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Bruce Michael Edwards
Bruce Michael Edwards, 54, of Parkville, MO passed away Thursday, January 26, 2012 following a courageous battle against ALS. He was born May 14, 1957 in Massillon, OH to Russell H. and Dorothy (Bremkamp) Edwards. Bruce grew up in Massillon and graduated from Washington High School in 1976.
Bruce had a long career in the can packaging industry. Prior to his retirement in December, 2010, he worked for Silgan Container Corporation as a technical service representative. Bruce was a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Leavenworth and a member of the masonic lodge in Massillon. In his youth, Bruce was active in scouting, achieving the rank of Eagle Scout. Bruce was an avid cycling fan, loved to travel, and spend time outdoors. Since being diagnosed with ALS, Bruce was very involved with the Keith Worthington ALS Chapter, raising money and awareness for ALS research.
He married Mary Jane “Janie” Nass of Atchison, KS on October 15, 1988 in North Canton, OH. She survives of the home in Parkville. Additional survivors include two sons, Scott (Casey) of Augusta, GA and Alex of Parkville, MO; and his mother, Dorothy “Dottie” Edwards of Massillon, OH. His father preceded him in death.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Monday, January 30, 2012 at the Meyers Northland Chapel in Parkville. A Burial service will be held 11:00 a.m. Tuesday at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, at the corner of Seventh and Seneca streets in Leavenworth, KS, with (the Very Rev.) Michael Munro officiating. Lunch follows in the Parish Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to ALS Promise Fund – Bruce’s Battalion (www.alspromise.org), St. Paul’s Episcopal Church or Massillon Area Greenways, Inc. (MAGI) and may be left in care of the Meyers Northland Chapel, 401 Main St. Parkville, MO 64152. Memories of Bruce and condolences may be left with the family by visiting www.meyersfuneralchapel.com.
Janie and family:
So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a great friend.
Frank & Marlene
My sympathy, Bruce always displayed unconditional kindness, a true gentleman. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Bruce was and will always be an inspiration to our family. He was special person and will be deeply missed. Our prayers, love, and support goes out to the Edwards family. If there is anything you need, we are here for you.
Janie & Family & Nass Family:
I am very sorry to hear about Bruce’s death. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you in this time of sorrow. Please know that you are being thought of.
The McLaughlins – Debbie (Kuckelman) & Patrick
Janie, We are grieving with you. But praying that your joy in remembering Bruce’s courage will bring joy to you and your family. I will be in Washington, DC visiting the Capitol and seeking more funding to fight this hideous disease. The Promise Fund is a beautiful tribute to Bruce and we are trying with every breath to fund research to treat our patients.
God bless all of you and your continued support of all our PALS. Love and Hope, Shirley and Dave Wurth, Keith Worthington Chapter, ALS
JANIE… OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS WILL BE WITH YOU AND YOUR FAMILY… BRUCE WILL BB MISSED… AND HIS UNCONDITIONAL KINDNESS TO MY PARENTS NEVER FORGOTTEN… PETE
Bruce was a great colleague and I am proud to have worked with him throughout many years in the can industry. From our early contact when Silgan was Carnation and Bruce was at Central States I remember working at Frito-Lay and other customers with Bruce. He was a joy to work with, great contributor to the industry and a wonderful person to know. May God bless all of you throughout this time of sorrow. Todd Pesek
Alex and family,
So glad we got to know your dad. Cherish your memories. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sorry to lose such a warm, humorous person such as Bruce. He had a smile that lit up the room. His knowledge when dealing with customers was extraordinary. He will be missed by all. Thoughts and prayers to the family.
Dear Janie and family;
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Take care and may God bless you through this time of sorrow. Terri and Bruno
I miss Bruce both professionally with Silgan and personally. He was great to work and we became friends over the years. Janie, we met few years ago at the Snake Alley Criterium Bike Race in Burlington where Alex raced. My prayers are with your family and you. Isaiah 41:13
As I sit here watching the birds on this sunshine filled day, I remember the day we moved your bird feeder to just the right place per Bruce’s direction- several adjustments required of course, so that he could observe their beauty through his bedroom window! Gratitude, Simplicity, Order, Harmony, Beauty, and Joy will lead you, Alex, Scott, Casey and Dottie through the minutes, hours, days, months and years ahead as you remember Bruce’s courage, humor, love, committment and stubbornness of the Taurus Bull!
You will see him again and one day we will all be together! I believe he is able to fly in and out of ” the doghouse” at will now, on top of being able to walk, talk, use his arms, swallow, breathe without any pain or discomfort!
We will carry out his promise to find a cure for ALS!
Make TIME for what Matters,
Cathy, Aaron, Sarah and Chris
We are thinking and praying for all of you. May God Bless all of you!
Vernon & Brenda
Janie: It’s been too long since I’ve seen you and Bruce. (long time ago since my Ortho-McNeil days) I am so sorry to hear of his passing, and my condolences go to you and your family. As his facebook friend, he was the epitome of positive attitude. He was a real inspiration to all of us. As his childhood friend growing up in the ‘hood’ of Massillon, we had some good memories. I hope you and your family are doing well. We are keeping you all in our thoughts.
My hearfelt sympathy. Bruce was the 1st Silgan employee that I met 18 years ago when coming to Silgan Containers. He has made a lasting impression. Through the years, it was a pleasure to work with him on occasion. May God Bless all of you during this difficult time.
Ron and Barbara Butkus
Janie: Our hearts are filled with the memories of Bruce and the laughter he brought into our lives. His smile and laugther were intoxicating! WE truly feel blessed to have met both of you and will always cherish the time we spent together.
