Bruce & Doris W.
October’s Village Senior Residence Spotlight
Bruce & Doris W. share their life story in this month’s Village Senior Residence Spotlight. Bruce and Doris grew up within one block of one another, but did not meet until college.
An American Hero
Bruce was born in California and lived in Riverside most of his life. His father owned an automobile repair service. Bruce’s mother was a socialite involved in various women’s associations.
Bruce was a star athlete in school. In fact, he played about every sport for every year in his high school years. He was the first Riverside Poly student to receive a letter in track and field, football, baseball and basketball. During his senior year, he was the school’s athlete of the year.
He and his brother got along well and played baseball together. Bruce played third baseman and his brother played catcher. His brother went on to join the military, but unfortunately died in the war. Bruce also joined the U.S. Army. He was one of the Paratroopers in the 517th Parachute Regimental Combat Team. While serving during World War II, Bruce fought in five major battles. Among these battles was the Battle of the Bulge. For his service, he received a Bronze Star and Combat Infantry badge.
When he returned from the war, he attended school at Riverside City College, where he met his wife, Doris.
Dedicated Wife & Mother
Doris was born in Enid, Oklahoma. Her family moved to Lancaster, California shortly after. When she was 5-years-old, they relocated to Riverside. Her parents separated when she was very young, and she only saw her father when he visited. But, her mother was always there for Doris and her brother, and did fine together.
Doris met Bruce when she attended Riverside City College. They had grown up within a block of one another, but did not meet until they were grown. Bruce had offered her a ride to go shopping and after that they were inseparable. Doris and Bruce celebrate 67 years of marriage. They also have two children, a daughter and son, and three grandchildren, one girl and two boys.
Riverside Sports Hall of Fame
Bruce went on to letter in baseball, basketball and football at RCC, later transferring to University of Southern California to play baseball and study physical education. Doris studied general education at RCC, later doing secretarial work at the University bookstore where she retired.
When Bruce finished at USC, he went back to Riverside to teach physical education and coach baseball. He worked at Central Junior High, Riverside Poly and RCC before retiring. In 2012, Bruce was put in the Riverside Sports Hall of Fame, and received a plaque for his accomplishments in playing and coaching.
Traveling Together
After they retired, the two did a lot of traveling with two other couples. They went about everywhere they wanted. A serviceman put together one of their favorite trips. They traveled to all the places Bruce was during the war. Germany, France, and Belgium were among the places they visited. They also received a warm welcome in the town where the Battle of the Bulge took place. His unit helped finish the war for them, and they were grateful.
Bruce and Doris have lived a great life and continue to enjoy it at Renaissance Village. They appreciate the friendliness of the staff and their fellow residents. Doris looks forward to the activities each week. They both love the Dining Room and the delicious meals the chefs prepare.
