Bruce is missed, but never forgotten. A special human being and an example of our heavenly father. 

I dearly miss you Bruce. You were taken too soon.

One of my earliest memories is a baseball bat that Bruce sent with Naomi when she came to visit us in Nairobi. That "Louisville Slugger" was a thing of wonder that opened up a whole new world to my young mind. Thank you, Bruce, for the memories.

One year since Uncle Bruce left us. Thinking of my aunt Naomi, my cousin Sam and all the heartbroken family and friends of this amazing, patient, funny, loving man. Miss you Uncle Bruce!

I will forever remember Bruce as an engaging, intelligent, and kind colleague. My warmest condolences go out to Bruce's family and will hold dear to me the fondest memoires I have of the hours of discussions Bruce and I had in his office. Bruce will always be missed.

I will always remember my talks with Bruce after worship practice. He always was concerned about the welfare of Barbara & our sons. I will never forget his funny humorous texts that left me laughing so much. Bruce such a kind caring brother in the Lord!

Part of me is in shock that Bruce left this Earth so early, and the other part of me is so excited that He already got to meet Jesus face to face. Bruce has always held a special place in my heart, like a father. He had a way of being so relatable without saying much. I’m sad because we lost a wonderful soul, and we have to wait a few years before seeing him again. Naomi, I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine what you’re going through right now. I love you sister. *Big Virtual Hug*

Bruce!! You made it!! Say hi to Jesus for us! You’re up there jamming away with sister Lee Ann and brother Steve..and I can’t wait to be with you all ..but The Lord’s not done with me yet! I’ll always remember how much I enjoyed my time with you Bruce and you’re funny ..rye and witty sense of humor and the jokes and little comments that we used to share together regarding music and worship and even politics. Thank you so much for your service and being such a good brother can’t wait to see you again big brother Bruce.❤️

Dear Naomi!
We heard the sad news about Bruce's passing away. Our deepest sympathy to you and the whole family! May God rest his soul in eternal peace. May God comfort and strengthen you and the family during this difficult time of mourning. We are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
With lots of love!
The Embaies

So very sad to hear about Bruce's passing. A wonderful man and a well lived life. I am glad for the few but fulfilling moments we spent in each other's company over the years. Naomi and Sam - we are thinking about you and sending big hugs from Cambodia. Caroline and Mike.

Uncle Bruce was one of the kindest people I have ever met. Patient, warm and always welcoming. We miss him dearly already. Lot's of memories and love.
Moges

Dearest Naomi,
Thank you my dear Sister in Christ, Naomi, for this opportunity to be able to say something about my dear friend Bruce for the last time. I will miss him very much especially playing together side by side at Calvary Chapel Worship band every Sunday. Infact the last Sunday I was with him at Church, he helped me put my guitar and amps away, carried and load them up in my car. That was the last day talking to him and we even planned to play again at Angel City in Bellflower. Then we bid our goodbyes not knowing that was our last time to chat with each other. My, "Our life is like a mist that appears a little while and vanishes away,"
(James 4:14). How sad....But I know we all go there. I'm just so happy for him that he will have a grand time meeting our Father God and Jesus Christ! He will have "no more death nor sorrow and crying for everything shall pass away,"(Revelation 31:4).
"Absent from the body is present with the Lord," (2Corinthians 5:8).
" For to live is Christ and to die is gain", (Philippians
1:21).  Farewell my dear friend and I'll see you at the Lord's table. Thank you for your friendship, Paz and I will surely miss you!❤❤❤✝️

Dearest Mrs Reed, Vivek and I are very sad to hear the news. Please accept our deepest condolences. You are in our prayers. Mr Reed was a kind, sweet man and he will be missed. Praying for God to ease your pain.

