Bruce Ellen

The first time I saw Bruce was at First Assembly of God in Saginaw MI. He was playing a musical saw and it just flipped me out. I was 19 years old at the time (I'm 60 now). He was genuinely one of the nicest and most kind men that I have met.

My precious, sweet Uncle Bruce - how much I will miss your smiling eyes and warm, contagious grin that would spread across your face whenever you saw a loved one or dear friend. You were my 'teddy bear' uncle that always welcomed me with open arms and a big, big, hug…oh, how I will miss that. You always showed interest in what I was doing and took the time to listen and ask questions - I knew you cared and that you loved me. You and Aunt Dorothy always showed up at birthday parties, graduation celebrations, weddings, funerals, etc., etc., and made time for all of us. You are finally with our departed loved ones that rejoice in your home coming and know what heaven is all about - they wait for the rest of us. We will ache for you and miss your presence among us - our family will never be the same. But, because of your influence in my life and all the wonderful memories you have created throughout the years, you will never be further away than a thought and a heart beat. I love you and will miss you so much, sweet Uncle Bruce. I am grateful to our Lord to have had you in my life, Linda

Thank you for your kind words. Gary

Mike it's been a lot of years but my Dad played the saw till his passing. Thanks for the memory of my Dad. Gary

Bruce was a vital part of my childhood-- part of church, but so much more than that. He reminded me of my own father. He let the whole bunch of us kids come over and make way too much noise at his house, having fun with Gary and Dennis. He always smiled and made us feel welcome and I think he loved every one of us. The thing is, it was the adults at that important time in my spiritual growth, the ones who showed love and acceptance, that gave me the same view of how God saw me. Bruce was part of that little circle of the important adults that molded me. I was naive to think I would never lose touch with the Bruce Ellen family because they were huge in my life. Just recently I found Bruce again and was so excited by my good fortune. And once again he made me feel important and accepted. I know that I will see him before too long in heaven, but what a blessing to exchange happy greetings with him once again on this earth! It also occurred to me that I could let his influence change me in more than just my spirit. I now have a violin bow and the saw is in the shed, and whether I accomplish the good sound or not, I know whose face I will be seeing as I give it a go. Very thankful for Bruce Ellen! Jean Eddy Hofmann