Bruce Patrick McGartlin

Bruce P. McGartlin passed away on Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2016. He was born October 8, 1949 in New Orleans, LA., the son of the late Woodrow L. McGartlin and Mae LeBlanc McGartlin. He was a graduate of Rummel High School in Metairie, LA and Northwestern Louisiana State University. Having been a National Collegiate Gymnastics Champion and one time Olympic qualifier, he was currently coaching the Elite Gymnastics Team program at Northshore Gymnastics in Mandeville. Bruce embodied the New Orleans philosophy of “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler!” He loved to live life to the fullest. He reminded us that we can’t ever take life too seriously and was always a symbol of positivity. He enjoyed a great belly laugh, dancing at Mardi Gras, and a good (long-winded) tall tale. His favorite pastimes were golfing, a fun family poker game, and beating us all at Scrabble… even if it meant inventing a new word or two! He took his job as Grandad seriously by playing hard with his grandchildren and often suffering injuries from getting in over his head with his four rambunctious grandsons, always reminding them why he was called “The Bruhaha”. His infectious smile will be dearly missed by all. Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 35 years, Linda Tribou McGartlin. Survivors include his children; Christie Lawing and husband David and Chad McGartlin and wife Meghan; grandchildren, Will, Josh, Zach, and Evan; siblings, Ken McGartlin and wife Pat and Cathy Genaro and husband Ron; nieces, Mandy Griffith and Alyson Parravano; nephews, Michael McGartlin and Jason Genaro. Also survived by his fiancée, Ann Lacoste-Maggio. Relatives and friends of the family are invited to attend the funeral services at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd., New Orleans, LA on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at 12:00 PM. Visitation will be from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Interment will follow in Lake Lawn Park Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in honor of Bruce to the Louisiana Organ Procurement Association (LOPA) at www.lopa.org. To view and sign the family guestbook, please visit www.lakelawnmetairie.com.