Love,
Vivek and Archana Sharma

Dearest Naomi,
It is with a very heavy heart that Kris and I write this. It has been very difficult for us to accept Mr. Reed,s passing. Kris will miss a brother in Bruce. Many prayers went his way, with hopes for his recovery but God had other plans.
Mr. Reed was such a gentle gracious helpful person, a perfect gentleman. We feel extremely blessed to have known such a wonderful person.
Both you and Mr. Reed hold a very special place in our hearts. We could not have asked for better neighbours. We knew we could count on you always. During our innumerable trips out of town we felt so safe knowing you were there. I cannot forget the time when Mr. Reed came to check our house when the house alarm went off. Kris was out of town and I was too nervous to enter the house alone.
Mrs. Reed, you have been exceptionally brave and strong during these very difficult times and our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you and Samuel the strength and courage to bear. Know that God loves you and will continue to watch over you, hold you by the hand and take you under his protective embrace.
May his soul rest in peace.
Kris and Shanti Sharma

Dearest Naomi,
It is with a very heavy heart that Kris and I write this. It has been very difficult for us to accept Mr. Reed,s passing. Kris will miss a brother in Bruce. Many prayers went his way, with hopes for his recovery but God had other plans.
Mr. Reed was such a gentle gracious helpful person, a perfect gentleman. We feel extremely blessed to have known such a wonderful person.
Both you and Mr. Reed hold a very special place in our hearts. We could not have asked for better neighbours. We knew we could count on you always. During our innumerable trips out of town we felt so safe knowing you were there. I cannot forget the time when Mr. Reed came to check our house when the house alarm went off. Kris was out of town and I was too nervous to enter the house alone.
Mrs. Reed, you have been exceptionally brave and strong during these very difficult times and our thoughts and prayers are with you. May God grant you and Samuel the strength and courage to bear. Know that God loves you and will continue to watch over you, hold you by the hand and take you under his protective embrace.
May his soul rest in peace.
Kris and Shanti Sharma

Sad to hear that our dearly loved brother is gone. His soft, polished and warm personality will always remain within us. He was a devoted spiritual brother: compassionate, eager to listen, and ready to extend help to those who need it. May God comfort Naomi, Sam and the rest of his family. Eyassu Gayim

Dear Naomi & family,

Hirity & Bitsu extend our sincere condolences in these tough days.

We will miss Bruce, who was such a gentle, genuine friend.

We believe the God you serve is your only hope and source of strength. We share our love , care & earnest prayers for comfort.

Psalm 21: 4 When you walk through these tough days “I FEAR NO EVIL,FOR YOU ARE WITH ME.YOUR ROD AND YOUR STAFF,THEY COMFORT ME”. Amen

Hirity Werede
BItsu Welderufael

Dad you are the greatest dad in the whole world I couldn’t have asked for anyone better I’m so thankful to have had u in my life to guide me and help me threw thick and thin I miss u so much and can’t believe your gone I know ur in a better place and your looking down watching my every move ! You are loved and missed

Love you dad

Dearest Naomi,
Please accept our sincere condolences for Bruce's passing. He was such a wonderful man. We are blessed to have had him in our lives. 
May Our Gracious Lord continue to give you, Samuel, family and friends strength to bear your loss. 
Remember Bruce is at a better place and I hope as he looks down on us, he is praying for our salvation.
I wish I could be there by your side as you two were for Girmay and me when our son passed. I often think I didn't thank you as I should have for the immeasurable support, love and assistance you both gave us.
Continue to be your wonderful beautiful self. Loving you all so very much always, hugs and kisses, God Bless you all. Stay strong, safe and well.
Sincerely,
Marie and Girmay Tekle-Haimanot

My Dearest Naomi,

Please accept my warmest condolences, I am deeply sorry for your loss. May his soul Rest In Peace, and May you find comfort in knowing you are not alone. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

Dear Bruce, Naomi and Samuel,
There are no adequate words to express my sorrow fully, but I am grateful for the opportunity of a telephone conversation I had with Bruce, in March. We joked and laughted about the meticulously complicated and lengthy passwords created by Naomi. "impossible to remember" he said. Bruce's words, sound of his voice and laughter are imbedded in my memory forever.

Naomiye and Samuel, may you find strength, peace and solace in the Lord, and may Bruce Rest in Eternal Peace and live in our hearts forever.

