Bruce William Harrington

It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Bruce William Harrington, who passed away peacefully June 10, 2025, at the age of 93. 

Bruce was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, known for his kindness, sense of humor and unwavering dedication to his family. Over his 93 years, he touched the lives of many with his warmth, generosity and steadfast work ethic. 

Bruce was born in Detroit April 13, 1932. He attended Grosse Pointe High School, and graduated from Michigan State University, where he met his future wife, Gwen. After completing ROTC training, he went on to graduate and complete his basic training and artillery school at Ft. Sill. He was then stationed in Germany, where he proudly served as a first lieutenant in the United States Army. Bruce lived in Germany with Gwen during his service, and together they embraced the adventure of living abroad. He was discharged with honors after his time in the military, an experience that shaped much of his character and work ethic. Bruce and Gwen celebrated a remarkable 70 years of marriage in April 2025. Their love story was a testament to their loyalty and devotion to one another, a shared journey through the ups and downs of life and their Christian faith. Together, they built a family, created lasting memories, and shared a bond that was truly inspiring. 

Bruce had a long and fulfilling career at General Motors Co., where he worked for 35 years in multiple roles in purchasing and materials management for the Chevrolet, Cadillac and CPC Motor Car divisions. He took great pride in helping those who worked for him to develop and advance in their careers, fostering an environment of growth and mentorship. Bruce developed long-lasting relationships with many of his colleagues,
and these connections remained strong throughout his life. Outside of his professional life, Bruce had many interests and hobbies that brought him great joy. He loved gardening at their summer home in northern Michigan, where he spent many hours tending to his plants and enjoying the beauty of nature. Bruce and Gwen also built a home in southern Arizona, where they spent their winters and created lasting friendships with many of the people there. Bruce was an avid golfer, spending time on the course with friends and family, especially at Black Lake Golf Club in Michigan. One of his proudest achievements was recording a hole-in-one in Rogers City. Bruce also had a love for sailing, teaching sailing for years at the Detroit Yacht Club and participating in the Port Huron to Mackinaw Race about a dozen times. He enjoyed playing racquetball and downhill skiing with family and friends. 

Bruce’s intellectual pursuits were just as important to him. He read the Wall Street Journal daily and enjoyed challenging himself with the New York Times crossword puzzles and sudoku. Bruce and Gwen shared a passion for traveling to about 50 countries. They explored the world together venturing to places such as Africa, Egypt, China, Russia, and Switzerland, creating memories that lasted a lifetime. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Gwen; his son, Chris (Stephanie); his daughter, Susan; his grandsons, Christopher (and his wife, Grace) and Dr. Stephen; his granddaughter, Amanda Harrington; his great-grandson, Callahan Harrington; and many friends and family members who will miss him deeply.