Bruce Porter Ramsay, beloved husband of Catherine Coon Ramsay, passed away on October 11, 2021 in Saint Albans with loving family at his side. His 23-year heroic battle with cancer reflected the strength of his character and the devotion he had to all who loved and depended upon him. His wife and children were his entire world – his purpose and his passion. Bruce had a presence that was larger than life, and had a story to tell wherever he went. He was generous with his time, resources, and love – always recognizing the needs of others. He made people laugh and easily earned their respect.
Bruce was born in Concord, NH on July 12, 1937, the third child of Harold and Marjorie Ramsay. His childhood was rich in love and lessons. From his mother he learned to design, build, and persevere. His father cultivated in him an appreciation for history, a passion for service and country, and a love for dancing. He attended Penacook High School where he gained friendships that would last throughout his entire lifetime. These friends dubbed him, “The Chin” as he had a unique ability to balance everything from ladders to rowboats on his prominent chin, and was often encouraged to perform for an audience.
After graduating in 1956, Bruce enlisted in the Navy, proudly becoming a Tin Can Sailor, serving four years aboard the USS Nicholas in the South Pacific as a Fire Control Officer. He received special recognition from his commanding officer for rectifying a devasting control issue in gunnery which required initiative and improvisation due to absence of required parts. Improvisation was Bruce’s forte.
Once discharged from the Navy on September 29, 1960, Bruce bought a VW Beetle in California and spent weeks traveling the country, logging nearly 9,000 miles of adventures on his way back to NH. He shared this love for travel with his wife and children later in life making annual road trips across the country experiencing the unique beauties of each region.
Bruce moved to VT after the Navy to work at the Missel Site in Swanton. It was during this time that he met his wife, Catherine while shopping for Cheerios. This flirtatious encounter was often recounted to the delight of their children. Bruce managed to make it past Catherine’s thirteen protective brothers, and easily charmed her mother, Gertrude often joking that he fell for Gertrude before he fell for Catherine. Bruce and Catherine were married September 29, 1962, living briefly in Saint Albans and eventually moving to Milton. There he designed and built a home in the country where their three children, Suzanne, Heather and Douglas were raised.
Bruce enjoyed a 34-year career in chip machine maintenance at IBM in Essex Junction. Reflective of his work ethic and responsible nature, he often went many consecutive years without missing a day of work. It was during his time at IBM that Bruce’s ingenuity earned him a patent.
A profound love of the lake led Bruce to the acquisition of a small camp in the early 1970’s where he taught his children, many nieces, nephews and friends to swim, ski, row, fish, and sail. The years were filled with all the joys of the lake and precious time with family. These same experiences would be offered to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well when Bruce and Cathy moved to their final home on Lake Champlain back in Saint Albans. This move enabled them to be close once again to Catherine’s large family for which they were very grateful.
Throughout his retirement when Bruce wasn’t on the water with his grandkids, he spent much of his time reading history books, working on his 1949 Jeepster (aka The Dragon Wagon), renovating their home, and working on an endless list of projects. Bruce also worked for many years with Habitat for Humanity, taking great pride in helping families fulfill their dream of home ownership. Additionally, he served on committees and helped with repairs/maintenance at their church, Saint Albans Bay United Methodist Church.
Bruce never allowed illness to slow him down for long. His family is so grateful that he was able to remain active and life-loving right up to his final days. They would like to thank Dr. Ades, Dr. Plante, and Dr. Manchester who helped to manage Bruce’s care successfully for so many years. They are also grateful for the lovely people at Bayada Hospice who helped guide in his end-of-life care.
Bruce is survived by his devoted wife, Catherine Coon Ramsay, and his children, Suzanne Boomhover (husband, James), Heather Stagnone (husband, Mark), Douglas Ramsay (Jennifer), and grandchildren including: Dustin DuPrat (Kelly), Brittany Barrett (Brian), Ryan DeVinny (Megan), Adam DuPrat (Katie), Kristen Atherton (Jay), Brooke-Ann McDaniel (Evan), Taylor Boomhover (Seth); Leah, Hayden and Sarah Stagnone; and Bradley, Benjamin (Hannah) and Timothy Ramsay. He is also survived by many great-grandchildren including: Harrison, Elizabeth and Cecile Barrett; Callen and Nora DuPrat; Hayden, Landyn and Amelia Atherton; Lennox and Mark-James McDaniel; and Fennigan and Olivander Boomhover. Bruce so looked forward to the upcoming births of 2 additional great-grandchildren as well.
Bruce was predeceased by his sister, Gail and his brother, Charles. Catherine’s many siblings embraced Bruce as one of their own. Beloved siblings include: Orlando(d) and Therese(d) Coon, Robert and Kathleen Coon, Violet(d) and Carrol(d) Draper, Bruce(d) and Wilma(d) Coon, Bernard(d) and Peggy Coon, Gerald(d) and Maria Coon, Johnson(d) and Teresa(d) Coon, Stuart and Helen Coon, Henry and Sandy(d) Coon, Dale and Marcia Coon, Sterling and Janet Coon, Keith and Paula Coon, Maurice Coon (d), and Gregory and Bea Coon. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
There will be no calling hours; however, a funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 30th at 11:00 AM at the United Methodist Church, 575 Lake Road, Saint Albans Bay. Burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Bruce’s wish was to have donations made to their above-mentioned church, P.O. Box 116 Saint Albans Bay, VT 05481.