Hilary Grant
Bruce Michael Roberts, a writer whose passions were social justice and the workings of government, died on February 4 in San Jose. He was 71 years old.
Born and raised in Long Beach, California, Bruce showed an early interest in politics as a small boy, memorizing the names and accomplishments of every President of the United States in the order of when they took office. A 1970 graduate of Long Beach Polytechnic High, he was a gifted student, and was a member of the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. Other accomplishments and club memberships include being a Lion’s Club Speaking Contest Finalist; Boys League Vice President, and participant in the World Problems Club. Bruce was also a violinist in the school orchestra, having played this instrument since childhood. As an adult, Bruce’s favorite musicians included Jim Croce, Paul McCartney and Karen Carpenter.
Pursuing his interests in politics and government, Bruce received a B.A. in Political Science from Knox University in Illinois, a college he chose because Abraham Lincoln was a dear friend of the college. After graduation, Bruce took classes at California State University, Long Beach. He eventually found a home in the northern part of the state, including residency in the cities of Mountain View, Santa Clara and lastly, San Jose.
A dedicated writer, Bruce created the company BMR Communications, and working in this capacity, was a technical writer for over a decade. During this time, he was especially active in the online tech boom of the 1990s. Prior to this, Bruce was employed by several large corporations including AT&T and Litton Industries. After retiring, Bruce devoted a good amount of time toward a Bar Mitzvah. He achieved that much wanted goal in 2014 at Congregation Shir Hadash in Los Gatos, where he had been a member for over 20 years.
In addition to being an active part of that synagogue’s Mens Club, Bruce also found a great amount of purpose and joy as a volunteer housing advocate with Sacred Heart Community Service in San Jose, whose mission is to ensure that every child and adult is free from poverty.
Bruce was predeceased by his parents, Larry and Katie Roberts. He will be missed by many friends, including Robert Aguirre, whom Bruce respected and treated like the brother he never had. He will also be remembered by his sister Hilary Roberts Grant, niece Katie Grant, cousins Jennifer Roberts Espinoza, Rachel Roberts Barrett, Rebecca Roberts Galloway and Keith Wolfe.
