Discussion: Bruce Wolfe

This is to let you know that we learned that Bruce Wolfe passed away very unexpectedly a few days ago. He was out on a run while vacationing in South Carolina. Speculation is that he had a heart attack. That is all we know at this point. We are shocked and saddened by this news. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends.

Bruce was an active member of BAOC for nearly four decades. In recent years he focused on setting courses in the Lake Tahoe area. In his younger days, he was selected for the US National Team and competed in the World Orienteering Championships. He will be sorely missed.

Dennis

I think I first met Bruce in 1984 when there was a 5-day organized in California just before the Los Angeles Olympics. BAOC organized days 4 and 5 at Joe Grant Park and Bruce was one the club's leaders in the effort. Over the years he made his mark as a fine orienteer, while at the same time, as Dennis writes, being a very active member of BAOC. He also was active in IOF matters.

Saddened to hear the news. He was always so full of life.

Very sad indeed. I was hoping to meet up with him again this summer. He was a very classy, gracious, level-headed guy.

:-(

Wow, that hits close to home.

Sad news. The first time I got to know Bruce was doing route choice tests with Bruce on a map in France. That was a long time ago, but still a strong memory. He was always fun to chat with over the years. He will be missed.

I am stunned and sad to learn this. I liked Bruce a lot. Beyond being a competitor and a U:S Team member, he did so many things for our sport for so many years, in the best possible spirit. I can not think of him without remembering how he always wore a smile. I wish I could see him one more time...

Bruce will be deeply missed by the orienteering community in the US and beyond. What sad news.

Sad news. My condolences.

Bruce was one of the most even-keeled persons I have ever known. He and I were friends in the early 90s, which included traveling together for a couple of weeks during APOC 1990. Unfortunately, time passed, and I had not seen him in quite some time.

So, so sad...

I first met Bruce when he was on the Stanford Track Team. A few years later when I began to orienteer we met again. Bruce was the BAOC President, the top meet organizer and the fastest orienteer. I will always remember those summer evening training sessions he put on for us novices at Joaquin Miller Park. So many memories.

Seeing Bruce always put a smile on my face. You always knew he was nearby when you heard his booming voice and infectious laugh. Such a sweet guy. I will miss seeing him this summer. Condolences to his family and to BAOC.

A great guy indeed. Bruce took to orienteering like few others I have known. He did everything- competitor, course setter, mapper, businessman. He even served on the IOF Council for six years and on leaving that post was awarded the IOF Bronze pin, one of only three Americans (and one Canadian) to receive that honor.

This is so sad. I was on a couple WOC teams with Bruce; so many great memories! During the athlete's parade at the opening ceremonies in Czechoslovakia (1991), Bruce used his skills as a former drum major to lead us into perfect turns and marches. He also bought at least one car (a Volvo, maybe?), went up to Sweden to pick it up, then drove it and ultimately shipped it home.
Bruce was kind, super smart, had a great sense of humor, and was a great guy. I'll miss him.

I can only second what everyone else has said, Bruce was a great guy and always nice to be around. I remember seeing him leave the second to last control as I was coming in, at a meet in San Diego (the USOF convention I think). Tried to catch him to the finish, I didn't have a prayer :-)

Bruce was a great representative for US orienteering in the IOF and as a member of WOC teams. I remember him once telling me that for training he would run the railroad tracks reading his Sports Illustrated during his lunch hour.
We will certainly miss him. Condolences to his family.

So sad to hear this news. As everyone writes, a big smile, deep booming voice, full of energy, intelligence, charm and kindness most of all. Deep condolences to his family.

Oh no! As Swampfox said, the first thing that comes to my mind at the mention of Bruce's name is how "he always wore a smile." To repeat what everyone here says, he was a great competitor, organizer, and administrator, and always with that wonderful positive attitude. Yes he certainly will be missed.

I am so very sorry to hear the sad news about Bruce. He was truly a great contributor to orienteering. Here is one story - Bruce was a graduate of Stanford University, and played in the marching band at football games. I believe he was involved in "The Play," the infamous band incident at the annual "Big Game" with Cal Berkeley in 1982. In the final play of the game, with Stanford ahead, they kicked off to Cal, who then began to lateral the ball between players as they progressed down the field. Meanwhile the band, thinking the play was over, began marching through the end zone onto the field. The Cal players wove through the band with the ball and scored, winning the game, to the eternal consternation of Stanford students and fans. (See video footage on YouTube.)

We will really miss you, Bruce.

Sad to hear this. I met him on a few occasions in the early to mid 1980ies in North America and possibly also in Europe. Definitely at the Five Days in California in 1984 and possibly also in Alberta in 1985. One thing I still remember is the license plate for his car that said "skogrun".

So sad...I got to know Bruce at WOC 85 in Australia. He was an awesome person, full of life.

I'd admired Bruce's training methods for a couple of years. But I only met him at Tahoe when he was selling excess VWC-97 Camp Ripley (predecessor of WMOC) tee shirt inventory for Sherry Litasi to try to turn the event into the black.

Still wear 'em...for Bruce, Sherry, PG, and the whole VWC-97 experience!

This is really sad news. Bruce contributed so much to the sport and it was always fun being in his company, he always had great stories. He will be sorely missed

Such sad news. Great memories of WOC 91 with Bruce (surrounded by pint glasses at the Pilsner Urquell brewery ... anyone have that photo?). Such a calm presence and a great sense of humor.

When he shaved off the beard, I didn't recognize him!!!

So sorry to hear. He was a great guy and competitor. The Bay Area will sadly miss him.