George "Boom Boom" Bruce

George Wyly "Boom Boom" Bruce, age 86, of La Grande, died December 17, 2010 at a local care facility. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 23, 2011 at the Grande Ronde Community Church at 2:00 p.m. followed by military honors at the Grandview Cemetery.

George was born on October 24, 1924, the son of Levi and Alta (Cox) Bruce in Boise, Idaho. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps and graduated from boot camp at San Diego in 1943. He proudly served during World War II and the Korean War. On November 18, 1943 he married Shirley A. Winebarger. After his honorable discharge he owned two of the first Chevron gas stations in the country, one in Raleigh Hills and one in Beaverton. In 1956 they purchased the Pepsi Plant in La Grande and ran it until 1970 when the marriage ended. George then went into Real Estate and was a broker for many years.

George was a member of the Grande Ronde Community Church. He was active in the community during his lifetime. He was a member of the Elks Lodge, the AARP, of which he was District Representative for a time. He served as a County Commissioner and was a member of the La Grande Country Club and an avid golfer. He enjoyed shooting guns, visiting with people at Wal-Mart and riding around town in his car around the valley. It was always his dream to go Scotland and Ireland to meet the extended family members there that he never got to meet.

Survivors include his children and their spouses, Sally and Jim Standley of La Grande and Pat and Nancy Bruce of Union; eight grandchildren; six great grandchildren; nephew, Ron Earwood of Tacoma, Washington; daughter-in-law, Laura Bruce of Tulsa, Oklahoma and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his son, Carroll Bruce, wife, Shirley Bruce and brother, William Earwood.

Those who wish may make contributions in his memory to the Grande Ronde Community Church in care of Daniels~Knopp, 1502 7th Street, La Grande.

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