James Douglas Bruce, 84
Doug was born in Bay City, Mich., to Robert Morford Bruce and Marguerite Lamarre Bruce on July 31, 1940. He died in Spokane, Wash., on Sept. 25, 2024.
Doug was raised in Bay City and attended Albion College and the University of Michigan Medical School. Doug was in medical school when he deferred his military service to finish his degree. He got out here by way of Fairchild AFB, where he was assigned for two years. He then practiced radiology in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, for his entire career. Many of the physicians who arrived at about the same time (many from the Midwest) are friends to this day. It was no secret to friends and strangers alike that Doug was a huge Michigan fan, wearing Michigan fan clothing almost every day. He was always gratified to hear a “Go Blue” anywhere in the world he traveled. Tennis was his other passion, having played the game since he was young and continuing to play in his adult years. He started the Bob Bruce Tennis Tournament in Coeur d’Alene as a cancer fundraiser for his father. Doug especially enjoyed his many years at the Spokane Club Fourth Avenue courts. He started the annual Priest Lake Open at a court in his neighborhood at Huckleberry Bay, Priest Lake, inviting his tennis buddies from Spokane.
During their retirement, Doug and Teresa traveled extensively, going to all the continents except Africa and Antarctica. On Doug’s bucket list were the tennis grand slams, and many trips were based on attending one of the famous tournaments. They also enjoyed many years hiking and playing tennis with Michigan friends in the winters in Tucson. In 1997, he had a log house built at Huckleberry Bay and spent many years enjoying all that Priest Lake had to offer with his wife, Teresa. Cruising the bay in his 1956 Century Coronado classic wooden boat on a warm summer evening was a great pleasure for Doug.
When a tennis buddy (Graham Bevin) died, and Doug learned that he had volunteered for Meals on Wheels for years, he also decided to volunteer. He also loved going to the symphony and supporting their wonderful influence on our city. He was a runner and finished 19 marathons.
Doug was a wonderful husband to Teresa Vanairsdale, together for 25 years, father to Craig and Jim (Jill), uncle to Cheryl (Dennis) and Todd, stepfather to Jenna (Aaron) and Stephen, grandfather to Keinyn (Katie), Janie, Josh, Aidan and Ethan.
He was an avid reader, he fished, played chess and ping-pong, hiked, kayaked, swam and boated with all of us and was the best griller of all time. Doug was kind, paid attention to everyone, never wanted to draw attention to himself, and recently started saying “I love you” whenever a family member left his room.
Warm thanks are in order for Doug’s wonderful caregivers at Touchmark, both in Assisted Living and Skilled Nursing at the end of his life. Much gratitude is also due to Dr. Chalem, Dr. Kelly, Dr. Manek and Dr. Clinton, who saw him through the trials of the last several years.
Per Doug's wishes, there will be no service. A gathering will be held in the future.
Bruce