Bruce A. Rouse

Bruce Rouse His family, and the folk music community, lost a leading light, Bruce Rouse, on the afternoon of February 26, 2005. Bruce Rouse was born on September 17, 1942, in Sault Ste Marie, Canada. He married his life-long dance partner, Liz Deans, on February 14, 1962, and they came to the United States in 1966. Bruce earned his BS at the University of Guelph, Canada, in 1966, and a Master’s in Zoology, at New Mexico State University, in 1969. He gained a Phd. In Zoology at the University of Texas at Austin in 1972. As a Research Scientist, overseeing UT’s Petroleum Engineering Laboratories, Bruce worked to solve the tough questions of ecology and soil reclaimation. He continued this invaluable work even after his retirement from UT in August, 2004. As a passionate devotee of acoustic music, who had gotten so much from the music community, Bruce labored joyfully to give back to that community, by supporting his favorite artists, known and unknown, and fostering an ever-expanding acoustic music scene, here in Texas and across North America. Bruce and Liz hosted concerts in their North Austin home for 15 years, until their recent move to Sun City, Georgetown. Over the years, hundreds of artists and thousands of folk music fans gathered at the Rouse House Concerts, to enjoy and celebrate music and friendships. Bruce also mentored other acoustic concert promoters, encouraged novice songwriters and performers, and proselytized for folk music, whenever and wherever he could. He served on the Folk Alliance’s Board of Directors and directed seminars on house concerts at the world-famous Kerrville Folk Festivals, where he and Liz were always in attendance. Together, they sponsored a regular Songwriters’ Breakfast Circle, and last year created Canadian Day at the Festival. Bruce was a well-rounded man, avidly supporting Longhorn sports, interested in politics, literature, photography, cultures, and people. He was a personable, gregarious man, with an open heart, a winning smile, and an impish sense of humor. He and Liz loved to dance, to travel, to visit and brag about their grandchildren. Bruce leaves to cherish his memory his wife, Liz; his daughter, Deb Rouse, and son-in-law, Lindsey Lee; his daughter, Janet Kisler, son-in-law, Bron Kisler, and beloved grandchildren, Bella and Gabriel; and a huge host of friends. The family will receive friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, March 1, 2005 at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 2, 2005 at Weed-Corley-Fish Chapel. Memorial contributions may be made to SIMS Foundation, 2306 Lake Austin Blvd., Austin, Texas 78703 or to the American Heart Association, Attn: Memorials and Tributes Department, P.O. Box 15186, Austin, Texas 78761. Friends and musicians are asked to gather at Live Oak Unitarian, 3315 El Salido Parkway, near RR 620, for a song circle and celebration, following the services. Casual attire. Memorials and guestbook online at wcfish.com