Obituary: Ronald H. Bruce
March 23, 1941 – May 8, 2025
June 9, 2025
Ronald H. "Ronnie" Bruce, 1941-2025
With heavy hearts, our family announces the passing of Ronald (Ronnie) H. Bruce, 84, of Moretown, Vermont, on May 8, 2025.
Ronald was born March 23, 1941, to Clifford and Cora Bruce of Montpelier, Vermont. He grew up on the Bruce Acres farm in Moretown, where he became a hard worker. A graduate of Waterbury High School’s class of 1959, Ronald enlisted with the U.S Air Force. He became a mechanic, which made him not just a fix-it guy or a jack-of-all-trades; he was a master, able to build or repair anything.
Ron married and later divorced the late Theresa Westover. Together, they had two daughters, Laurie and Sonia. He then met the love of his life, the late Wendie Bailey. They married in 1978 and he gained another daughter, Robin. Ron and Wendie were happily married for more than 40 years before her passing in 2018.
Ronnie held many different jobs throughout his life. He seemed most proud of driving a milk truck in the wee hours and working for McCullough Construction in Middlesex. He would often comment during Sunday family drives, “I helped build this road.” Most notably, he worked for the State of Vermont as a maintenance supervisor for the Department of Employment and Training, retiring after more than 25 years of service.
He was a devoted family man who spent time with his wonderful daughters and grandchildren. He loved traveling and camping throughout New England, particularly destinations where he could indulge his love for the New England railway and steam engine trains. Ron and Wendie had a seasonal camping spot at Kings Bay Campground in North Hero for many years, where they spent quality time with family and great friends, boating and fishing.
Ron was an assistant chief of the Middlesex Fire Department in his youth, a member of the VAST snowmobile club, and a founder of the Vermont Antique Farm Machinery Association. His favorite things in life were old trains, restoring antique tractors and pedal tractors, grandfather clocks and lighthouses. He raised goats, and his property lovingly became known as “Goat Hill Farm,” where all were welcome to visit. He had a passion for the great outdoors, spending his time in nature and gardening, with a gift for growing sunflowers and entering competitions with his great-granddaughter Daisy. His gigantic sunflowers grew taller than his house and won many awards.
Ron leaves behind his loving daughters, Laurie and Sonia Bruce, both of Enfield, New Hampshire, Robin Elliott and her spouse Michael of Brookfield, Vermont; brother, Martin Bruce of Northfield, Vermont; grandchildren Mike Elliott, Aaron Elliott, Eliza Grace and her spouse, Shane, all from Moretown, Vermont, Brittany Bruce-McEwan and Ashley McEwan both from Wilder, Vermont, Cassidy Lawler and her wife Hannah of Frankfort, Indiana; great-grandchildren, Daisy Proof of Moretown, Kaylee Dion and Charlie Bruce both of Wilder, and many nieces, nephews and extended family.
Ronald was recently predeceased by his brother Philip Bruce and sister in-law Jean Bruce. A private family burial will be held at the Middlesex Center Cemetery for Philip, Ronald and Jean on Saturday, June 28. There will be a celebration of life to follow at the Waterbury Center Grange Hall Cultural Center, beginning at 1 p.m. For all who knew and loved Philip, Ronald and Jean, we invite you to join us to celebrate their lives.