Message from Tseggai Elias

Zikeberkum Ayatatna,
I pray and trust that all is well with each one of you and all yours

What can one say at a time like this?
How does one deal with a loss like this!
This Sunday morning was for me unlike many others;
Same as the weekend when father passed on!
A sombre morning that made me think.
And ask myself questions that I usually don’t!
It doesn’t help that I am locked in, because of Covid. So what can I do except sit and try to imagine writing a note to dear Naomi. Herewith my melancholic reflections on what I would have written to her, if it was appropriate to do that today. Unfortunately it is not the time to write to her so I offload it on you, my older brothers:

Yes Bruce is no more!
He has gone to his Creator.

And for those of us left behind, it is dark.
Dark for all of us who got to know and appreciated him.
As a friend, as a relative, actually a brother:
A good one at that!
A warm hearted person; yes, a brother who cared!

It is indeed very dark for the ones who were very close to him.
It is especially so for you dear Naomi, who will miss her nearest partner in life.
For he was there when you needed someone most, someone to love, someone to care for.
I believe you were there too when he needed someone most, someone to love and care for.

Bruce was there when you needed someone to care also for others.
He was there when you decided, to adopt / raise children.
He was there when you took in and looked after our ageing and needy Adena Aster.
He was there; not just for days or weeks, but more like for months and years.
He was there, providing you the support you needed and so well deserved.  
So obliging, Bruce was, so committed, and so dedicated.
A husband; a son; and a brother to us all;
Bruce was one in all, all on one.
Until his last days on earth.

It may be so gloomy to so suddenly loose, someone so dear.
Indeed a devastating “emptiness" created so so near.
Where someone so caring was always there;
But unexpectedly, is gone somewhere;

No need to worry for he did not disappear;
He is preserved in a place that’s quite near;
invisible for our eyes, and inaudible for our ear;
But he is in Heaven dear Naomi, he is certainly there; 

For we live in Faith and Hope and Love.
The Love we experience from our Creator,
Ushering in the love we have for each other.
The Hope that the future can be better. Yes much much better!
For we have Faith, yes the Faith that each one shall one day go,
To our Creator to the Heavens ascent;
To join All those who before us went, 
Be he the Prophet, Believer, or she the Saint;
There is no sorrow, no darkness, no pains;
Only joy, yes light where Life Eternal Reigns.

So farewell, brother Bruce, farewell for now.
See you soon, though the time we don't yet know,
When our name gets called,
And our soul is raised!
We shall be joined,
and together resound,
May His Name Be Praised! 

Dear Bruce and Neami , I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers with a smile on my face as I remember the joy that you shared while caring for your mother and Samuel's grandmother, Adey Aster. Bruce, you leave this earth a better place for having lived in it. The bright light that you leave behind will remind us to always choose the Light of our Heavely Father, the same light that will light the path on your journey home. 
Thank you for being you. Rest in Peace.

Bruce I am writing this with tears rolling down because I will not see you again here on earth. I am forever thankful for all the years that we shared as a family. Rain or shine you and Eteye Neomi have always been by our side. Even when I am in town for a week you make the time to see me. My last trip March 2020 you drove all the way to see me. A 20 minute visit. We caught up with a lot. I will always treasure that visit as long as I live. Thank you for loving us and sharing your life with us.
I am forever grateful. You are with your heavenly father.
Eteye Neomi be strong in the Lord. Don't be afraid.Trust him. He is your strength. Lay all your burdens on him. The great comfortor. You are in our prayers.
Love koki

My heartfelt condolences to Naomi and her family. May Bruce rest in eternal peace and may God grant you the strength to carry on his good name and bless you with his memory.

Message from Naigzy
Yes! our brother Bruce was a sterling character.
We Children of Mama Aster can never forget how he took such good care of her during the last decade of her life.
And when she finally passed away at the ripe age of 100 (less a week or so), he arranged to bring her remains back to Asmara for burial, personally accompanying the body together with Naomi and little Samuel.
We children of Mama Aster are deeply grateful for the dignified way her life ended: all courtesy of this noble person.
May he rest in peace and may his wife Naomi and their son Samuel be comforted.
Naigzy, eldest son of Mama Aster Woldemariam

Our hearts are broken but heaven rejoices by one of their own joining the angels. I am so sorry to hear your loss Naomi. Bruce was truly a gentle soul who was always graceful and a joy to be with. May God rest his soul and provide you the comfort only He can provide. We are praying for you Naomi.