Well, I've finally made it.

I’ve recently relocated to a permanent address with perfect weather, where I can finally find my keys, remember every lyric to every song, and never have to do taxes again. And yes, after all these years, I finally got my driver’s license back.

The first thing I did when I got here was look for family.

I found my brother Tom, my mom and dad, Howard and Mary Simkins, my little sister Joyce (who I finally got to meet), and my in-laws, Eph and Irene Furness.

And you won’t believe who I ran into.

Grandpa Greg had just arrived, too.

He recognized me immediately because I was wearing Kendall’s homemade bracelet.

My story started on May 27, 1949, in Panguitch, Utah. A few years later, Tom and I got a new baby sister, Liz. She’ll probably tell you I was her favorite brother.

Growing up, I was always doing something. Basketball, track, rodeo, student government—you name it. I served as student body president at Piute High, and spent plenty of time around the rodeo grounds. Later I headed off to Weber State University, where I was a competitive bareback and bull rider. I was also the fraternity president of Tau Kappa Epsilon TKE.

Then one day everything changed.

I met the most beautiful girl in the entire world.

Her name was Jeanette Furness.

From the moment I saw her, I was done for.

She was the best thing that ever happened to me.

Together, we built a life that took us from St. George to Orem, Sandy, Honolulu, and eventually back home to Sandy. We raised kids, attended more ball games and dance recitals than I can count, served in church, made lifelong friends, and somehow managed to squeeze in plenty of boating along the way.

Some of my favorite memories were spent on the water with family and friends, laughing, pulling kids behind the boat, telling stories, and pretending I knew exactly what I was doing.

As for my career?

Well…

I sold toilets.

Not exactly glamorous, but it paid the bills, put food on the table, and helped us build a wonderful life. I was blessed to work with incredible people at Cedar Builders, Familian Pipe and Supply, Plumbing Specialties, Mountain West Marketing, and Peterson Plumbing. What I’ll remember most are the friendships.

However, the greatest blessing of my life was my family.

Monica and Rob got us started on the grandparent adventure with Jaxon and Savannah. We made countless trips to Texas, watching baseball and softball.

Traci added Maile, Noa, and Jack to the crew. I loved every chance I got to visit them in Hawaii. Maile, sweetheart, I’m sorry I missed your wedding. We’ll celebrate together someday.

Erin and Josh built a beautiful family with Gaige, Kace, Alyssa, Taylor, and Brynlee. Watching all of you love and support one another made me proud.

Then Rachel and Zach gave us Bodie and Sienna Irene. They also gave me one of my favorite memories: officiating their wedding. Thank you for putting up with my Princess Bride impressions. It was worth it.

And Blake and Michelle rounded things out with Milo, Ricky, and Kendall. Thanks for saving me from our house full of women!

To my caregivers:

Thank you to Cyndie Albert with Willow Canyon Living for helping ease me into the “memory-care” life.

My greatest gratitude goes out to the nurses, caretakers, residents, and entire staff at Crescent Senior Living for taking care of me, befriending me, and loving me.

I couldn’t have made it to the other side without you!

To my sister Liz:

I’m sorry you’re the only sibling left down there.

Try not to have too much fun without us.

To my kids:

Thank you for the laughter, the memories, the phone calls, the vacations, and for always making me feel loved.

You were the greatest accomplishment of my life.

To my grandkids:

I hope you always know how proud I am of each one of you.

And finally, to Jeanette.

My sweetheart.

The love of my life.

I never wanted to leave you.

Even on my last day, I was trying to bike my way out of memory care because I wanted to get back to you.

Thank you for loving me through every season of life.

Thank you for standing by me when things got hard.

Thank you for building a beautiful family with me.

Thank you for being my best friend.

If Alzheimer’s taught us anything, it’s that love lasts longer than memory.

So don’t remember me for Alzheimer’s.

Remember me for the rodeo.

Remember me for barking.

Remember me for hiiiiiiii-yah!

Remember me for scaring everyone.

Remember me for family vacations.

Remember me for dancing and laughter.

And most of all, remember me for loving all of you.

If a Bread song comes on the radio, turn it up and sing every word for me.

Cheers, everybody.

Until we meet again.

Love,

Dad (Bruce)

Celebration of Life

Thursday, June 18, 2026.

9:30 a.m. - 10:30 a.m. – Visitation at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E 10600 S, Sandy, UT 84092)

10:30 a.m. – Graveside Service

11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. – Luncheon and Celebration of Life at Le Jardin (1910 Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, UT 84092)

We would love to have you join us as we honor Bruce, share memories, laughter, and stories, and celebrate a life well lived.