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Brian Francis "Bb" Bruce

Brian Bruce Obituary

"Three things last forever - faith, hope and love - and the greatest of these is love." 1 Corinthians 13:13. Brian Francis "BB" Bruce passed away Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010, at The Carpenter House of St. Joseph Hospice after a 3‰-year battle with cancer. BB was born Sept. 17, 1946, in Flushing, N.Y., and led a full and happy life. There were bumps along the way, but he overcame them with grace and dignity. A graduate of Baton Rouge High and LSU, he founded and directed a case management company dedicated to helping people with developmental disabilities, part of his lifelong commitment to helping those in need. Some of his happiest moments were playing music, dancing with his wife, traveling and "pigging" out with his friends. He will be dearly missed by his family and many friends, including the Krewe of Pigs and his kitties, Boogerbear and Raylette. BB played and recorded music as a part of the Baton Rouge blues community for many years. He was featured in the original PBS special "Rainin' In My Heart" and received an award from Horner Harmonicas for his musicianship. BB played with Mr. Henry Gray for 30 years. The last of the four CDs he recorded with Henry was listed at 23rd in the nation for 2009 by Living Blues magazine. He was preceded in death by his parents, George and Lillian Bruce; and mother-in-law, Zena Fayssoux. BB is survived by his beloved wife of 21 years, Jackie; and siblings, Jo Bruce, Barbara Bruce, Mike Bruce and wife Louise, and Patti Beste and husband David. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Whitney Magendie, William Bruce, John Allman, Daniel Allman, Camille Beste and Madeleine Allman. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home East, 11000 Florida Blvd., on Saturday, Feb. 27, from 1 p.m. until memorial service at 3 p.m., conducted by the Rev. John Carville. The family wishes to express sincere gratitude to all those at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center and St. Joseph's Hospice.

Published by The Advocate from Feb. 26 to Feb. 27, 2010.
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Memories and Condolences
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Dear Jackie, I haven't seen BB or you in quite a while, I am so sad to hear of his death, and I am so very sorry for your loss. He was so very amazing, and he was a wonderful mentor when he let me volunteer in his classes. My favorite memory is when he and Andy were working with the adolescents at Blundonhome. One day, BB promised the kids he would take them swimming if they completed their work. The kids worked excitedly and finished their work. Right when they were getting ready to leave, a storm came pouring down, out of the blue. The kids were furious, and began shouting "You said you'd take us! Now we can't go!" BB never raised his voice. He simply said, "So what's the problem? We're still going. Come on, get ready!" The kids (and I) were astonished, but eagerly got ready to go swimming with BB at Webb Park as he calmly kept his promise, no matter what. He was amazing. I will keep you and BB in my and my children's prayers. Bless you.

Felicia Leggio Braud

March 13, 2010

Jackie -- We will always remember BB as a man of grace and dignity, as well as being a fine musician. I first worked with him on the Blues Festival and FestForAll in the 80's and was always glad to hear him play and to visit with him. We are so sorry to learn of his passing, but will continue to remember him and to keep you and the family in our prayers. May the love of Christ surround and comfort you. Dudley-Brian, Jan and Bob Smith of Smithfield Fair, Baton Rouge, LA

Dudley-Brian Smith

March 3, 2010

To the Bruce family. I am so very sorry to hear of your brothers passing. I remember Brian only as teenager, when my dear friend Patti and I were friends. He was very kind. I just found out about your loss, otherwise I would have been at the funeral. I would also like to express my sadness in hearing of the lost of your parents. Two wonderful people that I will always remember. Miss all of you! May God give you peace during this time of sorrow.

Fran Hampton

March 1, 2010

I am sorry and saddened to hear about Mr. Bruce's passing. He was a very kind and caring boss. Through him, I was able to learn and experience a lot. My prayers go out to you Ms. Jackie and your family. Remember, the same God that has taken Mr. Bruce home is the same God that will give you peace during this hard time.

Bridget Briggs

February 28, 2010

BB was one of the most intrinsically kind people I've ever known. His heart was as open as the sky, and he was full of a joy that he generously gave to everyone around him. I loved talking and playing music with him, and Jim and I really loved boogying down at his concerts. - Jackie, I'm glad that you and BB were able to share your love, creativity, and joy of life for so many years. Our thoughts are with you.

Jin Emerson-Cobb

February 28, 2010

Brian and I were good friends at Baton Rouge High. We lost touch in the early 90s and I am glad to know that he found happiness in so many things since then. As an adult he seems to have been a quiet helper for many, which fits very well my memories of him as a youth.

Walt Eldredge

February 27, 2010

Mrs. Jackie I'am sorry for your lost but just know God is always withh you even when you may feel alone your not we love you. 5-west

Mrs. Lawanda

February 27, 2010

I worked for Brian at CRC. He was a quiet, fervent and dedicated leader who had a passion to lobby for and assist the needs for families and youth with developmental disabilities. He was a living testimony of living life joyfully in work and song. He will be missed however, never forgotten by me.My heart and prayers are extended to his family and loved ones.

Lucy Rogers

February 27, 2010

Brian was my boss for some time. He was one of those rare individuals who touched some many lives with his unconditional love. It broke my heart to hear of his passing. He will be missed.

Jamie Smith

February 26, 2010

Ms. Jackie, words can't express the way I feel. I pray that God will continue to bless you and keep you doing this time and always. I will miss the crawfish boils, the nights at Byronz and the christmas parties. Brian was more than my boss at CRC, he was a true friend indeed. He will be greatly missed.

Reesie Dukes

February 26, 2010

I was sorry to hear about BB. He was so kind to my parents when they lived next door. He and Jackie fed the mourners after my mother's funeral. I must have stopped by his house 7-8 times several years ago when I visited Baton Rouge, but, unfortunately, neither he nor Jackie were home. I did get to see the fanciful floats in the driveway a couple of times. I know he will be missed.

Robert Emerson

February 26, 2010

I taught Bruce Tai Chi and he was always so nice and so sweet. I will miss him and his soft smile.

Kathleen Powenski

February 26, 2010

BB was one of those very special people. He contributed so much to the children and families he helped in his kind and gentle manner for so many years.

Charlotte Provenza

February 26, 2010

Ms. Martin's memories of BB use the most perfect word to describe him: kindest. He was unfalingly kind and gentle, touched and influenced so many people in and out of the BR counter-cultural scene. A very nice man.

Charles Elliott

February 26, 2010

Very sorry to learn of Brian's death. He and I both worked in Case Management from it's beginning in Louisana. He was a statewide leader in the development of independed case management in this state and was dedicated to helping people with disabilities lead active lives in their community. Pat Fontenot

Pat Fontenot

February 26, 2010

Dear Jackie,
I am so sorry for your tremendous loss. Love never dies but lives on within us.
Love, Joan

joan moore

February 26, 2010

My sweet Jackie, BB will be dearly missed. My memory of him will not only be as your loving husband but I'll remember the sheer joy I witnessed watching him as he danced and played music with you. You and your family will be in my prayers. Love, Dianne and Andrew

Dianne Groome

February 26, 2010

I was so saddened to hear the news yesterday. I worked with BB for many years at Speech and Hearing Foundation. He was one of the kindest, most caring people I have ever met. He will be missed.

Liz Martin

February 26, 2010

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