In October, 2002, we lost a respected colleague and trusted friend in Bruce Morrow.   Words fail to express how we valued Bruce, but a number of his friends and colleagues have offered their thoughts as they consider his gifts and this unexpected loss.

If you would like to add something about how you remember Bruce, please see the bottom of the page.

Some people have inquired about what else they can do to honor Bruce.  You're invited to make a donation to his temple, Beth Chayim Chadashim.  The address is in the message below from his rabbi.

Friends,

I'm writing first to you who I know already know of Bruce's death and have expressed interest in attending a memorial for him.  In consultation with Bruce's brother, David, who is included in [the recipients of this message], we decided on a gathering on Sunday, November 17, at 5:00 p.m. at Beth Chayim Chadashim (BCC) Temple, 6000 W. Pico Blvd., LA 90035 (SW corner of Pico and Stearns, 1 block east of Crescent Heights Blvd. -- also west of Fairfax, east of La Cienga).  Bruce was a loved member of BCC, and both our Cantorial Soloist, Fran Chalin, and I will officiate.  Since Bruce was disinclined toward a traditional Jewish service, we will modify that.  What we do will also include the opportunity for friends and family to speak briefly about Bruce, so that we might together share our loss.  Please feel free to let others know about this gathering.  Thank you so much.

"In the decade that I had the privilege of working with Bruce and having him as a friend, I learned that patience is a virtue that not all of us are blessed with.  Bruce taught me to appreciate being patient.  He was one of the most professional people that I have ever worked with in my career.  His skills were impeccable and his quiet humbleness always made you wonder if he understood the magnitude of his talent and how our clients depended upon him.  He was a wonderful friend and would willingly step up to the plate to help in time of need.  He will be missed.  May peace be with you, Bruce."

"Pineapple Upside down Cake, Ox Tails & New Orleans … three things that will always bring back fond memories of my dear colleague, Bruce Morrow.  I had the good fortune of spending the day and on into the evening of 9/26/02 with Bruce.  As always, he tirelessly worked on my computer to remedy some problems, but also went above and beyond to set up an Internet address for my mother.  He was with me that day for approximately 8 hours.  He talked a lot about how much he enjoyed New Orleans (the food, the music and friends).  He stayed for dinner (a very Southern dinner I might add), and enjoyed Ox Tails for the first time.  We laughed quite a bit that day; he seemed very happy and relaxed.  At the end of the evening he refused to accept any compensation for all of his work, but requested that I pay him with a piece of freshly baked Pineapple Upside Down Cake (my mom’s specialty).  So I cut him the biggest piece of cake that the plate could hold, and what I remember next and most importantly is looking at Bruce and asking him if I could have a hug (something I typically don’t do with male colleagues).  We hugged for a while, and then he left.  So I encourage everyone to always listen to your inner voice and don’t dismiss promptings that seem out of the ordinary.  You never know when it’s the last time you’ll ever see someone."

"I suppose I knew Bruce longer and better than anybody else.  I met "Brewski" in October, 1984.  We worked side-by-side for a managed care software vendor in Oakland.  It didn't take long for us to become close friends and by the end of 1985 he was a close confidant.  Bruce was always a self-starter, and I recall during those early years that he wasn't totally confident in his abilities.  Bruce was the epitome of integrity and had a keen sense of knowing what his clients needed even when they didn't.  In 1987 Bruce moved to LA and set forth on what was to be his current career path.  Bruce wanted to be his own man and pursued consulting gigs by knocking on doors.  Bruce became a very successful door knocker, landing a gig with a Sherman Oaks health plan known then as GHI and later as EQUICOR.  He moved on to Managed Health Network (MHN), Health Net and eventually Managed Care Innovations.  Anybody that knew Bruce knew that he got frustrated very easily.  I can't count how many times he would say something like 'Microsoft Word is making me mental.'  Bruce didn't always trust technology either, and on occasion he would say something stupid like 'Don't buy a car with power windows because they will cause you grief.'

"Bruce was a huge influence in my life and was with me at every milestone, including standing next to me on the altar in 1989 as my best man, and his presence during the birth of my children was a treasured period.  We vacationed together, and last year he accompanied me and my family on a Caribbean cruise, which I happen to think was the best time Bruce ever had.

"To most, Bruce was a trusted friend;  to me he was my soulmate, and I am reminded that you only get one per lifetime."

"I worked with Bruce since 1993.  As I moved from one organization to another I always enlisted his services because I could count on him to be there when we needed him and always deliver quality work.  I used to say of Bruce, that he was such an intense thinker you could almost see his brain working.  He was a private person with a very sensitive nature and I often wished that he would allow me to know the “personal” side of Bruce better.  What I did know of him, I respected.  Through faith, I believe that he is in a better place where pain and suffering do not exist.  For this I am grateful for Bruce."

