Bruce Lawrence Danielson of Decatur, GA departed this life on April 7, 2013, surrounded by his loving family, after an approximately year-long diagnosis and treatment for Multiple Myeloma, a blood plasma cancer.
Born May 16, 1959 in Chicago Heights, IL, Bruce moved to Atlanta in 1972, graduating from Crestwood High School, then attending NC State University and graduating with honors with a degree in public relations and marketing from the University of Florida in 1981. Bruce worked for the John H. Harland Company, MCI, UPS and lastly as Vice President of Executive Communications for Bank of America.
Bruce enthusiastically took on the challenges he faced with the disease as he had his many outside interests. Outside of family, music was his principal passion. Not ashamed to be referred to as a Deadhead, Bruce also had a strong passion for Old Time Appalachian String Band music. At the ripe age of 42 Bruce had the courage to learn to play the Mountain fiddle. Highly influenced by the great master fiddlers of Virginia, North Carolina and West Virginia, Bruce was a fixture at fiddlers conventions and camps throughout the Southern mountains, including his beloved Grayson County, Virginia. Many a late night mountain jam around a campfire would end with Bruce proclaiming "just one more tune y'all" only to proceed with another hour's worth of his favorite songs like "Hangman's Reel," "Falls of Richmond," "John Brown's Dream" and "Cold Frosty Morning." Bruce would often say of his fiddling -- "What I lack in skill I make up for in enthusiasm." Indeed "enthusiasm" was a guiding beacon of his life and a trait he passed on to countless friends and acquaintances.
Bruce also loved the outdoors, and did innumerable backpacking trips with a rag-tag group known as the Crestwood Hikers, including many week-long hikes in some of America's great National Parks. Bruce also enjoyed whitewater canoeing, and flipped much less frequently than his fellow paddlers. Whatever he took on in life, Bruce excelled.
Though not a native southerner, Bruce loved the south, especially its food and music. The man was a skilled eater too, and particularly enjoyed Bar-B-Q (only pork would do!) and Atlanta's Varsity restaurant. Bruce also enjoyed gardening, his dogs, collecting folk art, rooting for the Florida Gators, and most recently, his model trains.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife, Claire Kerby Danielson, whose dedication to Bruce in good times and bad, has been an inspiration to all who have witnessed it. Bruce also is survived by his much-loved children, Anya Elise Danielson and Nels Larrick Danielson, his mother, Betty Danielson, sister Eileen Danielson Christensen, brother Rick Danielson, niece Leslie and nephew Erik. Also, his first wife, Lauren Glendening Danielson, mother of Anya and Nels, has been of great assistance and encouragement to Bruce and Claire during these difficult times. Bruce's courage and good humor will be forever remembered by the many others whose lives he touched. Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Richard Danielson.
Memorial services celebrating Bruce's life will be conducted Thursday, the 11th of April at two o'clock at Patterson's Arlington Chapel with Dr. Stephen Huntley officiating.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to The National Parks Foundation http://www.nationalparks.org/ or The Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation http://www.themmrf.org/.
Friends are cordially invited to visit with the family Thursday afternoon from one until two o'clock at H. M. Patterson & Son Arlington Chapel, 173 Allen Rd., NE, Sandy Springs, GA 30328, 404-851-9900.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
March 27, 2014
Doug Jones
I knew Bruce from high school and then reconnected years later to ride and race dirt bikes. Always enjoyed his company and the adventure of going to new riding places. We drifted apart and as years went by thought of him often. I know he is greatly missed and has left a positive mark on all who knew him.
May 14, 2013
Kathie Carr
Bruce and I met 30 years ago when we both worked for Harland. Coincidentally, he was also my neighbor in Sandy Springs and we literally lived across the street from each other! I was fresh out of college and did not own a car. Bruce was kind enough to give me a ride to work with him (30 miles to Conyers). I had not seen him in many years and was sad to hear of his passing. His obituary was lovely. It sounds as if he had life figured out.... He appreciated all of the things that are truly important. My sincere condolences to his family.
April 24, 2013
Claire, our thoughts and prayers go out to you and the family! May the spirit in Bruce's life live in your hearts forever!
Our grandson, Jack, is crazy about trains - he would have loved to learn from Bruce and his train aficionado friends!
