Obituary of Bruce Alan Hiell
His Legacy… Bruce Alan Hiell went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Friday March 30, 2018. Bruce was born January 9, 1944 in Alhambra, CA to Elmer C. and Leta A. Hiell. Bruce graduated in June 1961 from San Gabriel High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Naval Reserves on April 17, 1961. He reported for active duty on April 17, 1962 where he served on the USS Dennis J. Buckley DDR 808 until March 3, 1964. His reserve obligation ended on April 16, 1967. In July 1968 Bruce moved his family to Oroville, CA to work for DWR as a hydroelectric power plant operator for the Edward Hyatt Power Plant. He was the best “dam” operator for 33 years, retiring as a senior hydroelectric power plant operator in January 2001. He was very involved in his children’s sports where he volunteered hundreds of hours with Oroville Little League and Oroville Bobby Sox. In retirement Bruce organized monthly gatherings for breakfast with the GODS (Good Old Dude’s Society), a group of retired “dam” workers. He also enjoyed getting together every Wednesday night for dinner with the “rib nuts”, old friends from the softball days. Brucie was a great man but an even better Son, Brother, Husband, Dad, Papa, Uncle and Friend. Rest in Paradise Dad, until we meet again. Your family loves you always and forever.
His Family… He is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Judy, his children Kelly (Scott) Gernhart of Gresham, OR, Jeff (Melinda) Hiell of Oroville, CA and Erin (Marc) Teer of Oroville, CA. Grandchildren Ryan Teer, Abby Teer, Steven Gernhart, Sarah Gernhart, Tyler Potts, Wynter Willson, Elyssa Potts, Kendall Webb and four great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Mona Henry of Grand Terrace, CA, brother in-law Thomas (Luz) Weaver of Azusa, CA and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.
His Farewell Service… A Visitation will be held on Thursday, April 12, 2018 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM at Ramsey Funeral Home, 1175 Robinson Street, Oroville, California. Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 13, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Ramsey Funeral Home with Burial to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, 5646 Lincoln Blvd Oroville, California. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Wounded Warrior Project, Northwest SPCA in Oroville, CA or the charity of your choice. Arrangements are entrusted to Ramsey Funeral Home 530-534-3877.