Devoted husband, father, grandfather, and retired University of Wyoming police officer, Bruce Lynn Patrias passed away May 2, 2022 after a fierce three-year battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family and well-cared for until the very end by the kind staff at Ivinson Memorial Hospital and the Meredith and Jeannie Ray Cancer Center.
The younger brother of Pat and Doug, Bruce was born to Edna and Sylvester (stepfather George Imm) on August 8, 1947 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. There he met and wooed his wife Diane while they were working at Northland Aluminum making bunt pans over 54 years ago (married October 4, 1969). In Minnesota, he served on the New Hope Police Department from 1974-1978. Together with their three children, Patrick (and Debbie of Laramie), Scott (and Janelle of Fort Collins) and Angie (and Shawn of Cheyenne) they set off for the Great WYO in 1978.
After working two years in the University mailroom, Bruce was hired on as a respected member of the University of Wyoming Police Department in 1980 where he served until 2002. Involved in their community, Snowy Range Evangelical Free Church, and de facto Cowboy fans, Bruce and Diane made Laramie their forever home. Upon retirement, he drove the courtesy shuttle for the local GM dealer where his gift of gab was on full display. He was a man who believed that in-person business dealings or pop-in visits were favorable over a phone call (and he never became a fan of the ubiquitous cell phone or of his Alexa device, for that matter). He knew how to stay connected with others, often by going to the University gym where we suspect he talked more than exercised.
Always a lover of the outdoors, especially in his later years, Bruce loved to spend days and weeks at a time camping at Lake Owen and Blair-Wallis in his beloved Fifth Wheel RV. In the woods was his happy place and where he got to enjoy his comfiest sweatpants. Whether chopping a never-ending supply of firewood, listening to twangy old country songs (that he always knew the song title and artist), laying in the sun napping, tending a roaring campfire, and making friends with fellow campers – it was where he wished to be.
Brucie loved food and made a mean potato salad. He was a “chef” who took great care with endless patience to uniformly chop ingredients and grill a brat to perfection. And when it was mealtime, he took his sweet time savoring every bite.
His nine grandchildren, Taylor, Jordyn, Brady, Kylen (and Natalie), Zachary, Macie, Madison, Kyle, and Jasmine, knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that their grandpa Bruce “loved them with all his heart” because he never missed an opportunity to tell them.
Being a man of faith, Bruce followed his Lord back home to join his parents, brothers, several close in-laws, beloved dogs (Max, Gizmo, Taz, and Odie), as well as many friends who have gone before him. We know that he will be welcomed with open arms, a drink of his favorite Black Velvet and water, and an anxiously waiting audience ready to hear his favorite stories while enjoying an all-you-can-eat buffet around endless campfires.
A public memorial service will be held May 14, 2022 at 11:30 AM at Snowy Range Evangelical Free Church in Laramie. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Bruce’s honor to the Ivinson Memorial Foundation (www.imhfoundation.org/donate) in support of the Cancer Center.
Agatha and I are deeply saddened by your loss. Your faith and inner strength will help you at this time and into the future.
Such wonderful memories! We are so sorry for the loss of your special guy! May God comfort you in this time. May you continue to comfort one another together. loved - "Welcomed with open arms.." Peace In Christ,
My father worked with Bruce at the UW Police Department. He was a very kind person and so helpful to him, they became good friends. Rest In Peace. I hope you meet up with my dad again.
Diane and family, My deepest sympathy for your loss. My dad, Scott Pickett worked with Bruce at the Post Office many years ago. My dad was on the Government side wile Bruce was in the University mailroom. I always had good visits with him when as a UW Police he would escort the employees from the Cashiers office to the bank. He was always one of those with the "Gift of Gab". My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
We will certainly miss "Brucie!" A great friend, husband, father, grandfather! We had many great times together. Remember the trip up to Pikes' Peak???? Lots of great memories to numerous to mention. We'll surely miss you. Be sure to great Jim and get those motorcycles moving! Love you!
Not a goodbye but a see you later. Love you all my heart grandpa. I know you're watching over us. -Kylen
Love you all my heart, miss you all my heart— love your oldest granddaughter, miss Tay
Your fight is over! Enjoy being reunited with our Lord and Savior, and with your family. Thank you for being my dad for 49 years, I will cherish the memories until we meet again. Rest Easy!! I love you dad!!! -Patrick
Bruce was a caring friend to my father while they worked at UW Police Department. He will be missed, Rest in Peace Bruce.
What a wonderful story of Bruce's life. "This is Bruce." My sincerest condolences to the entire family (families). Love, Irene
Prayers Up _ Blessings Down! We are so sorry for your loss ... You are in our hearts. May precious memories help you through this difficult time Much Love... Larry & Susy Spears