Our prayers are with you and your family during this difficult transition.
God bless.
Janie: My sincerest condolences go out to you and the rest of your family. I met Bruce through work, but was able to get to know him a little better these last few years. Bruce was an inspiration to me and he will be deeply missed. God bless.
Dear Janie , Alex, Scott, and Dottie,
Bill and I are so sorry to hear of Bruces passing. Are thoughts and
prayers are with all of you. Bruce was a great guy and the memories for all who new him will be cherished.
God Bless and know you are in our thoughts
Bruce was a great man then never seemed to have a bad day. His spirit will live on in all whom he touched. I was lucky to not only known him but to be able to call him a friend. Our thoughts are with you through this time of need.
Walt and Melissa
Janie & Family;
Our prayers and thoughts are with you as you continue this journey called life. Each friend we have is part of the path. You my dear are a stone that is enbedded on my path. Bruce left a colorful stone on many paths that will be treasured and remembered with joy. Want you to know that we are always here for you.
Beth and Steve Whalen
How sad to lose such a wonderful, kind man. Bruce was such
a positive, caring person, I felt that I had known him forever.
He had such drive ( even when he couldn’t drive anymore) !
I would see him “tooling” down Bell Road in his wheelchair to see his son. And he made sure ramps were put in for
wheelchair access to the sidewalks at the National . He was persistent!
I was so lucky our wire hair fox terriers met. I will always
remember his smiling eyes, his wit and his positive outlook.
Sending our sympathy and prayers to you and your family.
Ned and Gayle
Janie and family, Bruce was the bravest man I have ever known, and I will miss him. You have our deepest sympathy. God Bless you and your family.
Syl and Debbie Drobney
Edwards family, so sorry for your loss, Bruce was an old swim team friend of mine from WHS..Can’t believe he’s gone. I know he is at peace now. God is taking care of him. ….Love and Prayers
Edwards family, so sorry for your loss,may god bless all of you. cousin sandy
Janie & Family,
So sorry to see of Bruces’ passing. You have our sympothy.
Was also glad to see you and Bruce this past summer. You both were so upbeat.
I’ll not forget our times together at Scout camp.
He’s in Gods hands now and at peace.
Love,
Jim & MaryLou
Janie and family,
Thoughts and prayers are with each of you during this time of loss.
Dearest Janie, My deepest sympathy to you and your family on the loss of Bruce. Thoughts and prayers to you all. Love, Rosie
To Bruce’s family: What a courageous battler Bruce was. His positive attitude through his devastating illness is an inspiration to all of us. We purchased the home that Bruce grew up in and there are still little momemtos of Bruce’s presence. God bless your family.
We remember Bruce when he was young growing up in Massillon, Ohio. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. Aunt Maxine and Cousins
Dottie, Janie and Children,
Our deepest sympathy and condolences at this difficult time.
Having lived out of town…we didnt have the opportunity to know Bruce…but if he was anything like his mom and dad…he was a great guy! May he rest in peace…cradled in the arms of our Saviour!
Sue Ann Edwards, Rob and Cindy Williamson
Dear Family-
We have known the wonderful Edwards family for many years as Dottie, Russ, and Bruce served in so many ways at Grace United Church of Christ. He was , along with his Dad, very involved in Boy Scouts of America, and as we recall became a Eagle Scout which, I am sure made Russ and Dottie extremely proud, as they should have been. He was a wonderful son and we are sure a husband and father, although we did not see him in that part of his life. He was a great example of manhood and one who had the desire to help and serve others. We extend our deepest sympathy to all of you in your loss. May God Bless each one of you and guide you during the weeks ahead. Nancy and Bob Garver
Janie and family,
My sincere sympathy on your loss. I will keep you all in my prayers. Take care of each other.
TO BRUCE’S FAMILY
YOU HAVE OUR DEEPEST SYMPATHY.FROM ALL OF WHO
WORKED WITH BRUCE AT BORDNERS IN MASSILLON,OHIO.
Dearest Dottie, Janie, Scott, and Alex: My heart reaches out to you. Releasing a son, husband, and father is so very hard to do.
I have had to do all of those, too, and want you to know that God will give you the strength, courage, and will to go on with your lives as Bruce so bravely did while he was struggling with ALS. He certainly did fight the hard fight and used his faith and determination to inspire others. He has won the victory promised in Christ, thanks be to God. My prayers will surround all of you in the days ahead; and Dottie, I will get
together with you when you arrive home and have a chance to catch your breath. You know I am just a street and a phone call away! Love to all of you and God’s Peace and Comfort.
Ginger Sorg
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember Bruce when we were kids in Massillon. I hope all your memories help ease your pain. I know he’s looking down and smiling on you. God bless all of your family.
Dear Janie & Family ~
I am so sorry for your loss. Lean on God and your friends and family for strength during this difficulat time. Always remember how much you are cared about and that you are never alone. May you take comfort in knowing an angel is wathcing over you.
God Bless ~ Heather Karns
Dear Dottie and members of Bruce’s family,
I was saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a terrific young man, a judgment made while traveling with you, your husband, Bruce and the WHS Choir to Lakeland, Fla., some time ago (or was it just yesterday?). Bruce’s accomplishments, the distillation of his life, listed in his obituary are what I would have expected of him. Just before my mother died in November, she told us she was being visited by a woman dressed all in white who wanted her to go with her. We believe she is enjoying her new life in heaven with those she loved and are assured that one day we will again be with her.
May God grant you His Peace.
David and Sally Crookston