I was on the job working with Teichert Construction in Sacramento. I immediately jumped in a truck and raced to the Med Center hoping to see Bruce before his demise. Having worked construction all morning I was pretty dirty but I cajoled my way into Bruce's very sterile hospital room.  Bruce matter of factly told me that he had already died but they had brought him back to life, ( "Don't tell Mom and Dad" ), but what he really wanted to talk about was one of his cute nurses and had I seen her?  At that point I was reasonably sure he would survive but had no idea of the effort and determination it would take on his part to get anywhere close to "normal", But he did it. Another thing about Bruce that you don't realize at first is that behind that great smile and humble approach to life is an amazing amount of grit and determination. He needed all of it and with help from family, friends and coworkers Bruce got back to full independence despite GB hitting him so hard.
We talked more after that and had some great outings with some of my college friends. Initially he needed help, particularly with going up and down stairs, but eventually he was on his own. Without exception, everyone that met Bruce for the first time would later comment to me," What a nice guy ".
Bruce fell and broke his leg getting into his car. Unimaginable to me. End Part 2

I first met Bruce when we were both Freshmen at Linden high School. My first recollection of him was that he was a very friendly guy with a little hitch in his step. In all the many lunches we shared under different shade trees around campus I don't recall we ever discussed  our demise and how we would want our funerals to go or who the pallbearers might be. We were just enjoying life and trying to stay away from the Seniors. We became fast friends. Bruce had a great sense of humor and respected everyone, rarely having anything negative to say.
As we progressed through the years our friendship grew and I came to respect Bruce even more, but it was our Senior year that I truly saw what Bruce was all about. Bruce had been the Manager of our football team, which had been fairly successful, in no small part thanks to Bruce. As Coach Scott wrote in Bruce's yearbook, " Bruce, It was a pleasure having you on my staff this year. Without your hard work the football season would have been a lot longer. Thank you, Gary Scott." I know Coach Scott well enough to be certain that he chose his words very carefully and he was sincere- Bruce was very important to us. But it was the Basketball season, and this is a story I have told many times, where Bruce really shined. Bruce loved basketball, and I don't know if he tried out for the team every year but he did our Senior year. Bruce was the last player cut and did not make the Varsity squad. He was very disappointed. The next day Coach Ray Butler asked Bruce if he would manage the team. Bruce agreed to do so. I was amazed that after such a great disappointment he would jump right back in to help. But that is who Bruce was. He enjoyed being part of the group and participating. He never needed to be the center of attention or have any sort of spotlight. If he could assist and support it brought him great joy. All the members of the team were glad to have Bruce along for the season. 
End Part 1

Lunch with some of the senior members of  Theta Chi Fraternity.

Bruce with the brothers of Theta Chi Fraternity on the day of their chapter Installation.

Remembering your family during their loss. Our small birthday group just became less one. Remembering your generosity of gift giving Bruce. Our sincere condolences ~
Mary, Mrs. Lincoln, Jannella & Sandy D.

One of my favorite memories of my buddy Bruce .

Marlene, Steve, Lori, and family-  
My heart goes out to your family for your unexpected loss.  Bruce will be missed, and remembered fondly.  I so enjoyed our get-togethers over the years.  Bruce was always upbeat in spite of what was going on in his life.  He was known by the wait staff in most restaurants in town; it was like dining with a celebrity (just don’t suggest eating vegetables with the meal)!  Bruce was one of the good ones, and his absence will be felt by all that knew him.

Marlene, Steve and Lori I am sorry for your loss.  Over the years we  would have breakfast at Lumberjacks every several months, a group of us who grew up in the area.  We would catch up and find out how we and our old classmates were doing.  Over the years you could tell Bruce was having a harder time, but he never complained, he made the best of it.  He like all of us were happy just to be there.  Bruce was unique and cared about all knew him.  He would somehow know how they were doing as he would keep in contact.   I would call him the reference as most of the time he had the correct information.  He will be greatly missed.

Marlene, Steve and Lori, 
We are sending lots of prayers and love your way. I will always remember Bruce at poker nights, and visiting Lori and having him tease us! My fondest memory was my soon to be husband sitting with Bruce nightly at St Joseph’s hospital (when he was admitted for a long illness) and watching movies together. It was such a small moment but seemed to make Bruce so happy. It seemed to take his mind off his troubles for just a little bit. Love and prayers to you all❤️

Marlene, Steve, and Lori. I am beyond sorry for your loss. He was a great friend to all of us and will be missed for the rest of our lives. He was a very brave soul to have lived through illness and pain, and had a fulfilling life. I am saying prayers for you.

OBITUARY

Bruce Joseph Mahan

15 March, 1956 – 30 July, 2025

DeYoung Shoreline Chapel

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