Sunday, December 12, 2010
Ken with the SF Giants World Series Trophy
So too bad that Ken couldn't have been at the ball park for the end of the season. But as a season ticket holder, he got to have his picture taken with the WS Trophy! Thank you Rita! Here it is:
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
KB
Ken was a caring, loving man with a wonderful sense of humor. He would take me to work each morning and although it wasn't his favorite time of day, he would make me laugh. He loved unconditionally and would do the most special things, as a beautiful plant arriving at my office on Mothers Day. If I was ill he would arrive with Orangina and Pizza,when I was injured he took care of me night and day. I still cannot believe he has gone and will miss him always.....
Monday, June 21, 2010
Friday, June 18, 2010
Christine Denno
I was a HS classmate of Ken's at Marcellus, class of '66.
I knew Ken in his youth, all his years at Marcellus Central School. He was always kind...and brilliant. Although I completely lost touch it seems that he made quite a name for himself. I am sorry to hear of his passing and my condolences to those who will truly miss him.
Christine Estlinbaum Denno
I knew Ken in his youth, all his years at Marcellus Central School. He was always kind...and brilliant. Although I completely lost touch it seems that he made quite a name for himself. I am sorry to hear of his passing and my condolences to those who will truly miss him.
Christine Estlinbaum Denno
Friday, June 4, 2010
a Yankee toast to Ken
Lot's of friends showed up for our salute to Ken at the Yankee. I kind of fell down in the picture taking department but here is one of our group salute. It was so nice to see so many faces from the past - I wish I was better with names - I'm great with faces and really appreciate all the people who took the time to come by.
The Golden Gate Bridge, Highway & Transportation District
The Board of Directors of the Golden Gate Bridge, Highway and Transportation District adjourned its meeting of May 28, 2010 by honoring Ken's memory with a moment of silence. They sent a very nice certificate and condolences along with a beautiful picture of the bridge.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
from Gregg Sass
In my nine years with the City, I have met many remarkable people, and Ken
is very high on that list. Inquiries from the Budget Analyst can be veryanxiety producing for a Department finance director. But I truly enjoyed
working with Ken. He was always focused and direct, but also fair and
understanding. I came to consider him to be a friend and colleague. I am
going to miss his phone calls and our meetings on the Health Department's
budget.
Gregg L. Sass
CFO, Department of Public Health
I don't know why there are so many breaks in the text but....mb
Saturday, May 29, 2010
from Barbara Attard
It’s hard to believe that Ken is gone—I’ll miss seeing him pass by as I make my way around Bernal Hill or stop in at the Yankee for some hot political talk.
Ken always had the scoop about the inner workings of City hall. His work and insights were well respected (as well as cause for consternation) with folks at City Hall and the Hall of Justice. His keen eye has been key to figuring out where the money was. I’m sure the ugly budget mess we’re facing now took its toll on Ken—will they ever pass a budget this year? Ken’s many years of service to the City were so much of his life. It is sad that his well deserved retirement did not materialize. We’ve been comparing notes on the retirement numbers for years.
As a friend, Ken was generous and one you could always count on. It is not surprising that he was often surrounded by many, many long-term friends.
Ken had a special place in his heart for children—nieces and nephews and children of friends. He always spoke fondly of time he spent as a mentor, tutor, and just hanging out with the young people in his life.
Ken has been a longtime friend, political advisor, liars (and other) dice tutor, Giants game companion.
I’ll sorely miss him.
Ken always had the scoop about the inner workings of City hall. His work and insights were well respected (as well as cause for consternation) with folks at City Hall and the Hall of Justice. His keen eye has been key to figuring out where the money was. I’m sure the ugly budget mess we’re facing now took its toll on Ken—will they ever pass a budget this year? Ken’s many years of service to the City were so much of his life. It is sad that his well deserved retirement did not materialize. We’ve been comparing notes on the retirement numbers for years.
As a friend, Ken was generous and one you could always count on. It is not surprising that he was often surrounded by many, many long-term friends.
Ken had a special place in his heart for children—nieces and nephews and children of friends. He always spoke fondly of time he spent as a mentor, tutor, and just hanging out with the young people in his life.
Ken has been a longtime friend, political advisor, liars (and other) dice tutor, Giants game companion.
I’ll sorely miss him.
