My name is Soo Lee Bruce-Smith, and I am the oldest daughter of TJ Bruce.  It was with great sadness to share that Dad took his final breath and entered the gates of heaven at 10:07 p.m. on Sunday, May 23rd.  He battled Parkinson's Disease for five years and was diagnosed with bladder cancer last summer.  He was admitted to the hospital on May 13th where he was diagnosed with a rare condition called superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS).

 

Despite his health issues, Dad was 'TJ the PJ' strong until the end.  He endured 7.5 weeks of grueling chemotherapy and radiation treatments, rarely complained about pain and didn't even think it was necessary to go to the hospital for his last health issue.  There were a couple of times I told him, "I'm sorry you're having to go through this, Dad."  He always responded with "Don't be sorry.  I'm just glad you're here."  

 

Thanks to those of you who have contacted me with your condolences and tributes to Dad.  We don't know much about his work history other than he did cool stuff, like jump out of planes and scuba dive.  My family and I are so proud to hear about the impact he made on those who worked with him and the Pararescue Association.  It's hard not to smile or laugh when we hear about his high standards and how particular he was about doing a job.  My sister and I have vivid memories of him knocking on our bedroom window early Saturday mornings to go outside and work.  Chores were never easy because he wanted them done a certain way, which usually took three times longer to do.  But thanks to Dad, we can contribute our hard work ethic and our desire to do the best job possible because of his lessons.  

 

The Bruce family is incredibly proud of his service to the country he loved, and we are especially proud of how he lived his life.  He lived with great integrity, honor and character and fiercely loved God, his family and friends.  Though we miss him, we know we will see him again one day.

 

We are planning on a memorial service in mid-July and will have it available via Zoom.  We will share information with the association very soon.  

 

In the meantime, please feel free to share anything about Dad by contacting me at 208-305-7653 or sbrucesmith@gmail.com.

 

God Bless,

 

TJ Bruce Family