Bruce Edward Wallace

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OGDEN- Our dear husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather passed away Friday, September 14, 2012 surrounded by his loved ones. Bruce liked to tell everyone that he was born on the kitchen table in Buffalo, New York on November 24, 1917 to Albert Eddie Wallace and Maude Ann Kent.

In 1923, at age five, Bruce and his family crossed the country in a Chevy Touring Car from Buffalo, New York to Glendale, California. Bruce graduated from Long Beach High School in 1935. He was trained for a professional singing career and had an exceptional baritone voice. In 1937, he joined the CCC''s in California. While in the CCC''s Bruce was a soloist and played the trumpet in the band. They traveled from camp to camp entertaining the men.

He joined the US Army in 1940 and was stationed at Ft. Douglas. Later, he was transferred to Camp Williams in charge of getting entertainment for the troops. He became well known in the Salt Lake City area for singing with different bands. At one of these performances in 1942, he met the girl of his dreams and on March 3, 1943 he and Rella Jaynes were married. They celebrated their 69th wedding anniversary this year.

Bruce was in the 97th Division, deployed to the European Theater, and was assigned to Special Services. As a part of the Special Services, Bruce and three others joined together to form "Four Men in a Jeep", a singing and comedy group. They traveled throughout Europe entertaining the front line troops. After VE Day, the 97th Division was deployed from Seattle as part of the invasion force of Japan. While en route to Japan, the Japanese surrendered. He was in the occupying force of Japan. After the war, Bruce got a job at the State Industrial School. While he worked he also went to and graduated from Weber College and was the soloist for the Weber College Choir.

He won 1st place on the Intermountain Talent Show and he performed in concerts over several western states. He was one of the main characters in All Faces West.

Bruce got a job with the State Library and was the first Bookmobile Librarian. He became supervisor over the Bookmobiles for the state of Utah. Later, he became the librarian for the Deaf and Blind for the 13 western states under the Library of Congress. He retired in 1982.

After retiring, he and Rella hooked up their travel trailer and away they went. They loved traveling and making new friends. Bruce still sang for his family and friends, making happy memories.

Bruce and Rella were also members of the Roy Elks where he held the position of Trustee for eight years. In March of 2010, Bruce fell and broke a hip and was admitted to the George E. Wahlen VA Care Center.

He is survived by his wife Rella Wallace; son Bruce (Kay) Wallace of Roy; grandchildren Tracy Moon of Washington, Kelly (Pam) Snow of North Carolina, Donelle (Tod) Nielsen of Roy, Tina (Shane) Marcus of Florida, Sonya (Philip) Coy of Pleasant View; great-grandchildren Trinity, Jaden, Brody, Hannah, Kelsee, McKenzee, Cami, Caitlyn; sons-in-law Paul (Nancy) Snow, and Don Sharp (Carolyn Sharp); and two nieces, Maryann and Sharon.

Bruce was preceded in death by his beautiful daughter Ellen Sharp; parents; his brothers Charles and William Wallace; his sisters-in-law, Hilda and Ruth Wallace; and nephew Mike Wallace.

The family would like to thank all the nurses and staff at the George E. Wahlen Care Center and Brystol Hospice. The compassion, empathy, and love demonstrated by the nurses while they cared for Bruce is greatly appreciated.

Graveside services will be held Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Lindquist''s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd. Family will meet with friends on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. and on Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the George E. Wahlen VA Care Center.