Roger Andrew Bruland

Roger Andrew Bruland Roger Andrew Bruland, 71, loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and brother, went to be with his Lord and Savior on November 1, 2012, after a long battle with diabetes. Roger was born in Bellingham, Washington, to Rita and Ken Bruland on October 30, 1941. He graduated from Bellingham High School in 1959. Roger worked for Boeing from 1962 until 1965. He served in the Washington State Patrol as a trooper from 1966 until 1991. He was a bomb technician with the Patrol from 1977 until his retirement in 1991. (He always enjoyed blowing things up.) Following his retirement, Roger worked at several jobs, including school bus driver for Tumwater School District, private investigator for Intelco, health room assistant for Hood Canal School District, security for the Thurston County Courts and Odd Fellows Cemetery, and secretary for Simmons and Holliday Consulting firm. Roger also had several volunteer jobs. These included volunteer firefighter with the McLane Fire District, restoring old photos for the Historical Society, mentoring a student in the Do-It Program, and working with the State Archives. Roger enjoyed a wide range of hobbies. As a child, he was an avid roller skater. He loved fishing and hunting (particularly fishing). He was an excellent photographer and enjoyed restoring old photos. Some of his photo restoration work can be seen inside the main entrance of the Lacey Fred Meyer. Roger also enjoyed canning, but in his retirement years, his favorite hobby was barbecuing and cooking. He had the ability to try an interesting menu item at a restaurant and reproduce the recipe at home. This was particularly beneficial for his family. Roger was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Rita Bruland. He is survived by his wife, Deborah; sons, Eric (Cyndee) and Jeramy (Michelle); and daughters, Leslie, Susan (Kevin) and Christina. Roger also left behind nine grandchildren; a brand new great granddaughter; a brother, Richard (Sharon); and sister, Patricia Henry (Ron). He will be deeply missed by family and friends. Special thanks for their medical care and kindness to Dr. Ferrer, his primary care physician, and Dr. George Brennan and his staff at the GHC Surgical Clinic. Roger fought a long and courageous battle against diabetes. Donations may be made in Roger’s name to the Washington State Patrol Memorial Foundation. Please leave remembrances of Roger or condolences for the family in the Guestbook below.