Random Act of Kindness
I worked with Ken at HMR for about two years in the early 2000s, shortly after I'd moved to SF. He was the first person I met there and the one who hired me. I was continually amazed at his ability to keep track of both the substance and politics regarding the numerous and complex key SF issues of the day. A few months into my time there, he randomly wandered into my office one afternoon and gave me two tickets to a Giants game that weekend. Now I'm someone you're more apt to find at a museum on a weekend than at a stadium...but we went to the game and bumped into some other friends there and had a terrific time. It was one of those small, random acts of kindness that sometimes appear in our lives. I really appreciated it because it reminded me of the many facets of my new city and to stay open to any possibilities that may come my way. My thoughts this week have been with his family, friends and the many who worked with him for so long.
Friday, May 28, 2010
I also worked with Ken for about 30 years. Although I didn't work regularly in San Francisco, there were many times I would check in with Ken to see how things were going in the Budget Analyst's Office and with the constantly emerging new political issues that were before the Board. It was always good to hear those stories and his perspective.
Inevitably, though, the conversation would drift from politics and business to the more personal sides of our lives. As Debra Newman noted, the conversation might center around his calendar, changing art or the latest photos he had received from Martha. During one such conversation, maybe 20-years ago, we talked about the new dog I had just adopted for my kids - a lab puppy with boundless energy. Ken had two dogs of his own at the time.
I was at wits end. The dog was chewing things up, digging in the garden and generally causing havoc everywhere she went. Ken suggested a book by the Monks of New Skeet - from upstate New York - who were known for their skill at training German Shepherds. He thought it would resolve my dog-dilemma.
I got the book, put it into practice and within a couple of weeks, the dog was a different animal. For 14 years I had one of the most well behaved dogs I had ever owned, and I thanked Ken daily for his sage advice. About a week before Ken passed away, I found myself recommending the book to a new dog owner who was experiencing the same difficulties I had faced 20-years ago. I will probably do so until my recommending days are over. Thanks to Ken.
Inevitably, though, the conversation would drift from politics and business to the more personal sides of our lives. As Debra Newman noted, the conversation might center around his calendar, changing art or the latest photos he had received from Martha. During one such conversation, maybe 20-years ago, we talked about the new dog I had just adopted for my kids - a lab puppy with boundless energy. Ken had two dogs of his own at the time.
I was at wits end. The dog was chewing things up, digging in the garden and generally causing havoc everywhere she went. Ken suggested a book by the Monks of New Skeet - from upstate New York - who were known for their skill at training German Shepherds. He thought it would resolve my dog-dilemma.
I got the book, put it into practice and within a couple of weeks, the dog was a different animal. For 14 years I had one of the most well behaved dogs I had ever owned, and I thanked Ken daily for his sage advice. About a week before Ken passed away, I found myself recommending the book to a new dog owner who was experiencing the same difficulties I had faced 20-years ago. I will probably do so until my recommending days are over. Thanks to Ken.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Memory of Ken Bruce
While I worked with Ken Bruce for many, many years, it is remarkable that the memory that remains is sitting in his office, and asking about the photographic calendars on his walls. He clearly loved them--and would take them down and recount for me the different months, where the photos were taken, who they were of and what they were doing at the time. They included pictures of his friends and extended family---taken on various vacations, around the Bay Area or at the ballpark, watching the beloved Giants play. It is a great memory of Ken...............
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
from Ashley Bruce
The passing of my Uncle Ken is a devastation to everyone who knew and loved him. He was one of the most brilliant and talented people I have ever met, and I was lucky enough to of had the pleasure of being his niece. I remember weekend long visits with Uncle Ken and Aunt Martha. I couldn't wait for them to come on Friday, and was always sad when the went back to the city Sundays. The many Giants games, visits and holidays we spent together will never be forgotten. Uncle Ken will be missed but not forgotten. Thank you to everyone who has left messages and comments about Uncle Ken, it is fun to read about all the stories.
from Sydney Mealley
Ken was a dear man. I have cut his hair for over 25 years. During those years we talked politics, world events, but mostly, BASEBALL , Giants of course.
I will miss him greatly.
Sydney Mealley
I will miss him greatly.
Sydney Mealley
The Bruce Brothers - from Paul Bruce
Paul says:
that picture was taken around 1981-82...I think by Rita I believe.
I'll never forget that weekend....Ken, randy, and I had to unload my old harley sportster I gave to Randy from the back of my tractor(trailer)tractor We had to literally pick it up off the back of the tractor manually @ about 700lbs. I'll never forget that hernia!
