Gerald Bennett Bruce, 83, passed away March 20, 2011, at Ace Elder Care in Bonners Ferry.

Memorial services will be held Saturday, March 26, at 2 p.m. at Grandview Cemetery with Military Rites by the Idaho National Guard.

Gerald was born on October 1, 1927, in Tekoa, Washington. He was the third son of Lottie and George Bruce. He moved to Boundary County in the Early 1930s and resided in the Deer Park area all of his life.

He attended Boundary County Schools and upon graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He was very proud of his choice to serve his country and when his great nephew Brandon entered the Navy, it was a great day for him.

His father passed away, so he opted out of the service and came home to make a living with his mother and sister, Anne. They started a dairy on the home place and then acquired more land to have it totally self contained. Gerald sold the dairy cows and for awhile he raised beef cattle.

A truck wreck caused him to retire somewhat early and he sold the farm. He then moved to his house on Deer Park Road, where he lived until January of this year. Gerald had a hospital stay and then moved to Ace Elder Care, where he passed on to a better life.

He served many years on the Dairy Gold Board in Spokane. He was a member of the Cattlemen’s Association and was honored with the Grassman award of the year. He loved to hunt in his younger years, and on any given weekend, you always found several hunters at his home ready for a day of fun.

He is survived by his sister Anne, and nephews Art and Ross and their families.

Family and friends are invited to sign Gerald’s book at www.bonnersferryfuneralhome.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Bonners Ferry Funeral Home.