"I always remember Bruce for his friendly and brilliant smile combined with that touch of shyness.  I looked forward to seeing him smile and would strive to encourage it every time I saw him!"

"Bruce was always there when I needed programming help.  I’ve called him when I “run into a wall” on a project and he always had an answer or solution for me.  He was so willing to share ideas.   Not very many programmers are like that.  I was so amazed how knowledgeable he was in programming.  I would often joke with him and tell him that he was the “Obi Wan Kenobi of Access and VB”.  Thank you, Bruce, for all the help and for being a great friend."

"Bruce always demonstrated an exceptional mastery of professional skills.  He handled the most sensitive situations with grace, tact and diplomacy.  His technical expertise was used to the client’s advantage to gain the competitive edge.  On a person note, he was a good friend and he will be missed terribly."

"When I think of Bruce, I think of honesty and integrity.  Bruce represented a degree of quality and commitment that is rare these days.  Bruce was without doubt the best IS programmer that I have ever worked with in that his understanding of the components, attention to detail, and ability to speak in non-computer terms made an enjoyable working experience.  I could always call upon Bruce and know I could get an honest answer or be directed in a good direction.  I will truly miss him and forever attempt to achieve the level of the honesty and integrity exemplified by Bruce."

"When I think of Bruce, I remember a unique man with integrity; an utter perfectionist at work combined with an enormously kind and gentle soul.  A humble man who was valued beyond his knowledge.  I will truly miss him.   These are my thoughts of Bruce as a total being, but when I think of Bruce, I want to smile.  I think specifically of his methodically walking me through databases, while constantly telling me not to move ahead of his very detailed and specific instructions.  I hear his voice saying, “it is crucial that you do exactly what I tell you … don’t move ahead or you can mess the whole thing up!”  He had such a passion for doing a job right that I couldn’t help but respect his attention to detail."

"Although I did not know Bruce really well, he always made me feel good about myself and my abilities.  He could be counted on to return my calls from out of state and to fix whatever was wrong and make me feel that it was not big deal.  He was so smart, but he was a real person, one whom you felt good to know.  I’ve thought about him through the years and knew if I ever bumped into him again, he would pick up our relationship right where it left off – there are not many people like that."

"Bruce was so patient.  When I needed his help with the Access database, he always made time to help me and showed me exactly what I needed to do.  I liked Bruce a lot and not only will his knowledge be missed, he will be missed for being a cool and down-to-earth person."

"In the short time I worked with Bruce, I remember the soft tone of his voice, his big brown eyes and his smile when he spoke.  To his family and friends, you have my condolence."

"It was always very refreshing to work with Bruce.  Not only was Bruce a whiz with databases and various systems, he really understood the healthcare industry.  Bruce could always find alternative solutions to challenging situations.  He was also so humble and shy and would blush when you complemented him.  Bruce will be greatly missed!"

"I will always remember Bruce Morrow for his wit, strength of character, integrity and his strong work ethic.  I will never forget how helpful he was when I first started out in managed care and how encouraging he was as I learned the ropes.  His professional and heartfelt advice helped me decide to take on my current position.  I send my condolences to his family and friends.  God’s peace."

"I will always remember Bruce Morrow because of his kind spoken soft tone voice.  When Bruce came to LHP, we worked along side each other, and I never felt agitated in any way.  Bruce was always peaceful and understanding, and I truly miss him.  He always brought special gifts to us here at LHP, but he was the best gift of all when he shared many of his life stories, experiences and adventures.  I send my condolence to his family and friends."

"I had the pleasure of working with Bruce for a number of years. While working with our company, Bruce would ofter take his lunch at the same time as I and other employees in our break room. Many times Bruce would stop at Marie Callander's and bring in pies for all of us to enjoy. We would all sit around eating and laughing and having the best of times. I'm deeply saddened that I will no longer get the chance to laugh with Bruce. He was a man of great compassion, kindness, knowledge, and humor. He is surely missed by his friends and me at Lakewood Health Plan."

" Bruce was so fun to work with. I worked with him at OakRidge for two years. There are a few things that stand out for me. In my last contact from him around a month ago, he wanted to check and see how I was doing on my new job. Bruce sounded happy, and he seemed so pleased it was working well for me. He also wanted to make sure I was keeping up with my anti-virus updates. The second fond memory is when our boss Julia was traveling, he would always call to check on me and see if I needed anything while she was gone. What I will always remember the most is being on a job with Bruce, as I was talking to someone, I looked over and Bruce was staring at me smiling. I asked "What? What are you staring at me for?" He said when I talk I remind him of his sister and it makes him smile. He told me she lived far away and he didn't get to see her enough. I'll never forget his smile at that moment, and how sweet he looked. This is the picture I will keep in my mind of Bruce forever."

