Bruce D. Atwood, 68, of Tempe, Arizona, passed away August 1st 2017 from complications of ALS. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle and friend. He was born in Grinnell, Iowa on August 4th, 1948. Bruce graduated Newton Senior High School and received his MBA from the University of Phoenix. He was married to Lynn Braun on December 22nd 1972. Bruce worked for General Electric Healthcare for 40 years.
Bruce had recently welcomed his third grandson, his namesake, Bruce Baedeker into the world on June 10th. He continued the family name with his elder two grandsons, one-year old Griffin and five-year old Bennett Atwood. All three grandsons lived within close proximity along with Bruce's children and their spouses; Karl and Stefanie Baedeker of Chandler and Lindsay and Kevin Atwood of Tempe.
Bruce and Lynn met in April of 1970 and if you've seen Lady and the Tramp, they were sucking pasta out of each other's faces. After his service in the U.S. Army, the cold mid-western winters were too much. Bruce wanted to go to school where the weather was warm, with his favorite aunt and uncle already living in Mesa, it was a natural selection. Unable to leave Lynn behind, they became engaged in June of 1972, and married soon after in December of that year.
He had always been a natural engineer, working on an Iowa farm imparted that. Bruce finished his Electrical Engineering degree from DeVry Institute of Technology and began working in General Electric's medical imaging division. Lynn and Bruce settled in a small apartment in Phoenix, where more than a few life-time friends were met. Young and dumb, they bought a dog, too big for the apartment. It wasn't soon after, they purchased their first house to accommodate the pooch and also brought along another set of life-time friends. A few years later, Arcadia was the place to be, but settled for the house on Osborn and 33rd St. in Phoenix where they welcomed their two children, Kevin and Stefanie (no typo, Stefanie, Bruce's decision).
Parents of the era can never really have their hippie removed and they continued the hippie indoctrination for their children. Lynn and Bruce found a home in South Tempe, their lifelong home. Lynn and Bruce saw their careers blossom as well as their children. They watched their children graduate from high school and eventually college. After 40 years with the same company retirement was upon him.
All of this only speaks to the measure of a man's accomplishments, not to the man. His devotion as a husband, patience as a father, love of his grandsons, family and friends, his open heart, bright mind, quiet listener and accomplished council are irreplaceable in this world.
Arrangements under the direction of Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery, Scottsdale, AZ.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery.
August 13, 2017
Tom Curran
Lynn,
I'm very sorry to hear of the loss of Bruce he was a Mentor, friend and co-worker of mine for 11 years and he will be missed by many. Please take care of your self the best way you can and try to remember the great times. I loss Anne in 2013 and I know what you are going through. I will keep Bruce and your family in my prayers.
August 12, 2017
Maria Andrade
- [ ] My sincerest condolences to the family for your loss. I pray that you have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Phillipians 4:6,7).
August 11, 2017
Thoughts of sympathy are with you today Numbers 6:24-26
August 11, 2017
Denise Cathlina-Wildman
August 11, 2017
Maria Andrade
My sincerest condolences to the family for your loss. I pray that you have the peace of God that surpasses all understanding (Phillipians 4:6,7).
August 10, 2017
Shannon
My sincere condolences to the family during this difficult time. May you trust and draw strength from God (Isa. 12:2) and the loving support of family and friends.
August 9, 2017
Dixie Herrington/Merritt
Bruce was an amazing Man I can't say enough about him he inspired me never giving never complained about anything .he loved and enjoyed his beautiful family I feel so blessed that I found My was into there lives you will never be forgotten RIP my friend
August 9, 2017
To the Atwood Family: My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring comfort. Knowing that there's a hope for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Showing 1 - 8 of 8 results
Funeral services provided by:
Green Acres Mortuary & Cemetery401 North Hayden Road, Scottsdale, AZ 85257
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more