Bruce P. Lehane, 68, died peacefully at home in Roslindale Massachusetts on Saturday, September 23, 2017 surrounded by his family, after a long and difficult battle with ALS. He is survived by his wife of thirty years, Lesley, and by his three sons: Blaize, Elliot, and Aidan. He is also survived by his loving sister, Lori, and her husband Albert Nalbandian; his sister in-law and her husband, Lisa and Mike Brady; and nephews Miles and Ryan Brady. He was pre-deceased by his mother, Sis Wiley Lehane, and older brother Donald.
Bruce was born and raised in South Boston. A middle-distance track and field runner at Boston State College, he set school records in the 800 meters and mile. In his junior and senior years, he earned All-American honors. Bruce was coached there by the renowned Bill Squires, who inspired Bruce to coach on a collegiate level. Years later Bruce and Squires co-authored Speed With Endurance.
After graduating from Boston State with a B.A. in English and Secondary Education in 1970, Bruce continued his education, earning a Master’s degree in reading and language at the University of Lowell in 1978.
Bruce was the quintessential coach: accomplished, soft-spoken, and as knowledgeable as he was humble. In his 35 years of coaching cross country and track and field at Boston University, Bruce was named America East Coach of the Year 19 times. His teams won 17 conference championships. His athletes included 50 Division I All-Americans. While Bruce was renown for his coaching at Boston University, his influence was broader. In 2013 he was inducted into the UMass Athletic Hall of Fame. His athletes live all over the world and returned to visit Bruce regularly.
This past February Boston University honored Bruce by naming its Scarlet and White Invitational Track Meet after him. The meet is now known as the Bruce Lehane Scarlet and White Invitational. At the renaming ceremony, Bruce described Boston University as “an inspiring environment.” He deflected praise about himself, recognizing his athletes instead. “Any accolades I’ve had tossed my way is on the strength of what others did,” he said, adding “I’m…. basking in the achievement of others.”
He believed in every one, recreational runner to world champion. An astute listener, he put the person before the athlete. Runners came to him with any concern, knowing Bruce would give wise counsel about anything from school to relationships. Everyone got his best attention.
Always thinking of others, Bruce rarely spoke about himself. He was dedicated to his family in addition to not only athletes but also the other coaches and staff at Boston University. He was passionate about his hobbies: playing the guitar and writing. In addition to Speed With Endurance, he wrote a book about his childhood in Southie. A man of a strong faith, he was grateful to others. His final words at the Scarlett and White renaming ceremony were “I cannot say ‘thank you’ enough to those wonderful people and to God.”
This November he will be inducted into the B.U. Hall of Fame.
Visiting hours will be held in the Robert J. Lawler and Crosby Funeral Home 1803 Centre St., West Roxbury on Saturday, September 30, from 1:00 to 5:00pm. A Prayer service will be held at 5:00pm. Relatives and friends are invited to attend. A memorial Service will be held in October for Bruce, at Boston University.
In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Boston University Friends of Track & Field and Cross Country, 285 Babcock Street, Boston, MA 02215. Please call 617-353-3008 with questions.