RIP Bruce Wilson (aka Bruce in Tucson)

[The Phantom]

Haven't seen this posted here yet, thought it might be worth putting up. Marc Brinker posted it on the VFR List, which is the current gmail-based version of what us old timers call the 'big list' - which pre-dated VFRD (and was pretty much supplanted by VFRD in the never-ending march of technology).

 

I never met Bruce personally, but in 1999/2000 we swapped a lot of emails and a few phonecalls. In my estimation Bruce is one of the guys who gave us the understanding of the 90-97 VFR that we enjoy and take for granted nowadays. And a hell of a decent guy as well.

 

RIP old mate.

 

Your friend,

Murray

 

 

 

From Marc:

 

I am saddened to let you know of the passing of Bruce Wilson, aka "Bruce in
Tucson". Bruce is finally at peace, having lost his battle with cancer
yesterday, at the age of 67.
 
A long-time lister, Bruce was a passionate motorcyclist, and a true VFR
aficionado - a "guru" with respect to the VFR. I know many of you will
remember him from the heyday of the "old list", prior to the Google group.
Bruce was never afraid to offer advice and opinion, and he did not suffer
fools gladly. But he knew what he was talking about, and he lived and
breathed motorcycles. A friend once explained Bruce this way: "one day
early in life he clicked on motorcycles, and he never clicked off".
 
Bruce and I met in person about 15 years ago, when I started traveling to
Tucson on business, and we became great friends. I saw he and his wife Mary
at least a couple of times a year, and rode with them when I could. When I
traveled to Tucson to attend their wedding years ago, Bruce insisted I come
early with my gear, and we spent the two days prior to the wedding riding
in Arizona and New Mexico. Typical Bruce!
 
If you're so inclined, raise a glass to his honor, of whatever you choose
(Sierra Nevada Pale Ale was his favorite). I was fortunate to acquire
Bruce's '96 VFR last year, so a part of him lives on with this community.
 
As Mary said in announcing his passing, "he is now on that great race track
in the sky". Go easy, Brother Bruce.
 
Bruce Allan Wilson
7/16/49 - 4/3/17

[Duc2V4]

Always sad when we lose a fellow member and friend. I never got to meet Bruce but I'm sure he had many acquaintances who will feel the loss. I don't have any Sierra Nevada in the fridge but I do have Guinness, so I'll be sure to raise a glass for him!

 

R.I.P. Bruce

[Lorne]

Bruce and Mary are lovely people, and I miss him already.

Like many, I met Bruce Wilson via the old VFR list back in the '90's and immediately liked him. His writing was crisp and opinions blunt but fair. He turned me on to a really good place to stay in Monterey - then rightly chastised me for blabbing about it. I still feel sheepish about that. 

I finally met Bruce in person at Laguna Seca in1999, and bumped into to him there a couple of times over the years. Happily, he was every bit the warm, generous soul I knew via the interwebs. The last time was at a restaurant in Pacific Grove in 2010. Whilst debating with my pal Tony, the merits of small-block Chevy's in '32 Fords I felt a tap on my shoulder. It was Bruce, who was at the next table with wife Mary, and their good friend and fellow VFR lister Marc Brinker. As with all good friends, an hour slipped by as we caught up on who was doing what, always expecting that we'd meet again soon. It was not to be.


Lorne 

[zupatun]

Ride in Peace Bruce.  Big List legend...sad news.

 

Matt

[auggius]

I never met Bruce but remember his contributions to the big list and still follow his maintenance guides today.

 

Condolences to the family.