Ken as a mentor
One of my clearest memories of Ken was the day I met him. I had come into the Budget Analyst's Office for a job interview. I remember the chair he was sitting in - in that well worn back room when he asked me what, after a long arduous fire department audit, would I do if my recommendations were summarily disregarded. My response was that I would make the same recommendations again, and when he asked what I would do after they were disregarded a second time, and I said I would make the recommendations yet again, he asked me a third time what I would do...and so it went.
Whether it was my stubbornness that got me the job, I don't know. But I do know that Ken was a great mentor who has left an indelible impression of knowledge in my head and humanity on my heart.
Whether it was my stubbornness that got me the job, I don't know. But I do know that Ken was a great mentor who has left an indelible impression of knowledge in my head and humanity on my heart.
Before I moved to SF my daughter Martha made Ken Bruce my son-in-law. Having a personal interest in Operations Research, I was fascinated with Ken's role in shaping the policies of SF city and county affairs through the Harvey Rose office. It amazed me to find that the firm could maintain its credibility for delivering sound, politically impartial analyses despite all political pressures. I enjoyed Ken's recounting the process of resolving many of the difficult issues facing the city. As a new city resident, I consulted with him at election time to get the full story behind the many propositions.
On many occasions both during and after his marriage to Martha, Ken was a trusted source of advice as my extended family needed help in negotiating issues with community at-large.
Knowing Ken as a brainy and practical analyst, I was pleased to find that on a visit to our summer cabin in Newfoundland, Ken could pitch in with brawn as well. As I was framing a studio addition to the cabin he lightened the load by nailing up wall and roof sheathing and seemed to relish the experience.
On my 75th (or was it 80th?) Ken stopped by and presented me with a "shooting stick" he had just found. Being quite active and mobile at the time, I took it as wry joke and my shooting stick sat in our umbrella rack for years. Then as my aging back began acting up I started using it in walking the hills around the Newfy cabin. Now, still later, I carry it whenever I go out. For too long I procrastinated on my intention to drop in a the Connecticut Yankee at happy hour to thank him and share a drink or two. Yesterday, with some of the family, I managed to do so and picked up on the vibes Ken so much loved.
It has been many years now, since being divorced from Martha, yet he's been generous in passing on his love of baseball and the Giants to my grandson, Daniel. He remained a loved and important part of our family gatherings and we will miss him.
from Scott Paton
Ken Bruce: In Memoriam
I probably knew Ken less intimately than any other contributor or visitor to this site. As a regular but too infrequent visitor to San Francisco, Ken was one of the many friendly acquaintances I co-opted and conscripted from my good friend Will.
Over the course of the last dozen years or so, many laughs and drinks were shared when we inevitably collided at the Connecticut Yankee. It was always a huge disappointment for me if a Happy Hour didn’t result in a “chance” meeting, finding Ken situated at center court, yakking with Steve or Doc, or with one or more of the cast of regulars. I’d probably known Ken for two years before I was aware of his prominence in the municipal workings of SF. His good humor and bonhomie was bookended by his humility and his embrace of any worthy soul, regardless of station.
At the top of his game, Ken had that twinkle in his eye that prefaced –or, in some cases, precluded the need for—an obvious joke or a clever rejoinder. He was a “guy’s guy,” that the gals found charming as well.
The last time I saw Ken was at a post-game, tailgate clean-up on the Giants’ Opening Day last month. Quite frankly, he didn’t look good. I hadn’t seen him in more than a year. He was heavier, gray in pallor and, frankly, that light of his was not shining. When asked about his health he was dismissive, and there was an air of resignation about him. In conversation with him, and later that day with our mutual friend Will, it was clear that numerous friends had expressed their concern about his health.
I had vowed to myself to send him a letter –a scare tactic, really—admonishing him to get to the doctor as part of his imminent retirement plan. We weren’t personally close enough for him to anticipate such a missive from me, and I thought maybe that, as such, it might have some impact. An act of vanity or an effort in vain—I’ll never know, because I didn’t send it. And that will haunt me for a long time.
Despite the limits of our proximity and times shared, I had a tremendous affection for Ken, and I know that I’m part of a very extended and saddened crowd. I feel not only a tremendous personal loss, but also grieve for those of you who loved him and had the good fortune to enjoy his company more regularly.
Honor Ken’s memory by taking better care of yourself, getting a regular health check-up and spending more time in the company of those who add a little bit of joy to your life
I probably knew Ken less intimately than any other contributor or visitor to this site. As a regular but too infrequent visitor to San Francisco, Ken was one of the many friendly acquaintances I co-opted and conscripted from my good friend Will.
