Bruce did what no teacher could have ever done, treat me like a friend and equal even at my lowest times. he made me smile even when i was feeling down. i also learned alot from the man, more then just how to use this or that. i will miss you Bruce, if there is a heaven, you definitely deserve to be there for the amount of kindness an happiness you have brought to me and many others. goodbye

He laughed, a lot, and made others laugh.  
Some of my happiest and most tired moments were designing and building floats for the "Parade of Lights."  Giant neon sleighs and neon lit rocking dinosaurs.  Thirteen feet tall to just slip under the traffic lights. And then there was the Neon Ship on downtown Grand Junction's Main Street with over 700 kids participating, (Bruce designed a commemorative T-shirt).  Bruce and I would teach all day, go home to family for a few hours and then meet at Paul Cruz'  Neon Factory.  We'd work and laugh till past midnight. Bruce had nick names for a lot of folks.  Together we were the three amigos.  Individually, Paul was the "Neon God",  I was "black boy" (by virtue of painting with black), but Bruce, Bruce was . . . "GOLDEN BOY."
Golden Boy you made the world a better happier place to be.

As a mere adjunct, I didn't know him as well as I would have liked, but I definitely discovered over the past few years that Bruce was a generous colleague, very quick to compliment and eager to share a story about some shared interest, of which we seemed to have many.  I have had many of his former students tell me how he went far beyond the call of duty to not only teach them the art and craft of illustration, but to help them in their lives in ways teachers often do not.  He casts a long shadow at the college.

Bruce was my team-teacher, my confidant, and best friend. He made me laugh everyday and helped me to see the magic in every aspect of my life. I will miss him deeply.

Bruce was a friend, a buddy and the best man at my wedding. He was an artist, a teacher, and had a great sense of humor. We would do fake accents and impersonations just for fun. One time during the Easter service at the church of the nativity we were still painting the hallway of the church while the midnight mass service was still going on! We will miss you Bruce!
Bennett Boeschenstein
Grand Junction, CO 81501

He was the best teacher I've ever had, and although I only had him for a year, he has taught me more than any other. He inspired me with his art, attitude, and astounding range of knowledge and experience. He was the kindest, most nonjudgmental person I had ever met. He felt like a family member for the short while I knew him. I still have a few drawings from him explaining perspective, expressions, and cartooning!  

I am happy that he passed doing what he loved, and I pray that I will see him in heaven someday.

God Bless This Great Man

Brenna  (Former WCCC Student 2012) Grand Junction, Colorado.

OBITUARY

Bruce Neilson Manchee

1 September, 1948 – 2 August, 2013

Johnson Mortuary & Desert Lawn Memorial Park

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