Michael Scott Bruce
Michael Scott Bruce, age 71, of Charlotte passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, February 20, 2023. He was born May 28, 1951, in Charlotte, Michigan, the son of Kenneth and Dorothy “Pat” (Bouska) Bruce. He graduated from Charlotte High School with the class of 1969. On August 26, 1972, he married Annette Cloar. Together they were born, raised, and resided most of their lives in Charlotte.
As a young man, he was an active member and later an advisor of Explorer Post 45. He developed a strong work ethic working at his father’s gas station on the corner of Lincoln and Lawrence (Bruce’s Standard Station). In 1976, Mike and Annette moved to Florida to operate a printing business with his in-laws, Dale and Dolores Cloar. Missing Charlotte, they moved home in 1978. He worked for Jacklin Steel and then served four years as Midwest Region Field Manager for Insty-Prints. In 1984, he successfully opened two Insty-Print businesses in Lansing. The downtown location is still in operation today.
In his personal life, he focused on volunteering and serving his community in many facets. He was a member of the Charlotte Optimist Club for over 25 years where he also served as president, secretary, treasurer, and active board member. He also served 23 years on the Charlotte School Board of Education. He was a board member of the Hayes Green Beach Memorial Hospital and Relevant Academy. He has been a member of the Charlotte Congregational Church since 1984. In 1999, he was honored by the Charlotte Rotary Club with the Clyde A. Fulton Community Pride Award. In 2021, he and his wife were honored to be the Charlotte Frontier Days Grand Marshals. Mike was recognized for a continued life of service to his family, his church, his community, service organizations, and for his high ethical conduct, loyalty to friends and causes, firmness of principles, and for the love, care, wonderful sense of humor, and positive example exhibited to all. The number of lives and community efforts he has profoundly impacted is immeasurable and awe inspiring.
Mike is survived by his wife, Annette (Cloar) Bruce; children, Jennifer (Joseph) Lamoreaux of Charlotte, Nicholas (Samantha) Bruce of Jackson; grandchildren, Austin and Carson Berkompas, Cooper and Brogan Bruce, Persephanie Savage, Cody Lamoreaux; special friends, Rick and Mary Jo Johnson, as well as countless family members and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Kenneth Bruce, Dorothy “Pat” (Bouska) Bruce, and Vera (Calhoun) Bruce; sister, Sherry (Bruce) Medlock.
Mike enjoyed watching his grandchildren’s sporting events. He loved his time at his cottage at Duck Lake. He also was an advocate and survivor of Charlotte Relay for Life, and a huge U of M fan. He loved to razz his MSU fans (especially his daughter).
Visitations was held Thursday, February 23, 2023, from 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at the Burkhead-Green-Kilgo Funeral Home, 206 W. Lawrence Ave, Charlotte, Michigan. A funeral service to celebrate his life was held on Friday, February 24, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the First Congregational Church, 106 Bostwick Street in Charlotte, with Laura Cooper officiating. The burial will take place at Maple Hill Cemetery at a later date with immediate family.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the following:
-Charlotte Optimist Club, PO Box 70, Charlotte, MI 48813
-Charlotte Education Foundation, C/O Bill Shetenhelm, 115 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813
-Eaton Area Senior Center- Vera Bruce Scholarship Fund, 804 S. Cochran, Charlotte, MI 48813
-Charlotte Athletic Boosters, PO Box 231, Charlotte, MI 48813
To view Mike’s obituary online or to leave a condolence for the family please visit www.burkhead-green-kilgo.com.