Bruce A. Williams
September 09, 2012
Bruce Allen Williams was born in Des Moines, Iowa, and lived here his entire life. He was born to Frieda Fern Wall and Bruce Edward Williams on March 26, 1946. He passed away September 9, 2012, from complications of a bone marrow transplant, with his sisters and daughter by his side.
Funeral services will be held 12:30 p.m. Thursday, September 13, 2012 at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 4114 Allison Avenue. Burial will follow at 2 p.m. at Iowa Veteran Cemetery in Van Meter with a celebration of life service at 4 p.m. for family and friends.
Bruce graduated from North High School. He served his country in the Navy during the Vietnam War. He attended Grandview College and Drake University graduating with a degree in Arts. Bruce opened an Art Gallery with his friend Gene Hamilton in a loft downtown before working for the Iowa Arts Council for over 35 years. Bruce loved to create art. He lived and breathed art and music and was a big supporter of the arts. Bob Dylan was his favorite musician. He enjoyed his home improvement projects, was involved in Neighborhood Associations, Habitat for Humanity and his church, Westminster Presbyterian. He had fun taking short trips around Iowa in his sports car. He was the best pizza maker in the world.
Bruce will be greatly missed by his daughter, Jennifer Williams; grandchildren, Andreas, Whitney, Calvin; dear friend and former wife, Vicky Williams and her mother, Barb Herschleb; sisters, Patricia Tillotson and Diane (Richard) Stone; and many nieces, nephews and a host of friends.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Westminster Presbyterian Church Foundation, Des Moines Art Center, Iowa Public Radio, or Iowa Public Television.
Online condolences may be sent to:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Marianne Abel-Lipschutz
09/14/2012
What a shock to read of Bruce's illness and passing. My sincere condolences to his family. It is a privilege to remember Bruce and his commitment to the arts in Iowa. He was the face of the Iowa Arts Council to me for many years, and helped many of us expand our relationships with the diverse public groups we serve through the arts. Thank you, Bruce!
Jacqueline (Dr J) Thompson
09/13/2012
As an Iowa artist and arts advocate, I appreciated the quiet and passionate way Bruce supported the people of Iowa through his work in the arena of public art. Thanks be to God for Bruce's life and his work.
Jackie and Don Langbein
09/13/2012
Sorry to hear about Bruce. Our Prayers are with you. Jennifer's child hood Neighbor
Richard Leet
09/12/2012
As the long-time Director of the Charles H. MacNider Art Museum and as an artist, I had many occasions where the museum and I worked with Bruce. He was always very helpful and it was a pleasure to work with him. He certainly made one indelible mark on the arts and culture environment in Iowa and will be greatly missed.
Tom Tarbox
09/12/2012
Bruce was a wonderful person and will be missed by artists, art lovers and friends. He was a credit to his family, his profession, his state, and his country. He was a gentle soul who made this world brighter and better. We all will feel his loss and particularly his family who he loved immensely.
Judy Bales
09/12/2012
Bruce was so passionate about the arts and worked tirelessly to give support to artists in Iowa. His kind nature and clear vision will be missed by all who knew him.
Steve Hansen
09/12/2012
Iowa has lost a true gentleman and a dedicated public servant. Long before I came on to the Arts Council I met Bruce and was struck with his kindness, knowledge and willingness to share. The arts community and the State will miss Bruce.
Julie Bailey
09/11/2012
My deepest symphathies to Bruce's family. I have very fond memories of working with Bruce for 26 years at the Iowa Arts Council! So sorry for your loss.
William Strathman
09/11/2012
Bruce will be missed very much by all who knew him.He had a kindred spirit.My prayers are with him and his family.
Ann Wilkinson
09/11/2012
My thoughts and prayers are with you. I did not know Bruce well, but I enjoyed his wise perspectives and counted on his leadership with the IAC. He will be much missed by all.
Barbara Bianchi
09/11/2012
Bruce Williams was one individual at the Iowa Arts Council I could always call on to give me guidance. If he didnt know the answer to my question, he could always point me in the right direction. Thank you, Bruce, for your continued support of Iowas artists. You will be greatly missed at the Iowa Arts Council.
Suzanne Wise, Director, Nebraska Arts Council
09/11/2012
Bruce was a WONDERFUL colleague of mine for over 20 years. He represented the state of Iowa so well in the field of public art and artist services, and I always looked forward to sharing ideas and perspectives with him. The staff of the Nebraska Arts Council mourns his passing.
Michelle Fischer
09/11/2012
Bruce was the essence of a "gentle man.".
Frances Vasquez
09/11/2012
My sincere condolences go to Bruce's Family.
I am sorry for your loss.
May he Rest in Peace.
I didn't know Bruce, but my friend did (Dawn Oropeza)
Fran Vasquez
San Jose CA
Suzan Bates Kessel
09/11/2012
Bruce touched my life when I was a young artist - probably 35 years ago. After being selected for an Art in Public Building piece, I followed his career and knew of his passion for the arts. About a year ago we ran into each other on another art project, and surprisingly he remembered me as an artist. My sympathy to the family.