Over the course of the last dozen years or so, many laughs and drinks were shared when we inevitably collided at the Connecticut Yankee. It was always a huge disappointment for me if a Happy Hour didn’t result in a “chance” meeting, finding Ken situated at center court, yakking with Steve or Doc, or with one or more of the cast of regulars. I’d probably known Ken for two years before I was aware of his prominence in the municipal workings of SF. His good humor and bonhomie was bookended by his humility and his embrace of any worthy soul, regardless of station.
At the top of his game, Ken had that twinkle in his eye that prefaced –or, in some cases, precluded the need for—an obvious joke or a clever rejoinder. He was a “guy’s guy,” that the gals found charming as well.
The last time I saw Ken was at a post-game, tailgate clean-up on the Giants’ Opening Day last month. Quite frankly, he didn’t look good. I hadn’t seen him in more than a year. He was heavier, gray in pallor and, frankly, that light of his was not shining. When asked about his health he was dismissive, and there was an air of resignation about him. In conversation with him, and later that day with our mutual friend Will, it was clear that numerous friends had expressed their concern about his health.
I had vowed to myself to send him a letter –a scare tactic, really—admonishing him to get to the doctor as part of his imminent retirement plan. We weren’t personally close enough for him to anticipate such a missive from me, and I thought maybe that, as such, it might have some impact. An act of vanity or an effort in vain—I’ll never know, because I didn’t send it. And that will haunt me for a long time.
Despite the limits of our proximity and times shared, I had a tremendous affection for Ken, and I know that I’m part of a very extended and saddened crowd. I feel not only a tremendous personal loss, but also grieve for those of you who loved him and had the good fortune to enjoy his company more regularly.
Honor Ken’s memory by taking better care of yourself, getting a regular health check-up and spending more time in the company of those who add a little bit of joy to your life
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
a collection of unrelated pictures of Ken
Ken with some drying capelin - from a trip to Newfoundland - early 90's?
from Debra Newman
an excerpt from her email to me:
"Today's Board of Supervisors meeting was adjourned in memory of Ken Bruce, with many of the Supervisors speaking from their hearts of their memories of Ken."
Would love to have been there.
"Today's Board of Supervisors meeting was adjourned in memory of Ken Bruce, with many of the Supervisors speaking from their hearts of their memories of Ken."
Would love to have been there.
Monday, May 24, 2010
from Brian Deignan
Brian Deignan said...
I am truly saddened to learn of Kenny's death. It has been many years since Ken and many others conducted their marathon liars dice sessions at the Rite Spot over which I presided as master of ceremonies and bartender. Kenny and I shared (too) many beers and possibly other substances in our mutual appreciation of the wonders of life. His passion - for friends, baseball, family, baseball, music, baseball, life, baseball, laughter, baseball, politics, baseball, economics, baseball, sunlight, baseball, moonlight, baseball, last call, baseball, dogs, baseball, kids, baseball and every bit of everything that makes up this world - knew no bounds. My deepest sympathies go out to his brothers Randy and Paul and all the members of his family, to his ex-wife Martha and her extended Wehrer family who loved him so, and with sincere apologies, to his partner whom I met only once and whose name I unfortunately do not recall. Although it has been over 20 years since our extended time together I still remember Kenny fondly as a good man and a great friend. Bittersweetly I will always remember his passing since it occured on my 60th birthday which had been celebrated the previous Saturday in a fashion which I know Kennny would have appreciated and enhanced had he been there.
Sail on brother,
Love and thunder,
Brian Deignan
I am truly saddened to learn of Kenny's death. It has been many years since Ken and many others conducted their marathon liars dice sessions at the Rite Spot over which I presided as master of ceremonies and bartender. Kenny and I shared (too) many beers and possibly other substances in our mutual appreciation of the wonders of life. His passion - for friends, baseball, family, baseball, music, baseball, life, baseball, laughter, baseball, politics, baseball, economics, baseball, sunlight, baseball, moonlight, baseball, last call, baseball, dogs, baseball, kids, baseball and every bit of everything that makes up this world - knew no bounds. My deepest sympathies go out to his brothers Randy and Paul and all the members of his family, to his ex-wife Martha and her extended Wehrer family who loved him so, and with sincere apologies, to his partner whom I met only once and whose name I unfortunately do not recall. Although it has been over 20 years since our extended time together I still remember Kenny fondly as a good man and a great friend. Bittersweetly I will always remember his passing since it occured on my 60th birthday which had been celebrated the previous Saturday in a fashion which I know Kennny would have appreciated and enhanced had he been there.
