Bruce Courtney

Bruce F. Courtney was devoted to his family, his friends and his fellow workers. He was a man of integrity who maintained strong values that guided his life. What he expected of others, he first required of himself. Bruce was vigorous in spirit and generous of heart to his wife, his children and his grandchildren.

Bruce was born at a time of economic recovery in the United States, even as political matters were stirring in Europe. Americans were inspired by Franklin Roosevelt's Fireside Chats and swelled with pride over Jesse Owen's gold medal at the 1936 Berlin Olympics. At home in Plainwell, Michgan, Frank and Bessie (Sweetland) Courtney were delighted by the healthy birth of their son, especially because of the sadness of losing an infant daughter. Bruce was born at the William Crispe Hospital on April 8, 1937. Growing up in downtown Plainwell, Bruce and his three older brothers were not at all confined in their exploration of fun. Bruce spent hours hunting and fishing, especially ice fishing. He built a fort with a friend and made radios out of crystals. He put together model airplanes out of balsam wood and then lit them on fire like enemy aircraft going down in defeat. In many ways his childhood was ideal, shaping his character and his perspective on life.

Bruce graduated from Plainwell High School in 1955 and went to work at Koestner's as a mechanic. But already in 1952, he had met a young woman in Plainwell who stole his heart. From the moment Bruce met Lucille Vaughn, the two were nearly inseparable. Their long-term relationship was sealed in marriage on December 20, 1960. That was a monumental year, because it was also the date of Bruce's induction in the U.S. Army. Though he had been drafted, Bruce found he enjoyed military service. He was offered the opportunity to play in the military band because he had played coronet in high school, but he chose clerical work instead. For the two years before his discharge in 1962, Bruce worked in the personnel office. Perhaps it was because he was man of character and a good judge of character. Through subtle mannerisms, Bruce could tell a lot about a person. And he maintained high standards of right and wrong.

After military service, Bruce got back into mechanical work as a hobby and a career. He was employed as head mechanic by Gilmore's, where he had the opportunity to work on the cars of some famous people, including one president. Bruce was well respected by his boss and peers. He excelled in his craft for 33 years before retiring in 1995. On the side, Bruce was always tinkering on cars and trucks for family and friends. His son's truck was often the focus of his attention, but in recent years, Bruce spent a great deal of time with his grandson, teaching Alex all about cars. He also was first to hook up a car's air conditioning to the glove box to make a cooler for drinks that could be accessed while driving. Bruce was good and careful in all he did. For all work with automobiles, he maintained a meticulous shop, reinforcing the mechanic's adage, "You can tell a lot about a man by how he keeps his tools". And like every good mechanic, Bruce always carried a handkerchief.

For fun, Bruce continued the boyhood joys of fishing and hunting. He headed up north or went out west to hunt and fish, especially with his son Scott and his friends. Family vacations were spent in the Upper Peninsula and Indiana, at the Mammouth Caves, or out west. On one trip west, Bruce and Lucille traveled with friends on a private plane! Closer to home, Bruce liked to play golf and go bowling.

Whether at work or play, Bruce made the most out of life. His nickname, Papa Smurf, was not only a description of his appearance but a term of endearment. Bruce was a loving and lovable man who will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Bruce F. Courtney, age 69, died suddenly at Borgess Medical Center on March 14, 2007. Bruce's family includes his wife Lucille; children: Cindy Courtney of Texas, Julie and Jeff Cosgrove of Plainwell, Bruce "Andy" and Cheryl Courtney of Schoolcraft, and Scott and Tina Courtney of Plainwell; his brother, Howard and Chris Courtney of Plymouth; 8 grandchildren, including his very special friend and grandson, Alex; 3 great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. Learn more about Bruce and visit with his family on Saturday from Noon-2 PM at the Life Story Funeral Homes, RDMG, Plainwell, 120 S. Woodhams, where his service will be held at 2 PM. Memorial donations may be made to the American Heart Association.