Bruce McGaw, 75

Wednesday, April 4, 2007

Bruce L. McGaw, 75, of King Hill, died Saturday, March 31, 2007, at his home.

A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. today, Wednesday, April 4, at the King Hill Community Church. Arrangements are under the direction of Rost Funeral Home, McMurtrey Chapel in Mountain Home.

Bruce was born on April 9, 1931, in Oshkosh, Neb., the son of Gilbert and Ella McGaw. He was educated in Sheridan, Wyo., and attended the University of Wyoming.

Bruce married Karen Johnson on April 7, 1971, in Rawlins, Wyo.

He worked as a heavy equipment operator in the coal mines in Hanna, Wyo., before retiring in June 1996. In June of 1996, Bruce and Karen moved to King Hill.

He was a member of the VFW in Glenns Ferry, Post #3646.

"Most of all, Bruce loved spending countless hours with his children and grandchildren," his family said. "Nothing made his eyes sparkle like holding one of his grandkids. Bruce's life revolved around enjoying and taking care of his family. Whether he was gathering wood with his best friend, Shaun, and his son-in-law Dustin, or teasing his grown daughters, Julie and Cheryl. Family was his main focus."

Besides family, Bruce also enjoyed working and spending time in his shop. "He nurtured his prize garden to perfection and enjoyed sharing his corn and tomatoes with friends and family," his family noted, adding, "he was an avid football fan and never missed watching a college or pro game. He also enjoyed the mountains, camping and spending time caring for his beautiful yard."

Bruce is survived by: his wife, Karen McGaw; daughters Kyme McGaw of Seatlle, Wash., Julie Fink and her husband, Dustin, of Glenns Ferry, Cheryl Buckman of King Hill; his son, Todd Buckman of Melbourne Florida; his sister, Lennes Jackson of Minnesota, and six grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by both parents, two brothers, one grandson and a great-grandson.