MORRISVILLE — Bruce Arthur Wilder, of Morrisville, went home to heaven in the arms of Jesus as he slept on March 7.
Bruce was born in Amesbury, Mass., December 14, 1936, to Edwin and Eleanor (Moynihan) Wilder. Graduating from Leominster High School in 1954, he completed two years of undergraduate study at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, while also teaching science at a local middle school. He completed his final two years of undergraduate education at Bob Jones University, graduating in 1959 with a degree in chemistry, while concurrently teaching a physics class at the Bob Jones High School. He continued his education with a Master’s Degree in mathematics from St. Michael’s College.
At Bob Jones University he was reunited with a high school friend, Kathy Mahler. Their married life began in Michigan, where Bruce taught at a Baptist High School. This year would have been their 65th anniversary. They moved to Vermont in the early 1960s, a state Bruce loved and called home for the rest of his life. Bruce taught at Lamoille Central Academy (LCA), Peoples Academy, Lamoille Union High School, and served as teacher and tutor for students at Stowe’s Ski and Girls’ Hockey academies. Throughout his career, Bruce had a significant impact in the lives of thousands of students.
Being of service was important. When an early career in the Air Force was ruled out due to a health issue, Bruce found another way to serve. An accomplished pilot, Bruce joined the Vermont Wing of the Civil Air Patrol. He participated in search and rescue missions, eventually being promoted to the rank of Major. Bruce frequently served as mission coordinator, and was proud of his service to VTCAP. He flew for the Vermont State Police, with various special operations. He also worked on dynamite crews working on the last leg of Interstate 89 from Vermont into Canada, doing the electrical wiring for Copley Hospital Office Building, and ran his own garage door service. As a trustee at the Elmore Church, he oversaw the audio system. He loved to sing, his voice adding depth to many choirs and lulled many grandchildren to sleep. He and Kathy drove for the Meals on Wheels of Lamoille County, and were recognized with an award for their 13 years of service.
In retirement, Bruce and Kathy traveled, visiting 44 states and many countries. However, Bruce’s favorites were places where his family was. From the family camp in Greensboro to celebrations on Howard Street and at the various homes of his children, Bruce was never happier than being with his family. He adored his grandchildren. Lovingly known as “Bumpa” or “Bumpy,” he was equally adored by them. He served as a “phone-a-friend” to nearly all of them as they worked their way through various classes involving math or physics.
He loved John Deere tractors, Volkswagens (specifically diesel Rabbits and Jettas). He had an unerring sense of direction, an attention to the weather, and loved hearing and telling stories, clever turns of phrase, and truly awful puns.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents and sister Libby, and is survived by his wife Kathy, his sister Suzanne, his children and their spouses; Peter and Lynda Wilder, Eric and Eileen Wilder, Daniel Wilder, Kristin and Chris Goodall, Paul and Garland Wilder, and eight grandchildren and their spouses.
A memorial service is planned for 2 p.m. April 5, at the Elmore United Methodist Church, Lake Elmore. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that contributions in Bruce’s memory be made to the Meals on Wheels of Lamoille County [mowlc.org], extending his lifelong commitment to serve those around him and to Lamoille Home Health & Hospice [lhha.org] whose team was so generous and kind to Bruce. Arrangements are with the des Groseilliers Funeral Home. Condolences and memories of Bruce may be shared with his family at dgfunerals.com.