"Bruce was the dearest man I've ever known.  He brought joy to my life and was the comfort of my soul when I went through the loss of many family members.  I think of going to the Hollywood Bowl and to New Orleans with him.  My heart feels empty knowing that he is gone.  It's comforting to know that Bruce had such good friends.  He had the most comforting, big brown eyes and smile.  And he said my name, Charley, in a unique way that made me smile.  I will never stop missing him."

"I was very sad today when I heard of Bruce's death.  Bruce and I were very good friends when we were 16-17 back in Detroit.  In those days a group of us all hung out together.  Bruce for a time was the boyfriend of my sister, Nancy.  We were all a little naive and had fun doing not much of anything.  We all stayed in touch when I started going to college at EMU. There was Shelia, Cyd, Nancy, Barsky, Jim, Crow, and others.  Bruce was always a free spirit and very independent.  We have not been in touch for many years but I always ask people who are to update me.  At 50 I know that we have all lost too many friends too early.  I will always have fond memories of Bruce and his family who we all knew way back when.  The irony of all of this is that while I live in West Bloomfield, MI, I was in Los Angeles this weekend (Nov. 14-17).  I only wish that I knew of Bruce's memorial.  It would have been my honor to have attended.  Bruce, you will be missed."

"To Bruce and all of his friends,

I also have know Bruce since high school with Rosen and the gang.  I remember when Bruce sold me his real to real tape recorder in his mom's apartment in Oak Park, Michigan.  I think stairway to heaven was in our conversation and Bruce showed me the album cover from savoy brown live in det (i think it was at cobo hall).  Inside the album was a picture of the audience and Bruce was there.  I don't know if he or we ever found him, but i suggest everyone find a copy.  it was one of savoy browns 1st albums and play it, and remember Bruce was there in that room and maybe part of him is still.  He will always be in my heart.  He was a great guy.  We never lost touch, but did not see each other as much as we should have.  He came up to northern CA, and went to a local fair at the local park.  I will think of him and his kindness to my children.  The last time he was up and we all had lunch in Cotati ... I know this all means nothing to the rest of you, but I will truly miss him ... so Bruce say hi to Palarchio, and Leon Pelteir, Sharon Harris, David Grodman (spelling), and even Glenn Pearl, and tell them to save me a seat at the Hendrix concert because we will all someday be there.  Later, bro."

"Bruce was my boyfriend 35 years ago when we were just 16 years old. He was always a kind and gentle soul.  He always had such a beautiful smile.  I can see it in the picture on this website.  I remember on one holiday, sweetest day, or an anniversary that we both bought the same exact card for each other.  What were the chances of that?  I'll have to go find some of my old pictures of him.  He was at my sweet sixteen, and a few weeks later, a group of us had a ball when we all went to Florida for spring break.  I hadn't seen Bruce in about 20 years or, so but I have fond memories of our past.  My heart goes out to his family.  He will be sadly missed."

"Bruce was more than a friend to us, he was an important part of our family, like a brother to Mike & me and a favorite uncle to Sam and Julie.  Bruce was a part of every significant event in our married life.  He was the best man at our wedding, was there when our children were born, for birthdays, holidays, vacations and many good times -and- bad.  He was always there when we needed him.  We tried as best we could to be there for him.  We will miss him very much but are comforted by the many cherished and joyful memories.  An aspect of Bruce many may not have known about was his wonderful way with children.  I loved watching them together.  He could laugh and be so silly for hours and never seemed to tire of them.  He could also spend time talking and discussing and answering endless questions with lots of patients.  When he visited us in Florida he would love to cruise around and explore in a convertible.  He loved nature and outdoors, to bike ride and hike or just walk at beach.  We shared so many good meals and conversations with him.  In the past three years we had the pleasure of going on two vacations with Bruce, a cruise and a trip to Aruba He was so relaxed and full of life that that is the way we want to remember him."

"I was stunned today when I received the call about Bruce's death.  I also am an "oldie but a goodie" friend of Bruce's from way back in high school days.  We both attended Berkley High School and were extremely close then and up until he moved to California.  I knew his family (grandmother, mother & brother), and he was more like a brother then a friend.  Even though it's been many years since we've spoken, I will always remember the many good times we shared together and all the wonderful memories we had. My deepest condolences to his family."

"Bruce Morrow was a stalwart friend and a person of enormous integrity.  I miss his guidance and the comfort of his presence."

What would you like to add to this page?