Robert "Bruce" Winegardner

Born in Denver Colorado August 27, 1949 and raised in Sacramento, California, Robert “Bruce” Winegardner was an incredible son, father, brother, husband, friend, musician, plumber, creator, facilitator and a bright light in this world. He lived each day to the fullest, constantly reminding each of us to make it count. He loved taking on new projects, from learning a new instrument, to projects around his beloved home. If he wanted to do something, he made it happen. From building his home on the mountaintop (assisted by family and friends… his kids remember all the blood sweat and tears they poured into that house together), to baking a batch of cookies to share with the people he loved.

 In school, Bruce got his first drum set and played in various bands, a true surf rocker of the era. As a proud Vietnam Veteran, Bruce served in the Navy and met the future mother of his children, Laura, while stationed in Hawaii aboard the USS Goldsborough Destroyer. Not long after he was discharged they became inseparable. Going on many adventures backpacking and skiing with their beloved dogs Roach and Reefer. They married and settled in Denver, where Bruce completed his apprenticeship to become a plumber. When Bruce wanted to do a thing, he did it! In his early 20s he wanted to learn the fiddle! His grandmother just so happened to have a violin tucked away under the stairs… so he taught himself to play. Bluegrass led Bruce and Laura to fiddle competitions in Weiser, which eventually led them to Idaho to make their home and raise their children. In Idaho, he further found purpose, supporting the staff, faculty, and students of North Idaho College through proactively maintaining the facilities of the college to ensure student success.

 He was SO PROUD of his children’s and grandchildren’s accomplishments, saving every certificate, article, award, and keepsake from all of their milestones and special moments from childhood through adulthood. He was at every ballgame and band concert, golf match and military ceremony, soccer game and graduation ceremony. Always cheering proudly and supporting them through all of the sour notes and skinned knees, missed putts and stray kicks. He was thrilled when one daughter married a plumber and the other married a drummer.

 Bruce had always dreamed of building a house, and with his family he built his dream house on the mountain in Hayden, Idaho, surrounded by woods and wildlife. He opened his home and life to so many friends; sharing music, meals, adventures, and treasured moments together. Bruce welcomed anyone and everyone, and lived to make people smile. He loved being a facilitator, and so many talented musicians came to play at his beautiful music hall. The music hall originated in his living room, quite similar to how during visits back home he and his Uncle Carl would set up their two man band in his mother’s living room in Sacramento, and eventually grew to be an impactful and important part of the lives of many local musicians and friends that will carry lasting memories of Bruce’s constant support and encouragement. His mother, Geri, was the original enabler of music in his life. 

 He cherished his trips to Sacramento to visit his beloved mom and help her and his dear sister, Sue, with all their projects while catching up with friends from his youth. 

 Bruce loved connecting with people and would strike up a conversation with anyone, anytime, anywhere. So, road trips and adventures with him were always filled with new friends and connections. Maybe it was the plumber in him, or maybe this is why he became a plumber, but Bruce was all about making meaningful connections throughout his life. At every stage, new connections were being made and old ones maintained or restored. He LOVED his friends and family. As we are all missing this amazing person we loved so much, Bruce would want us to honor him by going forward and continuing to find connections to each other and our beautiful planet, making everyday count. He wants you to create and sing and dance and make music and joy, and you will feel his energy vibrating in those actions even though he is no longer with us physically. 

Memorial Service will be held Saturday, August 17th at 10:00 a.m. English Funeral Chapel, Post Falls.