November 12, 1948 – May 20, 2026
From the Waters of Roaring River
The fish of Roaring River announce, with mixed emotions of relief and grudging respect, the passing of their longtime adversary, Larry “Fish-Foe” Bruce, who laid down his rod and reel for the final time on May 20, 2026.
For 77 years, Larry waged an unrelenting campaign against our peaceful waters. Armed with lures, lines and uncanny knowledge of our feeding patterns, he proved himself a worthy opponent. We lost many good fish to his skillful casts and patient persistence. He knew our hiding spots, our favorite depths and -curse him-exactly what bait we couldn’t resist.
Larry was rarely seen without his tribe, the legendary “Fishing Buddies” Siler, Taylor, Ganon, Asher, Wrenner, Gil and Poppie, a formidable coalition who joined him in his aquatic pursuits. Together, they told tales (many of which we’re certain were exaggerated regarding our size and the difficulty of our capture), shared early morning mists and celebrated victories we’d rather not recall.
Though we cannot deny he was our foe, we must acknowledge he loved these waters as we do. He respected the catch and release code, kept the banks clean and taught young anglers the old ways. For that, even a fish can tip a fin in respect.
The fish community has declared Friday, May 29, 2026 a period of celebration—er, respectful mourning. We will gather at his favorite fishing hole to jump freely, knowing his line will trouble our waters no more.
Rest in peace, Fish-Foe. The lake is quieter without you.
Larry is survived by his beloved wife, Betsy Bruce, sons Keith Bruce and Brad Bruce (Angel), sister Shirley Bruce Brown Van Arsdale (Lonnie), daughter-in-law Juliee Tschirhart(Chad Lee), grandchildren: Siler, Taylor (Hayley Robinson), Rylie and Ganon, whom we suspect he was already training in the art of our torment, and nephews Scott (Missy) Brown and Shane (Tara) Brown and their children Tylor, Maddy, Asher, Wrenner, Gilan and Poppie. Larry was preceded in death by his parents Roy and Betty Bruce.
Larry spent his days running Bruce Furniture, where he met wonderful people and shared stories with everyone who walked through the door. Many a customer left with a new couch and an amusing tale.
His college years at the University of Kansas were legendary—full of fun stories, crazy characters, and some truly memorable (if not exactly office-appropriate) art projects. He graduated with a degree in Art History and a portfolio his family still debates whether to frame or hide. Let’s just say his artistic phase was… bold.
Larry will lie in state Thursday, May 28, 2026 from 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. at Bruce Funeral Home, 106 S. Center, Gardner, Kansas. Visitation will be 10:00 a.m. Friday, May 29, 2026 with the funeral service at 12 Noon at First Presbyterian Church, 138 E. Shawnee Street, Gardner, Kansas. Private family interment will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to University of Kansas Cancer Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research. The family encourages you to take someone fishing and tell them a story about Larry. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com
Obituary published by Bruce Funeral Home.
