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Bruce Jay Terwilliger - Class of 1954

Submitted by Girard A. Fox JR <gafoxjr27@aol.com> on 03/May/2024
98.169.5.4

    Bruce Jay Terwilliger, 84, of New Paltz, passed away on Wednesday, July 31, 2019 at the New Paltz Care Center. Born February 16, 1935 in Newburgh, New York, he was the son of the late John and Ava (Garvey) Terwilliger.
Bruce married Robyn L. Henry in July of 1984, in Newburgh, New York. Traveling together brought joy and adventures to their 35 years of marriage. Visiting the Maine coast was a way of sharing their mutual love of the ocean.The couple shared the appreciation of art and esoteric aspects of spirituality.
Bruce worked at Tarkett, Inc,Vails Gate, New York, managing a color & design group. He served in research & development and manufacturing, testing and quality control. During this time he held various patents for product design. After 30 years Bruce relocated to the Whitehall, Pa.headquarters where he had responsibility for color & design of all Tarkett Flooring products. What he loved most about managing people was looking out for their best interests and being of service to them. He retired in 2001.
Bruce was a seeker of Truth ever since he was a young boy. He would go to church on his own to seek answers to the questions we may all ask at some point in our lives. He became a bible scholar, reading the bible many times throughout his life.
At a young age he became a magician and studied ventriloquism. He had many puppets including “Carry Chicken”. Houdini was a fascinating figure for Bruce, so much so that he handcuffed himself to a tree in the winter. What occurred, was called “The Handcuffs”. He later became a performer, and theater became important to Bruce. His favorite part was playing “God” and Tolstoy in the play “Wings of Fire”. He acted in plays by Discovery Institute and performed as a magician. For over 50 years Bruce was a student of mystery encouraging his audience to learn about themselves.
He used his imagination in his writings of short essays, poetry and anecdotes. “Grandfather's Advice to His Grandchildren” is one example.
Although he experienced frustration with the challenges of a walking disability and memory deficits that come with aging ,Bruce always appreciated visits with friends. He was pleasant and he would tell jokes or discuss current events to engage people. He was a masterful story teller.
He loved to tell stories about animals, sharing that love with his wife, Robyn. If you came to hear any word of wisdom that Bruce had to share you could count on his generous, welcoming, non-judgmental presence.
Survivors include his wife, Robyn L. Henry of New Paltz; daughter, Linda Terwilliger; two grandchildren, Malissa Milne and Frances Conn; four Great Grandchildren, Michelle, Billy, Ava, and Alyssa Conn; and his Beloved Cat, Happy. - February 16, 1935  -  July 31, 2019

There will be a celebration of Bruce’s life in the near future. Copeland Funeral Home is honored to assist the family of Bruce with the arrangements. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.copelandfuneralhome.com