I hope I’m spelling his last name right. (edit – thanks to Violet for the correct spelling)
This really saddens me. He had his share of personal struggles, but he also had a very big heart and always put all of himself into the moment, whether he was producing a jazz show at KMUD, or manning the phone banking in an election campaign. I will miss his calls to my radio show.
I have no details, and there are no obituaries in the papers just yet.
He had a large community presence, the absence of which we will all notice.
I couldn’t find any photos at KMUD. If anybody has any, I will be happy to post them.
With search engine help, I found the photo on this Asis KMUD page.
18 comments
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December 31, 2008 at 10:23 am
Violet
What a shock! It’s Kanter or Kantor. Do you know what happened?
December 31, 2008 at 10:29 am
Eric Kirk
Thank you for the spelling. No wonder I couldn’t find him on Google.
And no, I have no idea. I just heard about it this morning.
December 31, 2008 at 12:50 pm
Mr. Greenjeans
Wow. Just Wow
I sure will miss his Thursday mornings. I didn’t hear it every week but I surely enjoyed his “style”.
Wow.
December 31, 2008 at 6:40 pm
Clarissa
He was maddening and delightful. His jazz show came right after my poetry show during many a rotation, and he would wander in during the middle of readings every so often, tempting me to thoughts of mayhem. We worked it out. He was a hard working volunteer and in fact one of the glorious 7 (Rick Cooper’s words, sort of) who were the founders of KMUD. He was involved in just about every local political effort during the past decades. Sometimes people working with him would beg him to just shut up, please, because he was offending rather than converting. But his passion was undeniable, and his heart was very generous. He dealt with a lot of pain–physical and mental both, and though his temper was legendary, I don’t think I could have coped as long and well as he did.
It’s going to be so strange without him.
December 31, 2008 at 8:08 pm
fellowmudder
I met Bruce in 1982. He suffered his whole life with a rare skin disease that caused him endless pain and anguish. He had grown so much as a brother, kindred friend, and seeker. I am so grateful for his dedication to KMUD. He will be sorely missed. I am shocked at his sudden death and in awe of his bravery. I wonder… was Kate Klein there to greet him? Bidding him joy on his journey and freedom from his sorrows, I am more mindful of the gift – that this night is to me. Thank you Bruce. FareWell.
December 31, 2008 at 10:05 pm
Joellen
Peace and Love, Bruce-always a big heckler of me, but a big supporter, too. Every human is so unique – there was no one like Bruce and there won’t be one like him in the future. He’s now officially a part of Sohum’s colorful history.
XO
January 1, 2009 at 8:34 am
sohumborn
Oh no, what a loss for our community.
January 1, 2009 at 9:27 am
Marcia
Oh… I will truly miss Bruce. Whenever I ran into him in town I felt the presence of a “real” person and heart. His child-like openness and naked mind never failed to give me a fresh shot of a treasured aspect of this community. Thank you for your bravery in your struggles, Bruce. And thank you for your life.
With love,
Marcia
January 1, 2009 at 9:50 am
ED Denson
I’ll miss his voice the most. He never lost or moderated his New York accent and I could always tell it was him instantly when he called my show to make a comment or ask a question. I never ran into his temper. We worked together on a variety of projects over the years and he was always a gentle and hardworking man, as I knew him, and I’m sorry to see him go.
January 1, 2009 at 12:00 pm
Ernie's Place (Branscomb)
Honesty, sincerity, dedication, orneriness, and outspokenness. All qualities that I admire. Bruce was well steeped in all of then. He will be missed.
January 1, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Congregation B'nai Ha Aretz
Bruce used to engineer for the Jewish Spiritual Perspectives show on KMUD (sponsored by Congregation B’nai Ha Aretz). He was just at our Hanukkah party, following along with a drum and diligently helping clean up after the event. He has been a long time participant in the congregation. The rabbi has contacted his sister and I will post any additional information I have. His presence and participation will be missed. B’Shalom (in peace) Miriam
January 1, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Eric Kirk
Thank you Miriam!
January 2, 2009 at 1:28 pm
Clarissa
I was told today that there will be a small memorial at the Mateel tomorrow midday. Maybe there will be mention on KMUD?
January 2, 2009 at 2:12 pm
Ridgerunner
There have been several announcements on KMUD that there will be a memorial at the Vets Hall in Garberville tomorrow. I’m uncertain of the time.
January 2, 2009 at 3:16 pm
Clarissa
I just spoke with Bruce’s sister. The memorial will be Saturday, tomorrow, at the Vet’s Hall in Garberville at 1PM. I hope to see some of you there.
January 2, 2009 at 6:23 pm
salmon girl
Bruce’s last name is Wateringtree. Truly a character and i enjoyed his jazz show. It’s hard living in a small town where you know everyone. I wish people out there would just stop dieing!
January 7, 2009 at 12:12 am
Eric Kirk
I was sorry to miss the memorial, but I did get to meet his family afterward. I’m really going to miss the guy.
January 11, 2009 at 11:19 am
Anonymous
If you think you miss him now wait until the next KMUD pledge drive.