Bruce Alan Van Camp November 1, 2022

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.