Dear Bruce,
you meant a great deal to me and I will miss you. You were always a steadying force, a gentle giant in an activity where drama seems to thrive. Your professionalism, sensitivity, and compassion was, and will remain an inspiriation. I hope in my life I can be a mentor to at least one person in the way you have been to so many. Your legacy and influence will live on for a very long time. I am humbled and honored to have been your student, friend, and colleague.
In many ways you were a serrogate father. Anyone who has marched has stories from their "summers". As so many young men do I often resented your rules which seemed so out of place in a drum corps world "Don't cuss", "be polite", "say thank you". Yet these are the lessons that have stuck with me and I now see that it takes a strong man to stand firm on something seemingly small, yet vitally important to the growing and maturing of youth.
I will always have the lessons and memories you gave me. You will always have my respect, gratitude, and love.
God Bless You Bruce
Mason