Sail on brother,
Love and thunder,
Brian Deignan
From Harvey Rose
As Budget Analyst to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, Ken Bruce was my Chief Assistant and worked for me for approximately 30 years. I cannot emphasize enough the numerous valuable contributions that Ken made to the Budget Analyst’s Office and to the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Ken had a brilliant mind and he was able to quickly identify problems and make significant recommendations, resulting in millions of dollars of savings to the taxpayers of San Francisco. I cannot count the number of times that Ken was able to calm me down and steer me in the right direction in my presentations to the Board of Supervisors. I could always rely on Ken for the correct advice.
Ken’s knowledge of the City and County of San Francisco’s finances was enormous. As just one example, no one in the City, in my judgment, understood the complexities of the Police Department’s budget, as Ken did.
I will miss Ken both personally and professionally.
Harvey M. Rose
Budget Analyst, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
Ken had a brilliant mind and he was able to quickly identify problems and make significant recommendations, resulting in millions of dollars of savings to the taxpayers of San Francisco. I cannot count the number of times that Ken was able to calm me down and steer me in the right direction in my presentations to the Board of Supervisors. I could always rely on Ken for the correct advice.
Ken’s knowledge of the City and County of San Francisco’s finances was enormous. As just one example, no one in the City, in my judgment, understood the complexities of the Police Department’s budget, as Ken did.
I will miss Ken both personally and professionally.
Harvey M. Rose
Budget Analyst, San Francisco Board of Supervisors
To The Commissioner
Maybe a year after I joined the company and met Ken, he invited to join his Sunday golf game, otherwise known as the Bernal Heights Golf Association. Ken was the Commissioner of the Association, which included Ken, myself, Dan Humphrey, Joe Atturio, Jim Balderston and a rotating assortment of other players. Ken was usually my partner in a best-ball skins match against the other two players. You never saw four guys play harder for a pitcher of beer. Ken introduced me to the "air press," a chance to go double-or-nothing on the last hole by calling "air press" when the other team's shot is in the air, and to "flagging," waving the flag over the hole to distract the opponent on a key putt. Memories: winning the first air press with a birdie on 18 at Sharp Park (Dan's reaction was priceless), going on road trips and playing for food, including a particularly satisfying $400 dinner financed by Dan and Joe at Spring Training, hitting balls with ken occasionally at Mission Bay, seeing the "pro swing" screen saver on Ken's computer, helping Ken figure out what tournaments we wanted the PGA Tour to bring to Harding, receiving the Association "player of the year award" for buying so much new house furniture at IKEA. I've made good friends and spent a lot of enjoyable Sunday afternoons, because Ken was nice enough to invite me in.
Thanks, Ken, you were always a player of the year.
Thanks, Ken, you were always a player of the year.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
an email message from Fred Brousseau
I am deeply saddened to hear of Ken’s passing. I knew him for nearly 30 years; in fact, he was the first person I met at Harvey Rose, and we worked together on many projects, both for the City of SF and elsewhere.
A memory came to mind today of a very pleasant night when we were working in LA and you were there, selling wine to local restaurants, I think. I remember sitting around the apartment and laughing a lot. I believe we were sampling some of your wine. I’m not sure what we were laughing about now, but it was a nice night and it’s a good memory. - Fred Brousseau
I remember that apartment and Ken commuting down to LA to work - that was pretty early in our marriage I think. M
A memory came to mind today of a very pleasant night when we were working in LA and you were there, selling wine to local restaurants, I think. I remember sitting around the apartment and laughing a lot. I believe we were sampling some of your wine. I’m not sure what we were laughing about now, but it was a nice night and it’s a good memory. - Fred Brousseau
I remember that apartment and Ken commuting down to LA to work - that was pretty early in our marriage I think. M
celebrating the Orange Queen
Wecome to a place to share
This blog was created as a place to share thoughts, memories, stories and pictures you may have about Ken Bruce.
We will also keep you updated about memorial plans.
Anyone can leave comments but they are somewhat hidden unless you look for them. To leave a post of your own - which will be more visible- you have to be an author of the blog. To become an author, just send an email to me: mb@marthabruce.com and I will add you as an author.
We will also keep you updated about memorial plans.
Anyone can leave comments but they are somewhat hidden unless you look for them. To leave a post of your own - which will be more visible- you have to be an author of the blog. To become an author, just send an email to me: mb@marthabruce.com and I will add you as an author.
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