Robert Bruce Binns
August 3, 1944 – September 10, 2021
A Memorial Service will be held at First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo at a later date. Bruce will be laid to rest at Ft. Custer National Cemetery where full military honors will be rendered. Contributions in memory of Bruce may be made to Kzoo Cat Café and Rescue, Ministry with Community of Kalamazoo, or Alzheimer’s Association.
Obituary
Age 77, passed away early Friday morning, September 10, 2021. Bruce was born in Muskegon, on August 3, 1944, the son of Robert Charles and Elizabeth (Roberts) Binns. On April 7, 1967, he married Margaret “Maggie” Krusinsky who survives him. Bruce received his Bachelors Degree in Chemistry from Western Michigan University and worked for many years as a Chemist and Industrial Hygienist at the Upjohn Company, Pharmacia and Pfizer. After retiring, he spent 7 years as a quality control consultant. Bruce proudly served his country in the United States Army, which included a one-year tour of duty in Viet Nam. Bruce was a World War I history buff and had visited World War I battlegrounds all over the world. He and Maggie enjoyed traveling together, and had been to Scotland, England, France and Ireland. He also had visited China, Japan and India. Bruce was an avid runner and had run five marathons. He also enjoyed fishing and had played the bagpipes for over 40 years. He had served on the Otsego School Board for 8 years and on the Allegan Intermediate School Board for 16 years. Bruce was a member of First United Methodist Church of Kalamazoo and the Decatur VFW Post 6248, where he served on various committees. In his spare-time he volunteered for 8 years with Buddy to Buddy which is a mentorship program designed to assist veterans. Besides his wife, Bruce is survived by his children, Melissa Binns of Kalamazoo and Heather (Bill Purcell) Binns of Olympia, WA; sister, Paula Clark of Muskegon; brother Brian (Norma) Binns of Whitehall; and many, many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.
I worked with Bruce at Pfizer, and more recently reconnected while volunteering at Animal Rescue Project. He was a great storyteller, and I will remember him as a sweet, kind gentleman. Condolences to his family. Linda Bouwman
I met Bruce through his daughter Heather and got to spend lots of time with him over the years in Oregon. He was such a kind, enthusiastic person who was dedicated to his family and all of us extended family and friends. What a wonderful person for us all to know. We love you, Binnses.
I have so many great memories of Bruce. In 3rd grade when he played the bag pipes in my class so loud that even the deaf kids could hear. He also played at my Grandpa’s funeral. The unbelievably huge and delicious chocolate chip cookies that I could never quite recreate. The endless supply of chopped wood in exchange for a single beer. And a friendly face when I started my first ‘real job’ at Pfizer. I am sorry for your loss, Binns family.
Bruce and I were classmates in the great class of 1962. He was always friendly and interested in others. I always looked forward to seeing him at our classmate reunions. I have always loved the bagpipes, and he played them well! I am so sorry for your loss. May God grant you peace as you go through the grieving process. Lee Lundell Dickinson
I offer my deepest condolences to Bruce’s family and friends. He was a valued co-worker at Upjohn and a lunch time running buddy for several years. His generous spirit, thoughtful manner, dedication to serving others and good humor were a joy to experience. May he rest in peace…
I grew up in Whitehall down the block from Bruce. There were five of us named Bruce within a couple blocks of each other. Our families were close and we who were a little younger than Bruce followed his post high school life with great interest. Ann and I send our condolences, Maggie
My condolences to Bruce’s family. I was part of the Whitehall class of 1962, but moved away in junior high. The 50th class reunion reconnected with me. Bruce sent a friendly hello. Later when my husband died in 2012, Bruce contacted me to say he would play his bagpipe at the hour of the funeral. It was a very generous and thoughtful gift to me at a hard time. It meant much to have that brief connection back to Michigan. For many years I have lived in Iowa.
We are heartbroken to hear of Bruce’s passing. He welcomed us to Kalamazoo First UMC. He had a warm heart, dear spirit and a great love for life, his church and his Lord and Savior. God bless Maggie and family during this time of transition.
Gonna miss you Buddy. Our Corpus Christi Bay reunions will never be the same. Rest in peace.
Bruce’s twinkling eyes and welcoming smile will be greatly missed each time we enter FUMC of Kalamazoo. Bruce was one of the first to welcome us making our move from Southeast Michigan to Texas Township leaving our former church home of 46 years a little easier. The added bonus of meeting Bruce was getting to know Maggie We are just sorry that we never did get to hear Bruce play the pipes and get together to compare stores of our visits to his and Carol’s ancestral home of Scotland. Each year on August 3 as we celebrate Carol’s birthday we will remember Bruce and celebrate for him too. Sending our love and condolences to Maggie and family
Bless you, Bruce, and the family you often spoke so fondly of. I recall your delightful sense of humor in our lovely Upjohn days, working in the Clinic. Most deliciously, I recall your beautiful piping. My daddy has, no doubt, met you in heaven. As you know, he loved those bagpipes! Keep on piping Bruce, and may your family be blessed!