Bruce Alan Weber, 51, passed peacefully from this life on Wednesday, Aug. 22, 2012, at his home in Bellevue, Idaho, following a short illness.
He was born on Oct. 18, 1960, in Arlington Heights Ill., to Marvin and Judy Weber. He was raised in Commerce Township, Mich., where he excelled as a left-handed pitcher playing Little League baseball under the guidance of his father and coach from the age of five to 15. He was also a member of his high school ski team. He graduated from Walled Lake Central High School in 1978 and Western State College in Gunnison, Colo., in 1982 with a bachelor’s degree in business and a minor in art.
He moved to Sun Valley in 1982 to ski for the winter and never left.
He worked at Snug, Pete Lane’s, guided fly-fishing trips, managed Bill Mason Outfitters, Silver Creek Outfitters and was a beloved 22-year employee of Backwoods Mountain Sports.
He met and later married the love of his life, Colleen Jones Barney, on May 22, 1993. They enthusiastically shared all their experiences and adventures. Together they found a way to do the things most of us only talk and dream about. Bruce was a true outdoorsman. He loved it all and did it all: traveling, hiking, camping, rafting, kayaking, paddle boarding, hunting, and fishing. He took great pride in truly caring about the environment and all of nature and its gifts and willingly shared his knowledge and skills with everyone. Bruce was the consummate host, a fabulous chef, generous bartender and wine steward, marvelous storyteller, the ultimate director of entertainment and never wanted the party to end.
Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 19 years, Colleen, and their faithful dogs Glory and Molly; his beloved parents Marv and Judy Weber of Florida; his sister Kerry (Scott) Boone and their children Marley and Noah of Michigan; and Colleen’s immediate family residing in the Magic Valley area. He also leaves behind his “Backwoods Mountain Sports Family,” his fishing, hunting and camping pals, and a multitude of friends.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, Aug. 31, at 5 p.m. at the Performing Arts Auditorium at the Community Campus, 1050 Fox Acres Road, Hailey, Idaho. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Wood River Land Trust, St Jude’s Children’s Hospital or a charity of your choice.
As a tribute to Bruce, who loved his garden, we ask that you each bring a single bloom to the Celebration of Life. A potluck dinner will follow in Bellevue at 331 Melrose, Chantrelle subdivision in Bellevue.
More info is available at www.woodriverchapel.com, where you may leave a condolence, share a story or light a candle. Arrangements are under the direction of Wood River Chapel, in Hailey, Idaho.
A fund has been set up at Zion’s Bank. Call (208) 726-3007.