Alan Jay Bruce was born in Norton Kansas on May 9, 1935. His family relocated to Salem, Oregon. He was raised by parents Daniel and Mildred Casey and he was brother to Linda and Janice. He attended elementary and secondary school in Salem. Just shy of his high school graduation, in 1952, Jay enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in the Marines during the Korean Conflict. Following his first four year enlistment, he served in the Marine reserves until 1960 and later served in the US Army Reserves until a final discharge in 1977.
He married Carol Blazek in Mill City, Oregon on November 9, of 1957. From that union came two daughters, Kristi and Diane; and a son, Michael. The young family first resided in Salem, Oregon and later settled in Beaverton, Oregon. In 1969, Jay and Carol separated but remained amicable following their parting of ways.
Jay served for 30+ years as an electronics technician for Tektronix. Following his time in Beaverton, Oregon, Jay purchased a houseboat and for 35 years, he lived on the Willamette River in Scappoose, Oregon. He was an avid outdoorsman and especially enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gun collecting.
Jay will be remembered for his unique, sometimes goofy sense of humor. He always had a funny, corny joke to share or a clever play on words. Jay had many close friends who loved him as much as he loved them. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, and friend and will be missed.
He is predeceased by his parents; and his sisters Linda and Janice.
Survivors include his son, Michael Bruce of Canoga Park, California; daughters, Diane Tang of Portland, Oregon and Kristi Bruce of Anaheim, California; and grandchildren: Amy, Eric, and Erin Tang of Portland, Oregon and Mckensi Palmer of Anaheim, California.
A graveside ceremony and military honors, and inurnment will take place at Willamette National Cemetery, Happy Valley, Oregon, on Tuesday, April 22nd, 2014, at 1:30pm.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the charitable organization of your choice.
Thank You.
Arrangements under the direction of Skyline Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, Portland, OR.
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