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Bruce Williams - Class of 1963
 Bruce Innis Williams died at peace, with his loving daughter by his side, on Saturday, September 28th, 2024, at the age of 78 years, 9 months, 8 days, 16 hours and 2 minutes. In his final days, Bruce shared how blessed he felt by his life and accomplishments, especially the things and beauty he leaves behind. He expressed how much he loved his family and friends; how grateful he was for all that his years in scouting had given him; and how much his country meant to him.Born during a snowstorm on December 20th, 1945, to Innis "Bud" Williams and Marie (Hurd) Williams, Bruce lived nearly all his life in New Windsor, NY. He will return home to rest alongside his wife after spending the past four years living with his daughter, Kristin, in Middletown, CT. During his time in Connecticut, he and Kristin enjoyed exploring many of the less-traveled roads, made many wonderful memories and shared a lot of laughs. A favorite spot was along the Connecticut River, where Bruce and Kristin would cogitate over a wide variety of topics or just enjoy the beauty and unexpected sights around them. Bruce attended Newburgh Free Academy and graduated from Alfred State College in 1965. As a youth and young adult, Bruce was very active in scouting. He was proud to be an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow. He felt that scouting prepared him for adulthood and gave him lifelong skills. Always creative and clever, Bruce had a knack for fixing almost anything and finding solutions to most any problem. On June 22nd, 1969, Bruce married Johanna Vierboom, who he loved unconditionally for nearly 50 years and missed every day after her passing. Together they made a memorable life, filled with many happy times and laughter, supported one another through difficulties and losses, and raised their only daughter, who feels so lucky to have been born to them. From a young age, Bruce worked at Pleasant Acres Nursery, eventually becoming the company's President. He was proud of the work he did at Storm King Art Center over several decades. He loved creating residential designs and seeing customers delighted once they were installed. Since landscape design and construction was quite seasonal, he expanded into snowplowing and a Christmas shop. Despite the long days, the holidays were his favorite time of year: Bruce loved making unique and custom hand-made wreaths; selling Christmas trees, even on the more inclement of days; seeing the joy hosting Santa on weekends brought to kids; and families enjoying hayrides around the property. Pleasant Acres Nursery was quite the family affair, first with his parents and later with his wife and daughter, who as a young girl loved going to "work" with him on Saturdays. Bruce is predeceased by his wife, Johanna L. (Vierboom) Williams, and survived by his daughter, Kristin; sister Diane and her husband Harold Opdyke; sister-in-law, Jacqueline Vierboom; niece, Kimberly Opdyke; nephew Brett Opdyke and his family; niece Marissa (Vierboom) Grove and her husband Michael, along with their two children Brian and Clara (Grove); cousin, Catherine (Hurd) Horton; best friend Joel Barker, who he thought of as a brother, and his wife Nancy, a lifelong family friend; god-daughters Lisa Barker and Lauren Barker and their families. He will be greatly missed by all. Graveside Services and burial will be held at Woodlawn Cemetery, New Windsor on Saturday, October 5th, 2024, at High Noon 12:00pm In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that donations be made in memory of Bruce to an organization of your choice. "If you notice a smirk on my face, maybe I know something you don't! Love you all, Bruce"
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NFA Class Memorial Page