Bruce A. Williams
September 09, 2012
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Service Details
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
Jill Featherstone
09/11/2012
I'm so sorry to learn of Bruce's passing. I worked with Bruce in planing a public art conference a few years ago and admired his determination and vision. He was a great example to me of how to collaborate without being dictatorial. His generosity of spirit and general warmth to his fellow man was immediately felt through his words and smile. Des Moines has indeed lost someone fighting the good fight. My thoughts are with those whose hearts are heavy with grief.
Dan & Cathy Stetson
09/11/2012
We are so sad to hear of Bruce's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. Bruce was an amazing person. Dan & Bruce were kindred spirits, having so much in common. The earth lost a great advocate for the arts and we are sure he is Knockin' On Heaven's Door.
John Dowdall
09/11/2012
Bruce was a longtime colleague and friend who was always incredibly knowledgeable and helpful in his position at the Iowa Arts Council, whether at conferences or through emails & phone calls.
He was my touchstone whenever we needed advice or had a question to be answered.
Bruce was also a bright spot at conferences and someone I enjoyed hooking up with & chatting with about the arts. I will greatly miss him & miss his presence at the Iowa Arts Council.
He has contributed much to each of us who as artists have benefitted from his years of service to the arts.
The arts have lost a true friend & valuable advocate.
Jan Stoffel, Arts and Cultural Affairs Coordinator
09/11/2012
My sincere condolences to the family of Bruce Williams. I have had the good fortunate to know Bruce over the past five years through work and found him to be one of the most dedicated and knowledgable people I have dealt with. His love of the arts was apparent in everything he did. The state has lost a truly important collegeue. I will miss him.
Jan Boland, Red Cedar Chamber Music
09/11/2012
As a professional musician, I've had a relationship with the Iowa Arts Council for 30 years. At the Council, leadership changed and policies changed, but Bruce WIlliams was always the constant supporting the artist above all. I always gave him a hug when we met. He had an artist's heart, although he was also wonderful with administrative detail. I will miss him very much. Its hard to let him go.
Jody Hovland & Ron Clark
09/11/2012
Bruce was one of the first people we met when we launched Riverside Theatre in 1981 and began our own relationship with the IAC. His counsel was always considered and wise, his demeanor calm, his devotion to the making of art passionate. His impact on art and artists in Iowa is immeasurable, and we are lucky to have been a small part of it. Blessings to his family.