Love,
Jennifer & Steve Fox
April 17, 2013
Randy Smith
I'm very heartbroken to learn of Bruce passing. What a great friend and work colleague. Bruce gave me his "tub-thumper" washtub bass instrument years ago when I joined him and the ATU (Acoustic Trauma Unit) old time music band for the Galax music festival. I enjoyed several years of playing music with Bruce, Claire & the boys and fun times that I will always remember. My sincerest condolences to you Claire and to all of Bruce's family. I will miss him dearly.
Bruce, I know you're plucking that fiddle overlooking a beautiful vista right now. Rest in peace brother.
Love, Randy
April 16, 2013
Richard and Shirley Sackmann
Bruce and my brother David went camping with Rick and me on the Olympic Pennisula.Bruce was totally into enjoying the beach and nature. My fondest remembrance. Peace
Love Richard
April 16, 2013
Margot Morris Dawkins
I had the chance to work with Bruce many years ago at Harland, and enjoyed the times that we all "grew up" together! He was bright and funny, and brought a unique outlook to all that he did. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this time of loss,
April 13, 2013
Kevin Mitchell
Just heartbroken to learn of Bruce's death. What an inspiration his attitude was for those also fighting cancer. God bless and keep you, Bruce.
April 11, 2013
I knew Bruce many years ago at Harland. Recently, he and I reconnected online for a few conversations. He had learned to fiddle and I found that a great thing as I am a lifelong musician. I have fond memories of Bruce and extend thoughts and prayers to his family.
April 11, 2013
Carolyn Johnson
Claire, my thoughts and prayers are with you.
April 11, 2013
Anita Wofford
Claire - Know that you have been very much in the hearts and thoughts of those of us in Charlotte this week who care so much for you. Warm condolences to you and your family from Charles and I.
April 10, 2013
Claire, Even though I never met Bruce I Iknow. That he was the love
Of your life and your best friend.My heart and prayers go out to you.
April 10, 2013
Ken Sternad
My thoughts and prayers are with you, Bruce, and your family. It was great to work with you all of those years at UPS. You will be missed.
April 10, 2013
Thinking of all of you and sending
love and sympathy.
Marilyn and Jake
April 10, 2013
"The Boys" at FMC Atlanta. Our condolences to the family. He always brought a smile, and we all here appreciated it.
April 10, 2013
May the God of all comfort be with you during this difficult time
April 9, 2013
Keely Smith
Claire and family,
So, so sorry to hear of your loss, but thankfully his was a life lived with fun, love and passion. I hope the passage of time will help ease your sadness and leave you with only these many happy memories. In the meantime, I'm sending healing thoughts and support your way.
April 9, 2013
Chris Meier
Claire & family - I am so sorry that I didn't get a chance to meet Bruce - he sounds like a perfect match for you - it's comforting to know that you were able to spend some years together. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family as you navigate this difficult terrain.
April 9, 2013
Sharpe (Rev. 21:4)
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
April 9, 2013
Susan Nickerson
Dear sweet Claire & Family, so glad that you all got to treasure & love such a wonderful, fun man - his presence & contributions clearly enriched so many lives - such a legacy! Thinking of you now & in the coming months with love & positive, healing energy.
April 9, 2013
Courtney McMillan
What a joy getting to know Bruce and Claire. Bruce, you and your infectious joyous spirit will be missed by many.
April 9, 2013
What a wonderful man! I'm sad that I never got to meet him!
Claire, please feel a special hug from me from out west ...my heart aches for you!
I will pray for you and all of Bruce's loved ones and pray God gives you silver linings and gifts from both he and Bruce during this time!
Gods peace! Nell Watt Hanson
April 9, 2013
John Jett
Goodbye dear friend. We had so many good times together (and managed to get through less good times, too). From water skiing in the 80's to canoeing in the 90', backyard parties in the 00's then Tybee beachs and boating in most recent times. Sparing with you over the Gators/DAWGs, debating with you over politics and solving all those mysteries of life. I loved you. So many loved you. You were the stongest person I ever knew.
John Jett
April 8, 2013
Jeanne Dunlap
God rest your soul. Prayers sent to all the family.
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