October 2024
by James Woodward
It is with some sadness that we formally record here the death of one of our neighbours and friends Dom Bruce OSB. He was an integral part of the small Benedictine community living next to Sarum College at 19A The Close (pictured at top).
Bruce was larger than life and brought into the space and the place of the Close and our community his gregarious, encouraging and life-filled spirit. Unashamedly and proudly American with a long story of his journey into the religious life, he captured our hearts and animated any space with his presence. His tall and imposing stature always had a warmth of spirit to all that he met. We loved hearing about his adventures. He was especially good at meeting strangers and telling them all about Salisbury and our life together here at Sarum.
He battled with illness and memory loss and died peacefully in a local care home where he was visited by Brothers Dom Francis and Prior Simon every other day until his death.
We look forward to joining the community to celebrate his life at his funeral at 2.30pm on Monday 21 October at Salisbury Cathedral.
We thank God for all that Dom Bruce was and all that he gave, and pray that he will rest in peace and rise in glory.
The Revd Canon Professor James Woodward is Principal of Sarum College.
Dom Francis and Dom Bruce (right)
Dom Bruce (left), Prior Simon, the late Dom Kenneth, and Dom Francis (right)
Dom Bruce was one of my best friends. He was very good company and extremely generous.
We shared a love of beautiful gardens and he always encouraged me in the Priory gardens.
I shall miss him very much.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
Dom Bruce I counted as a friend and as the article said he was larger than life.