Bruce P. DeMond

Bruce P. DeMond, 73, formerly of Wasilla, passed away unexpectedly Oct. 17, 2013, while at his farm on Dutch Hill in Cincinnatus, N.Y.

Bruce was born Oct. 10, 1940, in Cortland, N.Y., to Lois and Otto DeMond. He attended Cincinnatus Central School, graduating in 1958. Bruce obtained a master’s degree in education from SUNY at Cortland. He married Dorothy Suarez in June 1962. In 1969, Bruce and his family moved to Alaska.

Bruce began his educational career in Alaska with the Anchorage School District. The family relocated to the Valley in early 1970 when Bruce joined the Matanuska-Susitna School District serving in administrative positions before retiring as superintendent of schools in 1989.

Surviving are his mother, Lois; wife, Dorothy; three daughters, Betsy in Louisiana, Amy in Alaska and Lori in Washington; siblings, Diana and David, both of Florida; 12 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.

Preceding him in death was his father; and his only son, Robert.

Bruce recently retired to his childhood home on Dutch Hill in Cincinnatus, N.Y., to do the things he loved; making maple syrup, spending time with his family and telling stories of his fantastic and unbelievable adventures in Alaska to everyone who would listen.

The family invites you to join them for a graveside service at 2 p.m., Oct. 26 at the Aurora Cemetery in Wasilla with Pastor Henry Woodall officiating.

Please join the family after the service for a continued celebration of Bruce’s life at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 501 Bogard Road. An educational fund has been established in Bruce’s memory. Contributions may be made out and sent to Amy Wilks, 5401 East Windridge Avenue, Wasilla, AK 99654, or to Betsy Pease, 5192 Dutch Hill Rd, Cincinnatus, NY 13040.

Valley Funeral Home, Wasilla Chapel is in charge of arrangements.