On Wednesday 11/28, our dear family member, Bruce Hodess, born 8/8/43, peacefully passed away in his sleep. He was preceded in death by his parents Morris and Frances Hodess of Oak Park Michigan.
Fifteen years ago, after many visits to Montana, Bruce decided to join his daughter, granddaughter and son in-law and make Helena Montana his home.
Bruce is survived by his beloved sister, Sandra Hodess of Oak Park, Michigan, his daughter Arwen Cochran of Twin Bridges, granddaughter Sarah Cochran of Bozeman, his son in-law Reuben, and extended family in Detroit and Canada.
Bruce was a vibrant, fun and funny man. He loved engaging in banter and had a quick wit. He served the Helena community by volunteering for many organizations. He was an active member of the Lewis & Clark chapter of the Audubon Society and greatly enjoyed the annual Christmas bird count.
Well educated, Bruce was a substitute teacher for the past 8 years and was a favorite sub of many children in town.
He came to Helena via Maryland where he worked at and retired from the Smithsonian. Moving to wild Montana, he exhibited an extensive knowledge of birds, fauna and wildlife. Provide him with a characteristic of a bird and he could identify it sight unseen.
Some of his fondest time spent was attending SCA (Society for Creative Anachronism) history events with Arwen and Sarah. They learned about medieval history, camped, feasted and laughed with their friends from all over Montana, Idaho and Utah. He was especially popular at events as he always had a smile on his face and a corny joke to share.
Bruce was a fun man, he will be missed.
A funeral service will take place at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, November 29, 2018 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N Montana Ave in Helena. A burial will take place immediately after the service at the Home of Peace Cemetery in Helena. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society, by visiting https://www.cancer.org/. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or share a memory of Bruce.
John and Karen says
Such sad news. We enjoyed the times we spent with Bruce and the family. Wonderful man! He will be remembered and missed by all! With sympathy! The Q’s
Dundee says
So sad to read the paper today. Not only will I miss trimming Bruce’s hair and beard, I will mostly miss our great conversations–especially his humorous wit and knowledge. My heart goes out to Bruce’s family…
Dundee Warden
Elizabeth Guevin says
Bruce was my VP while I was president of the RMC. I shall miss his wise counsel and knowledge. Although he may be remembered for his humor and quick wit, I choose to remember Bruce for his intelligence. Additionally, Bruce was a substitute teacher for my two granddaughters many times. My granddaughters grew up with him not only with the many times they had him as a teacher, but as a friend when they visited ME Anderson. He always had a joke or a school question for them. Bruce: I hope they have Michigan football games in heaven! Love, Liza
Dan Sullivan says
Sincere condolences to Bruce’s Family. I served on the Helena Housing Board with Bruce. So sorry to hear he passed. Bruce was always pleasant, thoughtful and caring, Bruce made a lasting contribution to the HHA and Helena Community.
Sherri Downing says
I’m so sorry to lose such a gentle and valuable partner in our community. Bruce was a wonderful and knowledgeable member of the Helena Housing Authority Board of Commissioners. His wisdom, perspective and humor will be deeply missed.
Mrs Funchess says
Dear Family
I’m sorry for your loss and I pray for your comfort. Please keep in mind that our Heavenly Father and God promises he will resurrect those who are sleeping in death. ( John 5:28,29) This means they will come back to life and we will see them again.
Until that day comes, look to Jehovah God for comfort ( 2 Corinthians 1:3,4) He will never fail you.
Beth Pofahl says
I am deeply saddened to hear of Bruce’s passing. I will miss his jokes and the twinkle in his eye. He definitely could lighten up a room, or even a library whenever he walked in.
My most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones. The world is a dimmer place without him, but I know we are all better people for knowing Bruce and hopefully we will shine a little brighter in remembering him.
Capital High School Faculty & Staff says
We here at Capital High School were saddened to hear about the passing of Bruce. He was an active Substitute Teacher in our building for many years and liked by both staff and students alike. He touched many young lives working in our school and will be sorely missed here at Capital.
April R. Wyss Goode says
I’ve known Bruce since high school in Michigan, and we kept in touch since our graduation in 1961. My husband and I were on our way to visit Bruce and I was not able to reach him. I was saddened to read of his passing and will certainly miss his wit and knowledge. I’ll never forget visiting Bruce at the Smithsonian in Washington — he opened a giant freezer to show me hundreds of very large birds, which had been sent from all over the world. He was always willing to share his knowledge and a joke.
Ted West says
Sincere condolences to Bruces family and loved ones. First me Bruce 55 years ago, through his sister Sandy, who I met while she was touring through Northern Ireland. Remember visiting the Smithsonian as Bruces guest. A very interesting and funny man. Only good memories of him
Marya Nowakowski says
Arwen, so sorry to learn your father has passed away. It has been 4 years, but just saw this obit now. I am so sorry.
Marya