Obituary - Bruce Randall Humphrey, Sr.

On Saturday December 5, 2020 surrounded by his family, our father Bruce Randall Humphrey Sr left on his journey to meet Jesus Christ. He was admitted to the hospital on Thanksgiving Day where he was confirmed to have advanced pancreatic cancer. In the days that followed we struggled to keep his blood pressure and diabetes under control, he got an infection, had a small brain bleed, became septic, his liver shut down, and his heart failed; more than his body could endure. Our family is in a bit of shock, but thankful for Dad, that his passing was swift. He did not suffer, was very well tended to, and thankfully we were all allowed to say good-bye, wish him well on his journey, and be by his side until he was ready to go.

Dad grew up in Fairlee, VT. He was the son of Dorothy “Dottie” Martin Humphrey Provost and Ray Guy Humphrey and later after his father’s death, became stepson to Norman Provost of Piermont, NH. Dad graduated from Orford Highschool and then attended Norwich University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He joined the United States Army right out of college and married our mother Linda Lou Bresett. He was a Captain in the Army, flew reconnaissance missions in Vietnam, and was a helicopter pilot for the VT Army National Guard while residing in Waterbury, Vermont until his retirement from the guards in 1997.

He relocated to Sandston, Virginia in 1997 with his second wife Diana Sawyer. After moving to Virginia, he dedicated himself to Jesus and began his journey on self-improvement and service to God. After relocating, he reinvented himself, starting a new career in computer engineering at Qimonda / White Oak Semi-Conductor, then later for the Northrup Grumman shipyards in Newport News, Virginia. Dad had a love of rollercoasters and so many fond memories are with Dad at amusement parks. He took his son Randy, as a teenager, on a long road trip where they visited all the best roller coasters along the eastern seaboard; a memory Randy will cherish forever.

Dad was a member of the Journey Christian Fellowship in New Kent, VA where he found his second family. His life was deeply enriched by the companionship, friendship, and love they gave to him. He enjoyed traveling and worshiping with his Journey family. Thank you all!!! Bruce leaves behind his children Victoria Humphrey Parmenter and her husband Paul; Brigitte Humphrey Codling and her husband Mark; Bruce “Randy” Randall Humphrey Jr. and his wife Barbara. His first ex-wife Linda Lou Bresett and his second ex-wife Diana Sawyer. His grandchildren; Shelby Garfield, Brandon Jenkins, Ashley Loveless, Lelia Jenkins, Eve Codling, Aden Codling, and Cadence Codling; as well as seven great-grandchildren.

He was a stubborn man, not always easy to handle, but always loved. We wish we could have had more time, but as Dad put it so many times “it is in the hands of god”; we love you Dad.

A memorial service will be held at the Journey Christian Fellowship located at 2587 New Kent Hwy, Quinton, VA 23141; on Saturday December 12, 2020 at 3:00pm with refreshments to follow. We ask that anyone attending wear a mask and practice social distancing, as our mother is medically compromised. In the spring 2021, our family will hold a graveside service for Dad in Fairlee, Vermont where he will be buried with his parents.

In lieu of flowers, please donate in Dad’s name to the Journey Christian Fellowship Youth Ministry program, as Dad had an affinity for the guided hunting trips Journey hosts for youth. Donations can also be made to For the Love of Poodles & Pooches rescue, the organization working to find a forever home for Dad’s beloved pups Sofie and Schatzi “sweetheart”.