Bruce Paulson

Bruce Paulson – friend, brother, mentor, curmudgeon, DM - left us on Monday, April 12 ^th 2021. He passed quietly in his own home, asleep on his couch.

Many more people loved Bruce than Bruce would have believed; that was his nature. But a glance at the number of life-long and decades-long friendships he accumulated would tell the real story. He gathered us in sets like another one of his collectibles – the Breakfast club, the Tuesday Gamers, the Saturday game, Friend Island, the Warcraft guild, and the Neighbors just to name some of the more recent ones. Many of us got to know each other through Bruce’s stories, despite never meeting in person. The adventures with Storm Raven, the epic gaming campaigns with Keith, raising Dave “since he was a pup”, the growing up tales with Mike and Larry, visiting Sean in Hawaii, neighbor Dave’s latest hot rod show, or simply knowing that Bob …is a builder.

Bruce was famous for a lot of things, to a lot of groups of people, and I am sorry I cannot write well about all of them because I don’t feel right trying to tell those stories and would feel terrible about getting them wrong. I would encourage others to share if they feel so inclined. But the Bruce I can tell you about was the best friend a guy could ask for, and over 20+ years became family too.

He “didn’t like kids” … except apparently the ones his friends came with. He would tell you matter-of-factly that anyone under 30 was an idiot. (and he was usually right) He offered to officiate my wedding – an offer I happily accepted. He always had stories to tell, at every gathering, and could recall embarrassing things you did or said from 15 years ago with startling accuracy. He was generous with his time and attention, and all the kids who called him “Uncle Bruce” will attest to his keen ability to pick out the best new toys. He loved Big Trouble in Little China – maybe a little too much – and would listen to Pink Floyd if trapped on an island with only one band to choose from. He was a Marine, all the way to the end, and quietly proud of his service. For the Horde.

Bruce is survived by his brother Philip but remembered and loved by many more. On Thursday April 22 ^nd there will be visitation at the Sparks-Griffin Funeral Home in Lake Orion from 11am-1pm, followed by a short grave-side ceremony at Eastlawn Cemetery just down the road at 1:30pm. With the delicate times we’re in thanks to covid we are planning to have a celebration of his life this summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his name to the Marine Corps favorite charity – Toys for Tots . Always a big kid, Bruce would approve.