Bruce Alan Van Camp, beloved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away on November 1, 2022 in La Grande, OR. He was 64 years old. Born to Paul Eugene and Carolyn Mae Van Camp, Bruce was the youngest of 2 children.
He enjoyed a wonderful and fulfilling career, and was best known by many as “The Culligan Man”. After 33 years, Bruce began his much-deserved retirement in 2015.
Bruce would not want to be remembered for his personal accolades or worldly possessions, rather by the people and things that brought him joy. Always there with a positive word and loving encouragement, Bruce was never one to complain, and always looked for the good in every situation.
He truly cherished all the wonders of nature that God had provided, that most of us can often overlook. His faith was his rock as well as the compass by which he navigated life.
Bruce loved his family most of all, and he loved them fiercely. He delighted in taking the time to make wonderful memories—whether it was sharing his love of a beautiful sunset, tossing a ball around with his family, watching a grandchild’s sporting event, piano recitals, dance, sharing a Sunday meal, or planning a family adventure—every moment was priceless to him. Bruce left us with so many of these amazing memories, and showed us how to live our best lives, as the future is never promised. He felt beyond blessed to be “Papa” to his nine grandchildren. There was nothing else that brought him greater joy.
Bruce loved spending time outdoors, being inspired by nature: exploring the mountains, savoring sunrises and sunsets, taking in the wide-open skies and splendid views, skiing, road trips, country drives (especially those off the beaten path), and riding horses. He also enjoyed a great variety of music, playing guitar, photography, and good food. And of course, he loved his Green Bay Packers and the Beatles—he could never tire of either.
His laughter was contagious and often brought him tears of joy, in which all would delight. He gave us so much of himself with reckless abandon. He was the perfect host and loved to pour himself out to care for others. He gained more by giving than receiving. His legacy cannot be defined by words, but rather by those who will carry on with loving memories of him and how he touched their lives. Bruce was a wonderful man who will be greatly missed and forever loved. Let us not ask “How did he die?” but rather “How did he live?”
Bruce is survived by his wife Rebecca: children and their spouses, Kara (Jason), Johnathan, Austin, Haley (Trevor); stepmother Evelyn; grandchildren Caleb, Emerson, Brayden, Jaxson, Alexis, Paisley, Evelyn, Adilynn, Reagan. He is predeceased by his father, Paul, mother, Carolyn, brother, Gary.
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Julie Snyder says
November 14, 2022 at 8:30 pmRebecca, A beautiful tribute. I will never forget Bruce’s kindness when Jeanette, Abigail and I were house hunting in the pouring rain and we had had a fussy Abigail. Bruce didn’t not hesitate to jump up and run to the store for us and get pain reliever for Abigail. I couldn’t help be grateful for his servants heart. A very special man!
John and Sandy Houk says
November 15, 2022 at 6:14 pmWhat a beautiful tribute to Bruce. We are so sorry for your loss and are praying for you and your family.
Valerie MacMahon says
November 16, 2022 at 5:56 amOne of our favorite memories with the Van Camps was the week spent in Mexico together with our families. You generously hosted Hannah for a week before the rest of us joined you for fun in the sun. Though my Bruce and I had our time there cut short, you two carried on with our kids and spent the week making sure they were having the best time. Your care of our family at that time has remained such a shining memory. May the collection of Bruce’s many lovely qualities continue to comfort you and the family, along with the peace that only Jesus gives. We send much love and hugs and are so sorry to miss Bruce’s celebration of life.
In Lieu of flowers please make donations to the Michael J. Fox Foundation at the following link https://give.michaeljfox.org/give/421686/?gclid=CjwKCAiA68ebBhB-EiwALVC-NsfkEjopRHS7LIqxIS7lpPNfl4j6c92hX04rjUKkMu8-pmfz97XB7RoCh6AQAvD_BwE#!/donation/checkout?c_src=smcidap-a1b1R00000AQ2zw