Thanks Fountain Hills from Heaven…and Earth.

Bruce left us and started his new journey on Aug. 11 and thanks you for a wonderful send off. “Project Bruce,” launched on Facebook with Jay’s help and resulted in so many posts and emails that reminded him of the wonderful memories he shared with Fountain Hills since moving here in 1989.

What you all expressed and shared were priceless and brought him smiles, tears and gratitude. Thank you all for that gift shared before rather than after. Bruce was pretty much of a private guy who did things because he believed it was the right thing to do, not for the recognition or publicity. He was definitely the guy behind the scenes; or in the kitchen, as it were. Hence what you all shared with him before he left was so special. That’s the heaven part…

I’m the Earth part of this letter and cannot begin to express the thanks for the caring and support I have felt since Bruce’s release from hell to heaven. The emails, the cards, the flowers, the plants, the food, the editorials, the donations and a very special tree in Bruce’s name were overwhelming, remembered and appreciated every day.

The past year has been one of survival, making it from one emergency to the next. Thanks to our “fire guys” who came to my rescue when I needed them. My boss, Jeremy, and MCO gave me the latitude to be a caretaker and I am so thankful for the time allowed me to be where I needed and wanted to be.

For 35 years Bruce and I did everything together. We travelled our final journey together the same way. But as the end drew near and inevitably came, you all were there. Thanks to each of you for sharing from your hearts and lifting ours.