Bruce Edward Williford

Bruce grew up in the middle of a busy but curious and thoughtful family. From a young age he cultivated his sense of adventure, his passion for science and experimentation, and his witty sense of humor.

Bruce was a daring soul, unafraid of trying new things, going new places, and speaking his mind. After graduating from Bullard High School, Bruce attended Fresno City College before transferring to Fresno State where he earned a degree in Biology. Bruce chose to serve his country as a Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso. He spent his service as an agroforestry volunteer helping to grow trees to stem the tide of desertification in the Sahel. He was well known for traveling the countryside on his motorcycle, visiting other volunteers and ever in search of the fabled ice-cold beer.

Upon his return to the United States, Bruce rekindled his relationship with Barbara Johnson. After first meeting in a Chemistry lab at Fresno City College, they stayed in touch by letter during his service in West Africa. Bruce and Barb, as they were well known to their friends and family, married in 1990. Shortly thereafter in 1992 their son, Wesley was born and their daughter, Megan followed in 1995.

Bruce had talent for music. He started playing in high school and continued with the Fresno State marching band. He returned to music later in his life, relearning to play tuba with the New Horizons Community Band as well as touring various senior homes with friends in a band affectionately known as the Jackass Brass Quartet.

Bruce worked for 30 years as an educator in Fresno. During his long tenure at several schools including Fresno High and Bullard High, Bruce was responsible for forming and shaping thousands of young minds. He challenged them to see beyond the walls of his classroom and into the natural world where Bruce’s passions lied. Bruce was the consummate bird watcher. He organized regular bird counts and outings, always greeting friends with a smile and a pair of binoculars around his neck.

Many memories have been recounted of Bruce inviting anyone within sight to look at something cool through his spotting scope and usually making new friends in the process. Bruce could easily pass a day inspecting his front yard owl box and backyard wildlife cameras, sharing photos and stories with friends, family, and anyone with interest. Even in retirement, Bruce never stopped being an educator.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 31 years, Barbara Williford, her family, and their two children Wesley and Megan. He is also survived by his sister Lea, brother Reece and his wife Tina, brother Ross and his wife Susan, and his brother Glen, and their families.

Please join us for Bruce’s “Celebration of Life” at the San Joaquin River Parkway and conservation Trust, 11605 Old Friant Road, Fresno, California 93730, Sunday, April 3, 2022. Please join us anytime from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm. Friends and family are encouraged to enjoy nature (bring your binoculars), bring your instruments to play if so desired (there will be a stage), bring a memory to write down as a keepsake for the family, and spend time with us visiting in Bruce’s honor. It will be an “open barn” event at the barn, near the pond, with finger food, drinks, music and a video in memoriam. This is an indoor and outdoor event. The family wishes to thank everyone who has come forward to share their stories of Bruce and keeping his memory alive. He will be deeply missed by his family and by all those who were lucky enough to experience his unique presence and passion for life.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the WILLIFORD family.