Robert Quinten "Bob" Bruce Obituary

Robert Quinten (Bob) Bruce, home builder from 1946 until his retirement in 1982, passed on October 21, 2011 at the age of 101.
Bob, his father and grandfather were all born in Indianapolis. His grandparents were married in the home over the family bakery at the southwest corner of Meridian and Washington Streets, before downtown streets were paved. Later, they built a home at College Avenue and 23rd Street, then known as Bruce Road, the city limits of Indianapolis. At that time, horse cars ran on College Avenue.

The Bruce farm was an original land grant from the federal government. One section of the farm ran from 23rd to 34th Streets, and from the Monon Railroad to Illinois Street. Bob attended Shortridge High School when it was located on Pennsylvania and North Streets, also Principia College, DePauw University and the American Academy of Art. He worked as an engineering Draftsman for the Indiana State Highway Commission, then for six years was an Account Executive with Sidener, vanRiper & Keeling Advertising Agency.

From 1939 until 1946, he was with the Jam Handy Organization in Detroit as Account Executive, and as writer and producer of motion pictures. He then returned to Indianapolis to enter the building business. Before retiring, he had built more than 3,000 homes. For over 40 years, he enjoyed flying as a hobby. He and his wife attended several aircraft owners' gatherings each year, from coast to coast. After retirement, he was very active in the Indianapolis Aero Club, serving two terms as President, and thirteen as Program Director. Bob was a Mason for well over 50 years, being a member of Mystic Tie Lodge, Scottish Rite and the Shrine. He was a lifetime member of the Third Church of Christ, Scientist of Indianapolis.

He was predeceased by his wife Patty and by their daughter, Bonnie. He is survived by a nephew-in-law, Richard Hardin; a niece, Carol Shipp; great nieces Jennifer Reitmeister and Holly Yovino and great nephew Robert Bruce Hardin.

A special Thank You from friends and family to David Pereira of Nightingale Services for a year of great home care. At his request, there will be no funeral or memorial services. He suggested that those who wish to do so should make contributions to their church or favorite charity.

You are invited to go to the Guest Book page to pass along your personal message or tell a story.

Sincerely,

-Your friends at Flanner and Buchanan