It is with great sadness that we have learned that the CUSD crossing guard and much loved Mr. Bruce has passed away. There will be a lot of tears as people learn that Bruce Campbell, fondly known by students and parents alike as Mr. Bruce, will no longer be doing what he loved best, taking care of the kids at the intersection of 6th Street and F Avenue.
From CUSD Superintendent Karl Mueller:
Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.
Understanding the impact this may have on our student body today Ms. Mellina, Ms. Moore, and Dr. DeSantis will support students as they process this tragic news by providing access to counseling services.
This is a very sad day for Coronado Unified.
On Monday morning, April 16, my daughter went to school late. We walked past Mr. Bruce who was posted up in his chair at 9:30 a.m. We said “Good morning” and he responded in kind. He looked tired. As I walked back home without my daughter, passing him again, I smiled, he didn’t get up. It was well past the busy time so him getting up for my crossing was not necessary. In the afternoon when we walked home, my 4th-grade daughter said, “I wonder where Mr. Bruce is, I hope he is okay.” Even though we only moved to Coronado in the summer, we have walked past him and thanked him daily for his service. My daughter will be crushed as will many families.
I had spoken with another parent on Friday as we passed by him, she shared that she was worried about him. Mr. Bruce had told her the reason there had been a substitute recently was that he had heart pain on Sunday and went to the hospital. He told her he had had heart surgery. It was only days before that emergency responders were called to his side on Sixth Avenue, his daily spot.
Mr. Bruce was the crossing guard since 2012 for the students of Village Elementary, Coronado Middle School, and High School. He touched the lives of hundreds if not thousands of families whose children have attended school here. In 2015, The Coronado Times interviewed Mr. Bruce and he was kind enough to share about his past before coming to his job to care for our children. Mr. Bruce told us the best part of his job was “Taking care of the kids, making sure they get across the street safely.” Last Friday was the last time we heard “Come on, let’s go”, the words he repeated daily and hundreds of times per week.
Mr. Bruce you were loved by many and not a day will go by where children and their parents cross the street at 6th and F without thinking about how you have kept us safe. Coronado was a better place because of Mr. Bruce.
Moms were gathered talking of Mr. Bruce this morning in his absence as a flower and candle memorial had begun growing. It’s sure to be abundant just like his love of the kids as the day goes.
UPDATE August 2019 – A plaque and memorial bench were installed in memory of Mr. Bruce at the spot where he sat.
