HAYWARD, Calif. — Bruce W. Haggerty, 63, died unexpectedly of a cardiac arrest on June 17, at St. Regis Retirement Center.

He was born Sept. 29, 1948, the son of Jasper and Muriel (Swicker) Haggerty of Harrison. Bruce grew up on the family farm with brothers, Charlie and Albert Haggerty. He graduated from Bridgton High School in 1966, completed his college education at the University of Maine, majoring in zoology in 1970.

Serving in the Air Force, stationed first in Thailand and then in Kansas, Bruce met and married the love of his life, Letha Rice. After his discharge from the Air Force, they moved to Alviso, Calif., and Bruce served with the California National Guard until 1978. Sadly Letha passed away in 1987.

Bruce continued his education, becoming a medical technician and worked as a phlebotomist at the VA Palo Alto Health Care System, Palo Alto, Calif., until he retired in 2008, due to health issues. Bruce became a resident of St. Regis in 2009. He received wonderful care from the staff and became a special part of families of other residents.

Bruce was a faithful summer visitor to Maine, enjoying the family camp with his mother, Muriel. Fishing, eating fresh corn and red hot dogs was his favorite to vacation while at camp.

Survivors include two brothers, Charles and wife, Judith Haggerty, of Norman, Okla., and Albert and wife, Patricia Haggerty, of Otisfield; nephews, Cyrus and Travis Haggerty; and stepnephews, George and Erick Galarneau.

Besides his wife, Letha, he was predeceased by his father, Jasper in 1972; and his mother, Muriel in 2008.