Bruce E Coleman accepted the position of fire chief for district #7 in 1998. He entered the fire service with no previous experience but soon became everyone’s friend with his eagerness to help when asked. Chief Coleman continued with his normal job driving truck and manage a small fire department on the side. In 2010 he was instrumental in merging with a neighboring fire district 3 which is now known as SPOFR. During his tenure with South Pend Oreille Fire and Rescue he was also a duty officer until his retirement from the fire service in 2020. His passion for the fire service inspired many to develop their skills in fire and ems field. He will be missed as Chief, friend , dad and husband.
Bruce Ernest Coleman passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 13, 2023. He was 77 years old. Bruce passed away surrounded by his wife and many friends that he served alongside during his 25-year stint as firefighter and Chief of Fire District 7 in Pend Oreille County, Washington.
Bruce was born in Oakland, California on January 11, 1946. He attended Pleasant Hill High School. After high school, he joined the Air Force in 1966, serving as an air traffic controller, spending part of his enlistment in Vietnam, until his honorable discharge in 1970. He was a proud Vietnam Veteran and staunch patriot.
He married his lifelong sweetheart, Drucilla (Dru) Walters Coleman, on March 4, 1967 in Concord, California. They were married for 56 years.
In 1977, now with his family of five, including twin daughters Charmaine and Jeanne, and son Michael, the family moved to Spokane, Washington. Bruce lived and worked in the Spokane area for the remainder of his life.
Bruce worked most of his life as a truck driver with various companies, but enjoyed traveling to various places inside and outside of the United States to see his children and grandchildren. But mostly, he loved traveling and sending as much time as possible in Hawaii, engulfed in the rich Hawaiian culture and making as many friends as possible there.
He spent most of his time serving anyone and everyone he could, including family members, close friends, fellow church members, and even complete strangers. His last act before he passed away was in service to a community event. His funeral service will be this Saturday July 29 at 11 AM at the LDS Church in Riverside.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife Dru, his daughters Charmaine and Jeanne, his son Michael, two son-laws, and seven grandchildren.
Public Information Officer
SPOFR
