Bruce Thompson Memorial/Celebration of Life Service
Karen Thompson asked that I post about the service and once again pass on her thanks to all who sent cards, posted all the kind words, etc., so here goes.
My wife and I attended the church service and dinner for Bruce
this past Saturday. Both were a "full house". Honor Guard presented the colors, played taps, and presented Karen with Old Glory. Veterans, firemen and paramedics were represented.
The preacher asked people to speak about Bruce. After a short pause
and no one rising, decided to break the ice. Said I was representing
hundreds (Karen interjected 500)from a BB that Bruce started and moderated. Said I'd known him for 12+ years (both are Charter IHub members) but only met him for the first time eight days prior to his passing. Gave a briefing how he unselfishly helped others and loved building computers. Not sure many knew his BB existed.
Bruce was a master diver, excellent spear fisherman and loved boating. He met Karen about 6 years ago at the "trash dump" and would have been married 5 years in June. At first he attended church (sometimes in uniform after work) just to be with Karen, not for spiritual enrichment. As time went on, Bruce must have been paying attention to what being preached and began studying the Bible and was baptized. Learning and attendance became a priority, not just because Karen was there. He even attended church with a hardhat after surgery. The 25th Psalm (not a misprint, not the 23rd) was his favorite.
The dinner catered by friends/relatives was outstanding. But, more
importantly, we sat with some of his neighbors for questioning. We had many laughs.
Bruce and Karen worked in Ft. Meyers prior to relocating. They both worked in the home industry (think mortgages and RE) a mile apart from each other, but never met while there. Bruce moved to take care of his mother due to the death of his sister in a horse riding accident. Karen moved to assist her daughter in child rearing. Quite a coincident they meet in a small town in
northern Fl.
While Bruce was single the neighbors routinely got together for meals. They said Bruce was a "little rough around the edges". Then, one day Bruce met Karen at the dump and he was smitten. He took Karen to dinner on a Thursday. The following Monday the neighbors had to have a meal so Bruce could "present" Karen (and get their approval). Needless to say, they loved her (and with good reason, my words), and stated she was the best thing that ever happened to Bruce. He was a changed man. He also fixed their computer problems for food.
Well, enough rambling from this long time lurker. Hope you find this interesting. We are all better people for having known Bruce, if only thru "Dream Machine". Oh, one last thing. Bruce and Karen were a "match made in heaven".
