 |
 |
| Photo: Rapid Runner Newsletter Fall 1999> Bruce Mills (222), determined to stay in the hunt for the A Class national title, ran a remarkable marathon. Still recovering from injuries suffered in the Klamath race and in considerable pain, Mills drove four fast, consistent legs in a time of 01:44:40. His skill and courage were rewarded as he earned both 2nd place in class on the rogue and a 2nd place standing for A Class in the US Championship! |
| April 22, 2001 I first saw Bruce Mills in 1995 at Gold Beach, Oregon, during the Rogue River Marathon. In that race he was the navigator in Merrie Mz (151 1/2 ) with pilot,Val Ramsdell. He certainly did his job well, as their B Class boat finished the event 2nd in class and 4th overall. Since that weekend I have talked to Bruce many times and have seen him in action behind the wheel of his own number 222. I won't forget his courageous campaign in 1999 when he captured 2nd place, A Class, in the U.S. National Championship. Until last night ( April 21, 2001), I was looking forward to more fun conversations with him and watching his exciting river runs. I was a big fan; he was a good friend. I will miss him greatly. Chris Perry |
| Send Cards of Condolence to his son: Tracy Mills 5355 Queens Ave. NE Keizer, OR 97303 |
| My condolences to all the family and friends of Bruce Mills. I have never met him but the people I talked to out of passing didn't have anything bad to say about him. The boat he had driven my girls thought was cute as they call it "Pinki" for its paint scheme. A tragedy such as this always affects the small racing community of white water racing. Bruce Mills was a part of that community, and which now contains a void. I am sorry I will never be able to race against him. The friendly rivalry of running against experienced white water racers while participating in mutual cooperation is a thing to behold. Again my condolences...Scott |
| CONDOLENCES TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY: ". . . be courageous and let your heart be strong . . ." Psalm 27:1b, 14 |
| FROM A LETTER to Val Ramsdell from her nephew and second navigator for one year (1996) Martin Laetsch: . . . I am sad that Bruce was killed, but I am glad that he died doing something he loved. I have every intention of dying of old age, but I hope that I have the courage to continue to take educated risks and do things I love instead of getting tied to the idea of old age and "die" long before I actually pass away. |
| WE WILL MISS YOU. . . |
| FROM E-MAIL: Steve Zimmerman (Mon., 30 April 2001) As someone who has known Bruce in racing since he was Val's navigator I have some fond memories to share. I don't remember what year it was but we were starting right behind Val and Bruce on the Rogue. There was some major confusion with starting times and order. Everyone was getting frustrated and to our astonishment when Val finally started and went past the start line Bruce threw his watch at the time keeper. We laughed so hard it was hard to get started. Another fond memory was on the Klamath when Bruce was nicknamed "Bruthie." It was due to some fairly major celebrating after a Saturday's race. The name stuck and he was affectionately "Bruthie" from then on. When we transported Bruce downriver after his wreck on the Klamath we laughed and shared that event all the way down river even through pain of a couple of broken ribs, of course we had Denver Nelson along to keep things stirred up. We will dearly miss "Bruthie" and send his family our sincerest condolences Steve, Del, Jon and Sara Zimmerman |
| IN MEMORY OF BRUCE MILLS |
 |
|