Robert "Bob" Cecil Bruce, 84, of Jordan Valley, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on July 7, 2025, leaving behind a legacy of family, love, and ranching.

Bob was born on March 17, 1941, in Weiser, Idaho, to Cecil and Cathleen Bruce. He was the fourth of six children.

He attended elementary school in Manns Creek, Idaho and high school in Midvale, Idaho. At the age of 14, Bob began shoeing horses for $5 a horse and working with Ralph Stevens Rodeo Stock, where he discovered a love for saddle bronc and bull riding. By age 18, he had started his first career as a rodeo cowboy, competing in rodeos throughout Idaho and Oregon. Over the next eight years, he became a well-regarded and accomplished saddle bronc rider.

In 1959, Bob began working in construction for McGregor Triangle Construction. A quick learner, he became an expert heavy equipment operator, with a particular talent for running dozers. His construction career spanned the Columbia River in Washington and Oregon, Hells Canyon in Idaho, and numerous other projects across the Northwest.

In 1966, while working on Highway 95 in Jordan Valley, Bob met the love of his life, Carol Staples, at the Jordan Valley Café.

They were married on October 8, 1966, in Jordan Valley, and Bob continued his work in construction. In 1971, Bob and Carol moved to Jordan Valley and began ranching with Carol's family in Pleasant Valley/South Mountain, Idaho—at what is now known as Bruce Ranch.

Bob was a devoted husband to Carol and a proud father to their five children: Andrea, Richard, Ryan, Jenny, and Josh. He was also a loving grandfather to eight grandchildren, all of whom brought him great joy. Family was always Bob's highest priority—he would do anything within his power to support his wife, children, and grandchildren.

He had an incredible work ethic and a deep passion for ranching. For over 50 years, Bob dedicated himself to raising cattle and improving the land at Bruce Ranch. He didn't have traditional hobbies—his joy came from working outdoors and being involved in his children's and grandchildren's lives. He also loved a night out with music and dancing, and his favorite song was "We're from the Country and We Like It That Way."

In 2005, with his two sons taking on more of the ranch responsibilities, Bob returned to one of his favorite lines of work: construction. He spent nine years working on the Delamar Silver Mine reclamation project, where he brought his expert equipment skills and thoroughly enjoyed both the work and his co-workers.

Bob never met a horse he didn't like—or a person he couldn't strike up a conversation with.

In fact, as his son Ryan recalled, during the Christmas seasons of 1980's, you could always find Bob at the Karcher Mall, sitting near the Thoroughbred restaurant, talking with a farmer or someone else from the valley while waiting for his family.

It seemed to be a gift from God—Bob's natural ability to connect with people. He truly enjoyed hearing others' stories, and more often than not, he'd discover a shared history or crossed path. And if not, that was fine too—he simply enjoyed learning about other people's lives.

Bob is survived by his wife Carol Bruce, his daughter Andrea (Kevin), son Ryan, daughter Jenny (Cole), son Josh (Alicia), his siblings, Jerry (Lynne) Bruce and Bill Bruce and eight grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Cathleen Bruce; his brothers, Claude and Lawerence Bruce; his sister, Emma Lou Bruce; and his son, Richard Bruce.

Bob's energy, work ethic, and unwavering devotion to his family will never be forgotten. His legacy lives on in the hearts of his loved ones—and in anyone who values hard work, connection, and building a life with purpose.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Dr. Swerdloff and the Hematology/Oncology team of St. Luke's Nampa Medical Center.

Memorial donations in Bob's memory may be made to St. Bernard's Catholic Church or Jordan Valley Lions Community Center.

Services: July 18th, 2025 @ St. Bernard's Catholic Church in Jordan Valley, Oregon. Funeral Mass at 11 a.m.

Following the service all are invited to join the family for lunch at the parish hall.