Bruce William Smith

Bruce William Smith was born in Chicago, Illinois in 1950. He enjoyed playing many sports, as well as reading and praying. After a lifetime career of teaching and coaching, he spent recent years living in St. John's Lutheran Home. Bruce and his family greatly appreciated the wonderful care he received there. The staff enjoyed Bruce's personality, and marveled at how well he answered quiz questions about geography; it was easy for Bruce, since he had traveled through 49 states of the United States, and also toured many countries in Europe.

Bruce was known for his spirituality, his intelligence, his athletic abilities, his warmth and his sense of humor. He was a lifelong Chicago sports fan who closely followed the Bears, the Bulls and the Cubs. He loved books; his favorites included "Awareness" by Anthony deMello, SJ, and "The Ragamuffin Gospel" by Brennan Manning.

Family meant a great deal to Bruce, and he was always a strong champion for the wishes of those who were close to him. Joan and Brian are grateful to Bruce for being so supportive of their hopes and dreams. He also had an innate sense of solidarity with all humans. Bruce clearly saw the oneness of all humans, and the interconnectedness of all life; he lived by the principle that the good of one cannot be separated from the good of all. Bruce is remembered as a loving husband, a hard worker at work, and a good family man. He was a Lutheran and he liked to go to Catholic church, too.

He died on August 21, 2018.

He is survived by his mother, Marilyn; his brother, Richard and family, Lisa, Adam, Jennifer and Kristen; his wife, Joan; his son, Brian; daughter-in-law, Hannah; and grandson, Vance. Bruce was preceded in death by his father, Herb; and his daughter, Margaret Ellen.

Services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 25, at American Lutheran Church, 5 Lewis Ave.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. John's Lutheran Ministries Foundation.