BUXTON- David William Bruce, 73, of Buxton, Maine, passed away peacefully at his home in Gorham on August 5, 2026 from complications of Type 1 diabetes.
David was born in Wareham, Massachusetts, on November 12, 1952, the son of the late Kenneth J. Bruce and June W. Morse. He was the youngest of three children, with his sister, Virginia “Ginny,” and brother, James “Jimmy.”
As a child, Dave enjoyed playing baseball and spending time with his neighborhood buddies, many of whom remained some of his closest friends throughout his life.
He attended Wareham High School and was unable to serve in the military because of his Type 1 diabetes, so he continued his education at Mitchell College in Connecticut and Rollins College in Florida. During those years, he met his first wife, Maryellen Clement. They moved to Maine and raised three children: Deron, Dana, and Adam.
Years after their divorce, Dave married Anne T. Robishaw, the love of his life. Together, they blended their family, with Anne’s children, Erika and Luke, becoming an important part of Dave’s life.
Dave and Anne shared 21 years of marriage and countless adventures. One of their most memorable was a months long RV trip across the United States, visiting 48 of the 50 states. They saw as many landmarks as they could, while making time to visit old friends and family along the way.
Dave was passionate, funny, and a natural jokester, with a laugh and smile that could light up a room. He loved watching Saturday Night Live and the news; especially the pretty news anchors. And he enjoyed his boxed wine, unwinding with a glass at the end of the day.
Dave loved projects. And if he asked you to do something, there was usually a very specific way he wanted it done.
In 2018, he helped his son Adam side his garage. Dave spent much of the project standing at the bottom of the ladder, giving Adam directions and worrying about his safety. Adam didn't necessarily need the direction, but he wanted something even more important: time with his father. It took eight years, but Adam finally finished the trim—and “Papa” was proud.
Dave would also love to find ways to be “helpful” as his daughter Dana worked hard to pursue and sustain a successful business, Galaxie Salsa. He would often stop by her production facility just to check in and “see what she was doing” . He was so proud of her , always his little girl. Or as he would say his "Daney”.
After Anne passed away from cancer in 2012, Dave began spending his winters in Mesa, Arizona. There, he found another wonderful community of friends who loved him and looked after him. Together, they enjoyed game nights, rounds of golf, and trips to Angelo’s Pizza for wings afterward.
Dave worked many jobs throughout his life. One of his first was at the family business, Morse Lumber Yard, in his hometown of Wareham. After moving to Maine, he spent many years working as a computer programmer for Unum and Hannaford Brothers, with a short 2 year break in his glory mowing a golf course, eventually taking an early retirement. Still needing a sense of purpose, Dave went on to work in the Buxton Center Elementary School After Care Program and volunteered at Buxton Center Church.
Dave had many interests and hobbies. He loved fishing, traveling, working on projects in his woodshop and garage, and, most of all, music.
There was always a song—and more often than not, it was Bob Dylan’s. Dave followed Bob Dylan to countless concerts, no matter how far he had to travel. He knew the set lists by heart, sometimes even though the songs were the same from show to show. His response was simple: “The band was tight.”
Dave insisted that each of his children attend at least one Bob Dylan concert with him so he could “cross it off his bucket list.” And they did.
Music was more than something Dave listened to; It was something he shared and he was always ready to take someone along for the next concert or show.
Dave's passion for sports was undeniable. He especially enjoyed attending and watching sporting events, including the Ladies PGA tournaments and his beloved Boston teams. Whether it was watching the Celtics at TD Garden or the Red Sox at Fenway Park, he loved being there. Although Dave could be pretty tight with his wallet, he always found a way to get tickets when it meant giving someone he loved an experience they would remember.
But what brought Dave the greatest joy was his family.
His children and grandchildren, who lovingly called him “Papa,” were his greatest source of pride. He loved attending their sporting events, school activities, and anything else they were involved in. He tried to be there for all of it.
He also had special bonds with his Nieces and Nephews who knew him as the cool uncle, “Uncle Dave.” He did his best to always keep in touch and check in when he was thinking of them.
Nothing made him more proud than watching his family grow and prosper.
In 2021, Dave suffered the devastating loss of his son, Deron. Life changed for him after that. Alongside his children, his daughter-in-law Laurie became an important part of Dave’s life, helping fill that enormous void and becoming another confidant and companion during his final years.
Dave was predeceased by his parents, Kenneth J. Bruce and June W. Morse; his son, Deron Bruce; and his love, Anne T. Robishaw.
He is survived by his brother, James Bruce, and sister, Virginia Atwood; his children, Dana Carman and her husband Chuck of Buxton, Adam Bruce and his wife Laurie of Buxton, Erika Robishaw of Limerick, and Luke Robishaw of Wyoming; his grandchildren, Scotty, & Emma, Brooke & Carli, Bailey & Cole; his great grandson, Kade; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and loved ones.
There was always a song playing somewhere in Dave’s life. And now, perhaps, he has found his way to the best show of all—reunited with Anne, Deron, and the loved ones who went before him, in the front row and together again.
So we won't call this goodbye.
In the words of one of his favorite Bob Dylan songs, “Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right.”
We'll simply say:
See you at the next one, Papa.
And knowing Dave, he probably left us with one last smile and said:
“OK, I’m going home. Good to see me.”
~ DWB
He will be sadly missed, but never forgotten.
Per David's final wishes, there will be no services.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Chad E. Poitras Cremation and Funeral Service, Buxton, www.mainefuneral.com