Bruce G. Williams

In Loving Memory of Bruce G. Williams

Bruce G. Williams, 78, passed away unexpectedly on September 12, 2026, in Tucson, Arizona. He will be deeply missed by his entire family and the countless friends that he left behind.

Bruce was born on December 16, 1947, in Needles, California, to Raymond and June Williams – the first of 5 children. The family moved to Montana in 1949, and Bruce spent his school years in the place he always considered his hometown - Helena. He graduated from Helena High School on June 2, 1966, and soon afterward began a proud career with the United States Marine Corps, serving from 1966 to 1970. During his time in the Marines, he served in Vietnam and enjoyed his time playing baseball for the Marine Corps in San Diego, California.

Bruce married Barbara Cala in 1968 and started his own family welcoming their 4 children, Tami, Kim, Shannon, and Chet. His second marriage to Gail Graham brought his 5th child, Chad. The brood was complete; they were his pride. The years that brought his cherished grandkids, Bret, Lane, Gabe, Brynlee and Cade, were the ones that put the shining jewels in his crown. Family was everything to him. In 2005 the love of his life, Jolene, entered his world and they married on January 18, 2008. She was the one his heart had been searching for all along. Their special bond was apparent to everyone. Together, they shared a beautiful and enduring love that brought him happiness, comfort and peace until his last breath.

Bruce’s chosen career path was in municipal government serving in city management and leadership roles. He earned a master’s degree in public administration and devoted approximately 40 years to communities across the country. He started as a City Manager Trainee in Helena, Montana in 1970, then advanced into the position of Assistant City Manager/Budget Director from 1973 to 1980. He ventured out of Montana to Twin Falls, Idaho where he spent a year in his position as their Assistant City Manager/Finance Director. In 1981, he had an opportunity to climb the ladder - and moved to Cottage Grove, Oregon to become their City Manager where he remained until 1987. That year in the fall, the family made a big move East across the country to Steubenville, Ohio where Bruce worked as City Manager until 1990. Then the call from Montana came and won him back. He landed in Kalispell serving as their first City Manager. Though he loved Montana, in February of 1996, the warmth of Lake Havasu City, Arizona drew him in and became the 6th community he worked in as City Manager. In April of 2004, after serving for 8 years, he opted to retire. Surprisingly, it didn’t last long. The City of Steubenville, OH called in crisis and wanted him back. He agreed to give them a year to help get them on track and ended up staying five to ensure projects were completed. Bruce was dedicated to public service and took great pride in all the communities he served.

Bruce finally retired from his career as a city manager in 2010 and moved to Tucson, AZ to enjoy the good life. But he wasn’t happy staying idle for long. He decided to conquer another career as a real estate agent, which he exceled at, winning the “Rookie of the Year” award for achieving the sale of one million dollars in homes. In 2013 Jolene’s job took them on yet another adventure to Denver, Colorado where they forged many new friendships and he had time to really enjoy his retirement. When the ability to work remotely became an option for Jolene, they decided to return to Arizona where golf season is all year long. Bruce and Jolene made their home between Tucson and Helena, so Bruce could enjoy the warmth of Arizona while staying close to his family and the Montana roots he loved.

Outside of his professional life, Bruce was a sports nut. He tore it up playing league fast pitch baseball and softball in his younger years. He was a great catcher and teammate, loved by the guys he played with – on, and off the field at which ever bar the post-game celebrations would commence. There are endless stories. Later on, when he discovered golf, that was it. He was obsessed; he LOVED it. He enjoyed the game (had nailed a hole-in-one on four occasions), the time spent outdoors, and the enduring friendships made along the way over many, many years. As a proud alumnus of the University of Oregon, he was a huge fan of the Oregon Ducks and always looked forward to football season. He put out his prized Duck flag every game day. Then there is the love for Major League Baseball. Bruce was an enthusiastic and loyal fan of the Atlanta Braves. His kids were raised on watching them and rooted right alongside him. Whether it was on TV or live in a stadium, there were so many wonderful memories made watching Braves baseball.

Bruce was a master storyteller with a thousand and one true stories that would have you laughing until you cried. His effortless charisma and charm drew people to him wherever he went. Once you experienced his company it left you wanting to spend more time with him. His personality and sense of humor was one of a kind, and his laugh was contagious. He consistently demonstrated his brilliance, sharp wit and resolve in every situation life dealt him, as an example for his children to look to and learn from. He relished coming up with “the word of the day” to bestow upon his grandkids as they grew up. He instilled in us so many of his unique qualities and lessons about life - and they will continue to live on through those of us he left behind. But no one will ever be able to replicate his sweet dance moves. He just had a special kind of cool that was untouchable. Bruce had to be the winningest person in existence when it came to playing machines – he had his lucky numbers and they hit routinely. “Show me the money!” It was unreal. He really loved to kick back outside, light up a good cigar and enjoy it with his favorite beverage of choice – black coffee, or a double Dewars on the rocks (kept all in good supply). There was never, ever a boring moment in his presence. In his family’s eyes he will forever remain unmatched – in every way.

Bruce will be deeply missed by his children, Tami Williams, Kim Williams (Nash), Shannon Williams, Chet Williams (Brooke Standish), and Chad (Kelly) Williams, and his five grandchildren, Bret Haux (Katie Felde), Lane Nash, Gabe (Emily) Nash, Brynlee Williams and Cade Williams. He is survived by his adoring wife, Jolene Williams; his siblings, Susie (Mike) Spotorno, Cindy (Jim) Lieberg, Cassie Williams, and Byron Williams (Roni Dershem). There are also many loved cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Raymond & June Williams, and nephew, Michael Spotorno.

Bruce leaves behind a legacy of service, dedication, family, and friendship. His years of service to his country and to the many communities he called home will long be remembered. His memory is a treasure we will hold close forever; his love lives on in everyone he touched.

Bruce will be laid to rest where his service and spirit can be honored among fellow heroes; at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, 3550 Heroes Rd., Fort Harrison, MT on Friday, September 25, 2026, at 1:30pm. A Celebration of Life will follow at the Kleffner Ranch, 305 Highway 518, Helena, MT.

To honor Bruce’s memory in a way that reflects his heart and compassion, the family asks that in lieu of flowers that you consider sending a donation to NAMI Montana.