In Memory of Bruce Fraser Hillenbrand

Bruce went home to be with the Lord on March 1, 2022. He was in the care of the wonderful staff at the Arlington of Naples and Vitas Hospice. Bruce was born on December 9, 1930 in Mount Vernon, New York. He moved to Arlington, Virginia when he was nine years old with his parents and younger brother, Deane. His parents died in 1996 and his brother in 2014. Bruce attended Washington-Lee High School in Arlington and played football and baseball. He received All-Star Honors in both and was awarded a full scholarship to Wake Forest College (now University). His senior year he was awarded the Most Valuable Player for football. After graduation, he enlisted in the Army and spent two years in active duty and subsequently served 19 years as a Major in the Reserve. In 1959 after working in the private industry, Bruce started his life-long career working for the US. Dept. of Labor as a safety officer. He later joined OSHA where he worked until his retirement in 1993. Bruce was married for the second time to Barbara (Babs) Morrison Grout in 1975. They lived in Annandale, Virginia until 1996. Bruce faithfully oversaw his parents' care in Sunrise of Arlington until they died. He and Babs subsequently moved to Marco Island, Florida to be near his brother and to be able “to fish 12 months out of the year”. Fishing was one of many of Bruce's loves and before his move to Marco he fished at Lake Anna, Virginia and Piney Point, Maryland. Bruce and Babs were active in Marco Presbyterian Church where they served in many capacities: playing the organ, directing the choir, fixing things, landscaping maintenance and ushering to name a few. Bruce loved his family and friends, often serving by helping them with home repair and yard maintenance. He loved watching football and loved his cat, Tina, his faithful companion. He is survived by his daughter from his first marriage (to Peggy Keating of Pompano Beach) Kim Tracz Lipp (David) of Oakton, Virginia, his daughter Babette Grout of Annandale, Virginia, his grandchildren Elizabeth Kayser, Adam Tracz (Rachel) and Annie Avery (Patrick), four great-grandchildren, his nephews Gary and Keith (Missy) Hillenbrand and many dear friends from all over. In honor of Bruce, donations to Marco Presbyterian Church are so appreciated. A memorial service will be held on March 26, 2022 at 11:00 AM at the Marco Presbyterian Church in Marco Island.