Bruce Nyal Lee

Bruce Nyal Lee
October 18, 1946 – February 13, 2018

Bruce Nyal Lee, 71, passed away on February 13, 2018, in Ogden, Utah, surrounded by his family due to dementia and a pulmonary embolism. Born on October 18, 1946, in Durango, Colorado, to Nyal Wilden and Olive Tooley Lee. Bruce lived a life defined by service, kindness, and devotion to his family.
Bruce married the love of his life, Charlene Louise Cleaveland, on June 11, 1971, in the Mesa Arizona Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Their love was unwavering, and Bruce called her his angel. That was what he called her the last time he remembered her. He deeply respected and cherished his wife, ensuring she was always treated with the love and honor she deserved.
A dedicated worker, Bruce spent his career at Hawthorne Naval Ammunition Depot and Hill Air Force Base, where he took great pride in his contributions. He also served his country with honor, enlisting in the United States Army from 1966 to 1968, followed by 14 ½ years in the National Guard Reserves. During his service, he earned the Rifle Marksman Award and the National Defense Service Medal, a testament to his skill and dedication.
Bruce and Charlene were blessed with three children: Michael in 1975, Bryan in 1975, and Alice in1979. Bruce was a devoted father who adored his children and was immensely proud of them. His daughter Alice fondly recalls how he loved to tell stories about events in her life as if he had been there—even when he hadn’t! His 11 grandchildren were a source of great joy, and he cherished every moment spent with them.
Bruce had a deep love for wildlife, collecting pictures and trinkets that reflected his admiration for nature. He was known for his quiet acts of service shoveling sidewalks, mowing lawns, and lending a helping hand to neighbors without hesitation. He simply couldn’t say no when someone needed help. Very few people moved in or out of his ward without him and the boys helping. His kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who knew him.
A devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bruce lived his faith through service and love. He instilled in his children strong values of faith, conviction, and integrity. His son Bryan shares, “Dad cherished Mom and protected her from harm. He instilled his faith and conviction in us. Honest, kind, and merciful but unafraid to call out wrongdoing. He was not the father I wanted but found out he was the father that I needed. He was always proud of me as a father. “Dad was kind to everyone, even to those who were not always kind to him. I love him and appreciate all he did for us as a family,” his son Michael expresses.
Bruce is survived by his wife Charlene, his children Michael (Mandy), Bryan (Danielle) and Alice (Ryan) as well as his five siblings and one great grandchild. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Brenda. His family would like to express deep gratitude to George E. Wahlen Veterans Home, the staff at LDS Hospital Promise Critical Care Unit, and Bristol Hospice for their compassionate care in his final days.
The family would appreciate it if you could donate to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America athttps://alzfdn.org/support-us/donate/.
Charlene shares these heartfelt words:
“Dear Bruce, 46 ½ years was not enough. Love, Charlene.”
Bruce will be deeply missed, but his love, laughter, and unwavering kindness will never be forgotten.