2026 Heart Walk Campaign - Bruce's Story
I met Bruce years ago through the Key West Bike Club (motto: “If it’s 8 AM, we’re riding!”). He rode slowly, often alone, and I later learned he lived with serious heart problems. A quadruple bypass — and eventually multiple stents — gave him extra years he might not have had.
On one ride around Key West, Bruce came upon a rough, handmade boat that had just reached shore, packed with exhausted Cuban refugees who had crossed nearly 100 miles of open water while fighting the Gulf Stream. They were starving and desperate for water. Bruce led them to a water fountain and, when he returned with sandwiches, they were still begging for water, having never seen a water fountain!
Despite his health setbacks, Bruce kept riding. He led bike tours around Key West, sharing stories along the way, and in 2024 even biked from Hanoi to Saigon with fellow club members. Last spring, after enjoying one cruise out of Miami with his wife Susan, Bruce suffered a fatal cardiac arrest while boarding a second cruise.
Susan organized two beautiful celebrations of his life — one in Key West and one in his hometown of Athens, Ohio — where hundreds gathered to honor a man who lived fully, loved generously, and kept riding for as long as he could. We miss Bruce.
Thank you so much for your continuing support!
-David
See photos below:
*Bruce with Key West Bike Group
*Bruce with Cuban Refugees
*Cuban Refugees Boat