Alvin Bruce, age 55, of Miles City, passed away on Sunday, November 11, 2012 at the Holy Rosary Extended Care in Miles City.
Alvin was born and educated in Louisiana. After school Alvin went into the Armed Services for 2 years, where he met his girlfriend. They were together for 5 years. He traveled extensively across the United States, landing in Montana for his final years. Alvin was a gentle, kind soul and a friend to all. He had a deep respect for the elderly and a love for animals. His quiet accepting demeanor was demonstrated daily.
Alvin worked in many occupations during his life but those he enjoyed the most were fishing off the shores of California and actually working in a seafood restaurant in Mobile, Alabama. While in Memphis, Tennessee he built a few Hot Rods and was a good baseball player. He also worked produce farms and in mills making various wood products. With a strong sense of independence and great pride in his right to vote, he courageously fought to live the way “he wanted to live”.
In Alvin’s teen years, he enjoyed writing music and playing the harmonica. A hobby of wood carving figurines and walking sticks became a means with which to live by selling them. Alvin frequently listened to his radio, enjoying rock and roll and country music or watching movies. His favorite past times were playing cards and visiting the animals at East Main Animal Clinic. After lunch he would frequently walk to East Main Animal Clinic to sit and pet the animals.
Alvin is survived by no known family; however, his family and friends were those who provided him care and friendship where ever he was residing. To him they were special people and he would miss them each time he transitioned to another facility. He has resided at Friendship Villa, Shady Lane, Serenity Care, Homestead Homes, Quality Personal Care and lastly, Holy Rosary Healthcare.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 14, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home in Miles City during which time those who visit are asked to share their final thoughts and memories on written cards which will be laid to rest with Alvin. Graveside services will be held Thursday, November 15, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Custer County Cemetery in Miles City. Stevenson & Sons Funeral Home of Miles City is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting: www.stevensonandsons.com.
Should friends desire, memorials may be made to the Custer County Fund for Animals, 2200 Box Elder, Suite 133, Miles City, MT 59301.
Sandy says
I worked with Alvin for a number of years and he was the kindest man. He will surely be missed more than he will ever know.
barb beeler says
alvin you were my resident and also my friend. we share the same birthday and i will forever remember this. you were a kind sweet man with a gentel soul. may you rest in peace, and your soul be free. i will never forget u my friend……barbara
Liam/Bill Holton says
Alvin I shall miss you…but you shall ever live in my memories……..watching Nightly Pro football. then just before halftime, I’d go and 6-8 hamburgers, fries and large cokes and make it back in time to watch a little of the halftime report….then for the .Super-Bowl you’d fix something good and hot to eat……..and whatever it was, there were NO leftovers. Then the Saturdays when you blessed our (Bruce Linder and myself) presence at the canasta games at Bruces’s home
I shall miss you my brother, and thank you for teaching me how to make “rue” so I can now make really good gravies! love ya bro
carole diede says
Oh, Alvin, I have thought of you so often and have cherished memories of the times that we spent together. I also can remember the “rue” you made and how everyone ate liver and onions that day and loved it, even tho no one actually ever really likes liver and onions! You were precious to me-always the gentleman, so kind and giving. It tickles me to think of the stories (big windys) you used to tell us and how hard you caould make everyone in the room laugh. Weren’t you so clever??? God rest your soul.
violet pinotti says
Alvin, your unique perspectives to our group discussions has been greatly missed.
JOHN L BRUCE says
We have been trying to find my brother sent Katrina It hurt the family deeply to hear that he has past I would love to hear from people who new him live in Va and also on facebook HOPE TO HEAR FROM SOMEONE THANK YOU