Bruce Norman Bockovich,
67, died peacefully in his sleep with his children at his side on June 23, 2010 at Evergreen Hospital in Kirkland, Washington.
Bockovich was born to Martin and Theresa (Linnell) Bockovich September 17, 1942 in Grand Marais. He grew up on the family farm in Grand Marais and attended Cook County schools. He graduated from Cook County High School in 1960.
He served in the U.S. Navy for four years, working on Adac Island in the Aleutian chain of Alaska as a communications specialist monitoring foreign radio transmissions. He returned to Grand Marais and worked for Grand Marais Bottle Gas.
Bruce moved to Seattle, Washington where he worked for Pacific Bell, which eventually became Qwest. He worked as a cable splicer for many years, retiring in 2004.
A confirmed bachelor, he surprised his family when he fell in love and married Shirley Mitchell in May 1980. He and Shirley were blessed with three children – twin sons Rick and Joel and daughter Lori. They lived in Bothell, Washington.
Bruce is preceded in death by his parents; his beloved wife and friend, Shirley; sister Joan Wisneski; brothers Halbert and Gilbert and three infant brothers.
He is survived by his children, Rick, Joel, and Lori; siblings Nona Smith, Nelda (Palmer) Westerlind, Richard (Roberta) Bockovich; Florence (George) Bloomquist, all of Grand Marais and Bob (Jo) Bockovich of Vidor, Texas; numerous nieces and nephews; grand-nieces andnephews; great-nieces and-nephews; cousins; and dear friends.
Bruce loved to play cards and taught dozens of young relatives to play a variety of versions of solitaire. He also enjoyed Sudoku, on paper and computer. He will be remembered for his carefree spirit (demonstrated by riding bicycles backwards and other adventures). His favorite thing to do was spend time with friends and family, who will miss him dearly.
A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at Eastside Foursquare Church in Bothell, Washington on Saturday, July 3. A memorial service and interment at Poplar Grove Cemetery will also be held in Grand Marais on July 10 at 11:00 a.m. at Cornerstone Community Church.
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