March 13, 1936 - July 23, 2023
Bruce Edward Travis, husband, father, grandfather and friend passed away July 23, 2023. Recently he celebrated 60 years of marriage to Jeanette L. Travis. He was a faithful family man with three kids Jason, Jennifer and Danielle.
He was born on a kitchen table in Kingston, Wash. March 13, 1936, foreshadowing a life of an extraordinary and unconventional individualist. Bruce was an honest man with a big heart, a singular wit and integrity. He once said “The strongest thing a person can do is ask for help”
Bruce and wife Jeanette moved to Marrowstone Island in 1974 and together built their dream house and farm. Even though he had one arm, he never let that stop him. When building their house, he routinely carried roofing timbers to the top of the ladder, one-handed. He was unstoppable. His mechanical arm ended in a hook and kids often asked if he was a pirate. So, he would raise his hand and say “arrrggghhh”! He loved to help teach kids and was a leader in Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.
Bruce loved learning and never stopped. After Everett High School, he earned an A.A. at Everett Community College and a BA at Pasadena Playhouse acting, directing and writing. Bruce loved literature and often read multiple books at a time. His immense book collection would have made a library proud.
Bruce had diverse career paths. After serving as an embassy Marine in Ghana, Africa, he retired a disabled Veteran at the rank of Sergeant. He was a teacher and grant writer at Everett Community College. He was also a Jefferson County building inspector.
Bruce was a faithful man, a Presbyterian Deacon and also co-directed Stephen Ministry with his wife. One of his proudest achievements was helping to co-found ECHHO with his wife and their friend Shirley Champion. He saw a need in our community and worked for a solution.
Bruce will be laid to rest at Tahoma National Veterans Cemetery on September 22 at 3 p.m., graveside. A Memorial will be held at the Port Townsend Presbyterian Church, on October 15th, at 2 p.m. in the Sanctuary.
