Bruce W Farmer

Bruce W. Farmer Ph.D. passed away in the early morning hours of July 31, 2006 in Las Cruces, NM. Bruce was born at Hill Field AFB, Utah on May 8th, 1945, grew up in Tucson, AZ. He worked, traveled, and lived life passionately. Bruce spent over 20 years in the Space Division at TRW as an engineer involved in projects in Australia, Los Angeles, Denver and at White Sands, NM. During the 1990's he took a break from engineering and completed his Doctor of Philosophy degree in the then newly established Technical and Professional writing program in the English department at NMSU. As part of that program he delighted in helping design and implement programs teaching hospital workers better communication skills that would allow them to not only deal with the public and each other better, but also to advance in their careers. Bruce's passions in life included movies, the theater and travel. He was involved in many different area organizations including the Las Cruces Community Theater, the Mesilla Valley Film Society, the Dona Ana Arts Council, and was part of the first Leadership Las Cruces program. There are few people who had his recall of movies, plays, actors, directors, producers, etc. He believed wholeheartedly in supporting these programs as well as the educational programs he was part of such as the Tau Beta Pi and Theta Tau engineering societies. He was a member of the alumni associations of the University of Arizona where he received his undergraduate degree in engineering, the University of Southern California where he received his master's degree in software analysis, and New Mexico State University where he received his Doctor of Philosophy in English. He was also a member of Mensa. Above all Bruce loved and is survived by his wife Laura of Las Cruces, his step-daughter Amy Lynn Hawkins whom he loved as his own daughter, his two grandchildren, Reilly Alexander and Keterina Raquel Hawkins and their parents Bill and Regina, currently stationed in Havana, Cuba, and his three "puppies", Chiquita, Mr. Pepper, and Wendi. Bruce was especially close to and loved his parents, Lee and Jean Farmer of Tucson, AZ his two brothers: Greg of Boise, ID and Neal, wife Debby and two nephews, Kevin and Justin of Blaine WA. Those who knew Bruce will recall his great sense of humor, determination, intelligence, and great heart. He was always there for his friends and family in any way he could be. Bruce will be greatly missed by all. A memorial service will take place at 2:00 PM on Thursday, August 3, 2006 at Getz Funeral Home in Las Cruces. In lieu of flowers contributions may be sent to the American Lung Association. PDF Printable Version