Bruce left us peacefully on Sunday, October 23, 2011. He was living at the Mountain View Living Center at the VA in Sheridan for the past 5 months.

He was born on August 9, 1925 to Elzie and Gertrude Wood in Sheridan, Wyoming. He graduated from Sheridan High School in May 1943 and joined the Navy directly.

After WWII, he returned to Sheridan and married Dorothy Etchemendy. Together they had 3 children and lived in Wyoming and Montana.

Bruce retired from his career in Sales in Minnesota in 1983 and returned to Sheridan where he has remained through the years.

He loved the outdoors and in his early years was an avid hunter. Later in years he channeled that love to fishing.

He was a member of several fraternal organizations but he was most proud of his role in the Shrine in Sheridan. He was a member of the Shrine Oriental Band and enjoyed traveling to many towns for parades and all other celebrations possible.

Bruce will be remembered for his gift of gab, his gruff sense of humor and always looking to have fun. He NEVER knew a stranger and would talk to everyone and anyone, anywhere, anytime.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brothers, Dick Wood and Gene Wood, his sister Fern Zaug and his granddaughter, Gilean Newman.

Bruce is survived by his three children, Doug Wood (Mickey) of Lewistown, MT, daughter, Ronda Stevens (Casey) of Bigfork, MT and daughter, Johnna Newman (Howard) of Ingomar, MT, 6 grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren, 3 Great-Great Grandchildren, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Cremation has already taken place and he requested no services. The family will gather in the future for a celebration of his life.

Please make any donations/contributions in his memory to the VA in Sheridan or The Kalif Shrine in Sheridan, for the Crippled Children’s Fund.

The Sheridan Press - October 28, 2011.