Bruce K. Ellis

Bruce K. Ellis, 63, of Jaffrey, died peacefully on Saturday, January 27, 2018 at the Elms in Milford after a courageous decade-long battle with cancer.

Bruce was born on August 4, 1954 in Keene, NH, son of the late Raymond and Alice (Fiske) Ellis. He graduated from Keene High School in 1972 and earned his bachelor’s degree in Education from Keene State College in 1976.

Bruce became the first year-round Recreation Director for the Town of Rindge. He later worked in direct marketing sales for Mail-Call having clients such as NH Tourism, Vermont Castings, numerous ski areas, and many wonderful small growing companies. Bruce had a knack for always seeing the glass as half full. According to him, throughout his life he made the most of every chance to explore new and different employment opportunities as the economic conditions changed and new careers required exploring!

Bruce was an Honorary Past Master of Masonic Charity Lodge #18 in Jaffrey and belonged to the former Monadnock Jaycees. He was a past President of the Jaffrey Friends of Recreation, a Conant Music Booster, the Chairman of the Rindge Cub Scouts, a past Cub Master and Den Leader of Jaffrey Cub Scout Pack 33, as well as a volunteer coach for various youth sports and the Special Olympics.

Bruce loved taking a dip or just putting his feet in Silver Lake while visiting his family camp. He was an avid New England sports fan (and will be rooting for the Pats on Sunday!), enjoyed scuba diving with his family, puttering around his yard and gardens, and nice relaxing campfires. Other hobbies included hunting for “baa-gains” and collecting large rocks around the region for use in stone walls. He was proud of visiting all the 48 continental states and a few foreign countries that he had never dreamed of ever being able to see.

Bruce is survived by his loving wife of 38 years, Brenda (Russell) Ellis of Jaffrey; his son Ryan and his wife Aliina (Fowler) Ellis of Denver, Colorado; his mother in-law, Mary (Di Meco) Russell of Marlborough, NH; an uncle, a brother-in-law and three sisters-in-law along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Saturday, February 3, 2018 from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at the Cournoyer Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 33 River Street (Route 202) Jaffrey, NH 03452. A Masonic Service will immediately follow in the Chapel at 2:00PM.

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial contributions in Bruce’s name to The Community Kitchen, Inc., 37 Mechanic St., P.O. Box 1315, Keene, NH 03431.