February 06, 1928 - March 06, 2021
On March 6, 2021, Bruce Phillip Tyree left this green and growing world; a world he spent 93 years nurturing. Bruce’s 1928 birth to Emma Prudence Chitwood Tyree was in Rogers Arkansas. His mother, a recent widow, raised Bruce, the youngest of 14 children, in Tulsa Oklahoma. He experienced a happy childhood, punctuated by bouts of poverty and several squirrel meat meals. Bruce saw his life had opportunity and promise. He served four years in the Air Force and used the GI Bill to earn a Bachelor of Science in Forestry at Oklahoma A & M. Bruce’s employment with the US Forest Service, the Bureau of Land Management, and the Bonneville Power Administration had him stationed in Albuquerque, Tulsa, Redding, and Spokane. In 1959, he married Carol. They had two sons, Tim and Phil. In early 1975, Carol passed. On Father’s Day 1975, at a Davenport Hotel Parents without Partners dance, Bruce met Audrey. They fell in love and married six months later. With Audrey’s children, Roger, Mark, and Linda, this family of seven was established. Last October, Bruce and Audrey celebrated 45 years of sharing a loving relationship. Together, they enjoyed years of square dancing, RVing, and post-retirement winter trips to Yuma. Being dog lovers, they had many well-loved companions throughout this time. In addition, Bruce looked forward to his morning swims and weekly golfing. Bruce and Audrey moved into a retirement community 27 years ago, where he was known for making his neighborhood better and sharing the vegetables he grew. What an amazing man. We loved Bruce and only wish we had more time with him. He will not be forgotten. At Bruce’s request, no services will be held.
