Bruce Douglass Larson, 75, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, teacher, coach, and friend, of Fillmore passed away on March 26, 2018, of Adenocarcinoma at 7:57pm. His wife, children, and grandchildren surrounded him at home during his passing to be with the Lord and join his daughter, Marci, in Heaven.
Bruce was born in Chicago, Illinois on July 20, 1942, three minutes before his identical twin brother Roger was born. He graduated from Chaffey High School in 1960 then received his AA from Chaffey College in 1962. He then transferred to California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly) in Technical Arts and graduated in 1965. Bruce received his first teaching job in 1965 at Serrano Junior High and then Montclair Junior High. Bruce earned his Masters degree from L.A. State then moved to Fillmore where he began teaching high school drafting then switched to junior high woodshop which was a better fit. During the summer months Bruce worked a variety of jobs over the years including restaurant managing, drafting, surveying, civil engineer work, and a ranger at Lake Piru, to name a few.
Bruce was an athlete and as a youth he regularly wrestled, rode his bike, and played basketball with his brothers and friends. He competed in football, basketball, and track at Chaffy High School then played football and threw shot put and discus on the track and field team at Chaffey College. While at Cal Poly he specialized in track and field.
During his first year of teaching, Bruce, being frugal with his money, was persuaded by his twin brother Roger to go on a blind date with an NFL Rams song leader, Tessa Smith, to get free tickets into the NFL games. They quickly fell in love and married shortly thereafter on April 5, 1966. They raised three wonderful children Marci, Loni, and Eric and are blessed with nine grandchildren.
Bruce loved spending time with his family and grandchildren enjoying fishing and campfires at the beach, vacations in Yosemite, playing card games, frisbee golf, and watching the grandchildren play sports. Bruce not only had a love for his family but also had a love for old cars, especially ‘32’s and ’57 Chevy’s, which he restored and enjoyed his whole life. These interests lead to the excitement in attending car shows, drag races, swap meets, and flea markets which was enjoyed with family and friends alike. Bruce also restored antique furniture, improved his home, watched sports, and collected old things such as model trains, license plates, and car parts. Most of all he simply just wanted to be around those he loved, to visit and joke with them.
All people loved Bruce. He was the light that brightened any day with his big smile and wave. His students called him a legend and one of their favorite teachers of all times because he was a teacher who cared and showed kindness. As said by a former student, “You made me feel special and inspired me and I’m better because of you.” Another commented, “You can’t begin to comprehend how much love there is for you; you helped change the world to make it more beautiful.”
A celebration of life will take place on Friday, April 27, from 2-5pm at the Fillmore/Piru Veterans Memorial Building, 511 Second Street in Fillmore. All are welcome to attend.