Margaret and family,
We wanted to send our condolences about Bruce.  It’s been a long  time, but we enjoyed getting to know your family and our times together back when our boys were in confirmation at LCR. 
Wishing you comfort and peace at this difficult time.
Mary Walker and Lyle Paczkowski

Bruce was the first bike ride leader I met after moving to KC in mid-1980’s.  I fondly remember his kindness towards the new guy.  I have probably ridden the “Point Ride" route a thousand times with pleasant memories of Bruce always drifting through my mind.

After graduating from Georgia Tech in June 1975, Bruce and I, decided to ride our bicycles across the USA from sea-to-shining-sea.  We carried all our cooking gear, tents and supplies, camping along the way wherever we could  in a tiny pup-tent. Leaving from the Pacific Coast near Astoria, Oregon, we mostly followed the route of the old Oregon Trail  to the Mississippi River. After crossing by an old river ferry to Tennessee, we rode across portions of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina to Charleston harbor.  It was a trip of over 3,500 miles and 7½ weeks with innumerable difficulties and pleasures along the way. Later, there were other memorable bicycle trips across Europe and down the Canadian Rockies, plus many other adventures we shared in our youth!

After graduating from Georgia Tech in June 1975, Bruce and I, decided to ride our bicycles across the USA from sea-to-shining-sea.  We carried all our cooking gear, tents and supplies, camping along the way wherever we could  in a tiny pup-tent. Leaving from the Pacific Coast near Astoria, Oregon, we mostly followed the route of the old Oregon Trail  to the Mississippi River. After crossing by an old river ferry to Tennessee, we rode across portions of Alabama, Georgia, and South Carolina to Charleston harbor.  It was a trip of over 3,500 miles and 7½ weeks with innumerable difficulties and pleasures along the way. Later, there were other memorable bicycle trips across Europe and down the Canadian Rockies, plus many other adventures we shared in our youth!  Too many stories to share here.

We will miss Bruce and grieve with Margaret and his kids.
Mike Mullins and Janet Metsa

We enjoyed visiting with Bruce when he visited us in Pensacola a couple of years ago. He overwhelmed me by giving me an iPod preloaded with his master playlist of over 2000 songs.

To my mind, Bruce never really changed in the 50 years that I was fortunate to call him an old college buddy and friend. And that was a good thing. He was one of the most unpretentious, inquisitive, and kind persons I knew. I feel emptier knowing that he is no longer with us.

My friendship with Bruce goes back 50 years, when we met at Georgia Tech. Besides being just a fun person to be around, my memories center around music and bicycling. My first memory of Bruce is visiting his dorm room and seeing his reel-to-reel tape player sitting on his “study” desk, with his flute nearby. I remember thinking he must be a real music aficionado/nerd to take the time to use tape reels to create playlists (before playlists were a thing) from the radio and his album collection. I always looked forward to the playlist CD Bruce enclosed with their Christmas card. 

An indelible memory with Bruce was bicycling and camping through the Canadian Rockies for 10 days back in 1981. He was like a machine pedaling up the mountain passes as I struggled to keep up with him.

So sorry to hear this.  I worked with Bruce on several different projects and he was always pleasant, professional and accommodating.  I don't remember ever seeing him irritated or unhappy in spite of LOTS of opportunities.  He was also just genuinely friendly whenever I encountered him in the hallways at lunch or wherever we met.  I learned a great deal from him since he was very good at explaining his reasoning and thought process so that those of us who did not share his knowledge could understand what he was telling us.  I truly enjoyed every encounter I had with Bruce.

(March 2022) And I got to join in with the guys when Bruce came to visit us in Florida. This photo was taken at Big Talbot Island Boneyard Beach. It was a wonderful day, and a it was wonderful getting to know Bruce better. These two had a special friendship. Bruce was such a kind and gentle soul. So very sorry for your loss. Prayers for comfort and strength as you travel through this difficult journey without him.

Alisa and I would like to share our deepest condolences to Bruce's friends and family in this time of profound loss for all of us.  Take comfort in his contributions enriching all of our lives over the years.

For me, it is very hard to summarize or highlight any particular experiences that I shared with Bruce.  We met within the first few days of being freshmen at Georgia Tech and have been friends ever since.  We attended many concerts together, including a couple of excellent "freebies" by virtue of his role as music critic for The Technique at GT; traveled together; and shared many hours listening to music of all genres, particularly during our year as roommates.

Perhaps the most iconic memory, however, is the time we caused a riot during finals week and were nearly thrown out of the dorm.  The particulars are a bit too detailed for here - I'm hoping some of you have heard the story from Bruce's perspective.  In any case, a story for the ages!

Bruce will be sorely missed - he was truly unique and his friendship highly valued.  He will remain in my memory forever.

October 2018, at a concert of the KC Jazz Orchestra.  One of probably dozens of performances Bruce and I attended going way back to the early 1970s in Atlanta.  Here Alisa and Margaret were able to tag along with the music nerds.

October, 2019 at the KC art museum.  Bruce and I shared many interests over the years.  It was great to add going to art museums to the list.

We loved our trip together to watch the sandhill cranes. One of many, many dear memories.

Margaret and Family:

We are so very sorry to read about your recent loss of Bruce. Even though our paths have not crossed now for many years, we have such fond memories of sharing boy scout years and friendship with your family. I know Bruce will be greatly missed.

Knowing God has you in his loving arms,
Naomi and Jim Glynn

Bruce was the kindest person and had a loving relationship with Margaret.  They had such common interests and enjoyed their life.  And raised two wonderful children.   This is such an unbelievable shock to me! 

Love and support to my dear friend Margaret and Ross and Karen and the rest of the family members! ❤️ and prayers to all.  Candy Macy

Loved our Memorial Day weekend bike gatherings at Crowder State Park. Such a wonderful community that Bruce was a huge part of.

OBITUARY

Bruce Alan Boomer

October 13, 1953 – January 4, 2024

Mt. Moriah, Newcomer and Freeman Funeral Home & Mount Moriah Cemetery South

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