Bruce D. Glines

WEST PARIS — On Saturday, July 7, with his family surrounding him with love, Bruce’s struggle with pulmonary fibrosis ended peacefully at his home on High Street, where he had lived for the past 38 years. His last days had been filled with much sisu, a tribute to his Finnish heritage.

Bruce Donald Glines was born May 29, 1945, to Donald and Vieno (Whitman) Glines. He attended South Paris schools, and was in the second class to graduate from Oxford Hills High School. He was looking forward to the his 55th class reunion this August. He graduated with an associate’s degree from Southern Maine Technical College shortly before he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, in which he served from 1966-70. His last duty station was in Vietnam.

In the 1970s, he worked for a mobile housing company, spent time living in Finland, worked as a color matcher at A.C. Lawrence and met and married his wife, Susan (Hathaway). They celebrated their 40th anniversary May 27. After the tannery closed, he went back to school at CMTC to study machine tooling, and graduated first in his class. He was known for his precision machine skills at Maine Machine Products, where he worked until his retirement in 2007.

Bruce and Susan had the opportunity to travel the world. His favorite trips were time spent in Finland, three trips to Alaska — especially the summer they spent three months camping throughout the state — and their two trips to Australia. He also enjoyed time in Florida visiting his friend Bob and cousin Dawnie. Bruce and Susan also enjoyed camping throughout Maine, starting in a tent, graduating to the back of a pickup truck, next a truck camper and finally a fifth wheel. Some of the best and funniest times were when they were accompanied by their three great nephews. He loved to fly fish and bird hunt, especially with Brandy, his Brittany, whom he called his “therapy dog” and constant companion these last months. He belonged to Jefferson Lodge #100 AF&AM; Jefferson Chapter OES #89, both in Bryant Pond; Trinity Lutheran Church; Finnish American Society; and the American Legion Post #82 in Norway.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Susan; faithful companion, Brandy; sister, Pam (Charlie) Tebbets; brother-in-law, Michael (Penny) Hathaway; sister-in-law, Linda (Brian) Stowell; childhood friend, Bob Huotari; nephews: Jason (Christie) Tebbets and Brian Hathaway; nieces: Brenda (Marc) LaForce; Sarah Stowell and her friend, Colin; and Rachel (Tim) Adams; great-nieces and nephews: Owen Tebbets; Carter and Madison LaForce; Ben, Joshua and Zachary Adams; aunts: Martha (Gordon) Edgar, Beverly Glines and Trudy Whitman; special people in his life: Mark, Keith, Jason and Jim and Julia; and many cousins with whom he had a special bond.

He and Susan were especially appreciative of all the people who reached out to support them this past month. He loved the visits, the calls and cards. Special thanks to Androscoggin Home Care and Hospice, niece Sarah and Linda, who were our rocks of support.