Bruce Wilkins

Bruce Wilkins of Port Orchard went home to his Savior September 30, 2008. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was also a man of God in the truest sense. Bruce was born in Tacoma, March 26, 1922 and lived there till joining the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1938. He served 2 years on Mt Rainier. During World War II Bruce served in the Army-Airforce in both France and Africa. Following the war He wrestled professionally, known as the “Puget Sound Pulverizer”. He also worked for the Northern Pacific Railroad, Kaiser Aluminum and Mountain View Mortuary. On February 14, 1979 Bruce married Elizabeth Wipp the widow of his best friend Albert Wipp, fulfilling his promise to care for her. In his years at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard Bruce worked as a foreman in both shops 67 and 51 before retiring as MCC coordinator in1983. Widely known as an advocate for those without a voice, Bruce committed his working years to strongly promoting equity in the workplace for women and minorities. Many referred to him as a Champion for the Underdog. Bruce was preceded in death by his wife Elizabeth and daughter, Marion and is survived by daughter, Dorothy; grandchildren Robert, Sandee, Susanne, Jan, Jim, and Shannon as well as 9 great-grandchildren. Viewing will be at Rill's Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard, Saturday, October 4, 2008 from 9:00am to Noon.  A Celebration of Life service will be held at Belfair Assembly of God on Monday, October 6, 2008 at 11:00 am. with a graveside service following at Forest Lawn Cemetery in Bremerton at 2:30 pm.