Leo William (Bill) Bruck, son of Leo and Rita Bruck, age 73, passed away August 19, 2021 in Aurora, Colorado. Bill was preceded in death by his parents.
Survivors include a sister, Sherry (husband Rick) Puthoff; nephew Chandler Puthoff and his daughter, Jillian Puthoff; niece Caroline Puthoff and uncle Robert (wife Norma) Cox.
Bill attended St. Andrew’s Catholic School through 8th grade, Pleasant View in the 9th grade and Richmond Senior High School, graduating in 1966. Bill continued his education at Ohio University and graduated in 1970 with a ROTC commission and a BS in Business.
Bill was a sports enthusiast throughout his life. In his early years, he played basketball, baseball, swam on the swim team and was a diver with the team. Bill frequently did front flips, back flips and one arm handstands to amuse his friends and family. Bill’s father, Leo, was a fine golfer and Bill learned to play golf at an early age and continued playing for most of his life. In high school, Bill ran cross county and was a pole vaulter. He continued the pole vaulting at Ohio University where the track team was conference champions in 1970.
After graduating from Ohio University, Bill served two years in the Army in the Philippines during the later years of the Vietnam war.
After leaving the Army, Bill headed for Colorado. Bill loved the casual and active lifestyle of Colorado. He worked in the ski area of the Loveland Basin, living in Georgetown, Colorado while also working on construction projects, taking art lessons and riding a motorcycle. Bill decided to use his experience in construction projects and his interest in drawing to pursue a degree in architecture. In 1978, Bill graduated with a Master’s of Architecture from the University of Colorado in Denver. After graduation, Bill took a summer long tour of Europe. He then worked in the architectural field until 2001.
In 2003, Bill was diagnosed with Huntington’s Chorea and was determined to be disabled. He had support from his friends in Denver and he was able to live independently, play golf, watch his beloved Broncos on TV and spend time with friends.
Eventually, it became necessary for Bill to be confined to a nursing home, but he accepted his life, and he was so courageous and fought to live. Bill battled the disease to the end. He had finally used all the sustenance that his once strong body had available. He passed away quickly and calmly and never showed a regret for the life he lived.
At the nursing home, Bill was surrounded by loving and supportive staff who went beyond usual care to meet Bill’s needs and to protect him during the covid crisis. The nursing staff played an important part in extending Bill’s life beyond what doctors had predicted for him.
Bill will rest in peace at the Veteran’s Field of Honor at Earlham Cemetery in Richmond, Indiana near his father, mother and uncle Dave Bruck. Bill’s remaining ashes will be spread in the Loveland Basin in Colorado, an area that he refused to ever leave.
A memorial service has not yet been planned. Donations in Bill’s memory can be made to:
The Heredity Foundation
601 West 168th St., Suite 54
New York, NY 10032
Online: hdfoundation.org
or
Garden Terrace Alzheimer’s Center
North Station
1600 South Potomac Street
Aurora, CO 80012