Son of Baard and Marie Grindal, Bruce grew up in Glen Ellyn, IL. A child of the Cold War, he attended Northwestern University to become a chemical engineer, but was quickly inspired by his deep understanding of the human condition, love of adventure, and unique sensitive soul to become an anthropologist. After living two years with the Sisala people of Ghana, he received his doctoral degree from Indiana University at Bloomington. Bruce settled in as a mainstay of the anthropology department at FSU in 1972. As professor and chair, he received numerous accolades for his inspired teaching and love of his students. He was co-founder of the Society for Humanistic Anthropology and founding editor of Anthropology and Humanism. Concerned with peace, he was the regional field representative and organizer for the US Commission on Proposals for the National Academy of Peace and Conflict Resolution and co-founder of FSU’s Peace Studies Program.
Bruce loved his family. In 1974, he was bewitched by a beautiful Mexican woman at an anthropology conference and they married in 1975. He taught his daughters about the wonders of life, inculcating a love of nature, rational thinking, and respect for humanity.
Bruce is survived by his wife, Lourdes; his daughters, Lourdes and Alejandra; three grandchildren; and his two brothers, Alan and Baard.
A renaissance man, he loved building things, home improvement projects, his garden, and backpacking in the Appalachian and Sierra Nevada mountains. Consummate husband, father, professor, adventurer, trickster, and human. We love you, Brucie.
A private celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to Big Bend Hospice.
Arrangments are under the direction of Culley's MeadowWood Funeral Home in Tallahassee, Florida.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18