Steven Michael Bruce was born on December 17, 1974 in Saratoga Springs, NY to Stuart and Debbie Bruce. He was the first of two children – his brother David being born in 1979. After many moves, the Bruce family settled in West Richland, WA in 1989. He graduated from Hanford High School in 1993. Unbeknownst to Steve and his future wife, Kristin, they were both at a Bryan Adams concert in April 1993 at The Tri-Cities Coliseum, both standing by the encore stage.

On May 10, 1995, his daughter, Cayla Bryn, was born. She was brought home from the hospital in his cherished ’67 Dodge Dart.

On June 18, 1996, his second daughter, Ashley Carolina, was born. He loved how she was such a cuddle bug.

On January 15, 1999, his first son, Andrew Conner, was born. He was thrilled to add to the Bruce Boys and carry on the family name.

On December 31, 2011, he married Kristin Charlo. She has always described the moment she married Steve as the first day she ever felt euphoric.

On October 27, 2014, his second son, Wyatt Samuel, was born and completed the Steve Bruce family. A little older, a little wiser, no longer in the Navy, he saw this as his chance to be a very present Dad, and he did just that.

Steve joined the Navy in December 1997. He was an 11-year submarine service veteran having served aboard two Fleet Ballistic Missile submarines - the USS Georgia SSBN 729 and the USS Nebraska SSBN 739 - and one Fast Attack submarine, the USS Connecticut, SSN 22. He was also a prototype instructor in Ballston Spa, NY. Following his discharge, he worked for Energy Northwest earning his Senior Reactor Operator license. In Operations, he served as a Shift Support Supervisor, Control Room Supervisor, and a Shift Manager. He was also a Simulator Instructor, training others to achieve and maintain their Operator licenses.

One item on Steve and Kristin’s bucket list was to visit New England in the fall, and Steve had always wanted to go back to where he was born. Since Andy was stationed in Ballston Spa, but soon to get out of the Navy (in July 2026), Steve seized the opportunity and planned a cross-country road trip from WA to NY and back last fall (2025). It was THE BEST trip. The most cherished memories were made! They had just planned another trip back to New England for Fall 2027, and Steve had wanted to spend two weeks just in Upstate NY – he loved it there that much.

Steve absolutely loved family get-togethers. After every single one, he would be on a high, his spirits lifted. He was so funny. He loved to joke. He loved to laugh. He was the ultimate storyteller. He loved to help anybody at any time. His wit was unmatched. He could be very deep and serious. His memory of movie lines and song lyrics was astounding. He gave the best hugs. His favorite holiday by far was Christmas. He loved traditions. And oh goodness, did he love his cat, T.C.! He thoroughly enjoyed his hobbies: making lightsabers and knives. Although he had been making knives for 10+ years, he had his workshop built in the garage in March 2025 and turned it into a proper knife-making facility. He was so content working on his knives. He and Kristin watched many “Forged in Fire” episodes, especially in the last three months.

Special Memories:

Stu: I was presenting a system lecture to a new Licensed Operator class. The presentation ran long and I told the class, "I do not have time to review right now." From the back of the class, Steve said loudly, "Not with THAT attitude you don't!" When the laughter died down, he said, "I've waited 20 years to use that on you!" That's my Boy!

Debbie: When Steve was 16, he asked me if it would be okay if he and a friend went TP-ing. I said, “You know Steve – that’s usually something kids don’t ask permission for – they just do it,” and off he went!

David: In the early 90s our family went on a trip to Mt. Rainier and Mt. Saint Helens. We stopped at a shallow, fast-flowing river and after begging our parents, our Dad let us cross to the other side. He warned us that it was dangerous because the water was fast and that if we fell in, we’d get swept away and disappear. Well, I fell in and my brother jumped in after me and we somehow managed to claw our way to safety. He most likely saved my life that day, but my boots were never seen again.

Cayla: “Once, when I was really little, Dad asked me what I wanted for breakfast, and I said, “milkshakes!” And so, we had milkshakes for breakfast!

Ashley: Dad loved to watch movies. He and I would snuggle on the couch and watch the Princess Bride together when I was little, just us.

Andy: When I was little and we would drive around upstate New York, I would say, “Daddy, Daddy! Play the song about the birds!” He always obliged, putting on Plateau by Nirvana.

Wyatt: Daddy would take me to Beaver Bark to feed the reindeer every Christmas. He would also occasionally take me to the Chicken Shack and we would play UNO.

Kristin: Steve sent me flowers every Valentine’s Day, Mother’s Day, Birthday, and Christmas. My birthday was six days after Steve passed. I prepared myself that I would not receive flowers from him for the first time in 16 years. However, a very odd box arrived a few days prior. It was from a metal works shop where he ordered his knife supplies. It literally took three of us 15-minutes to open it. As I pulled out a long piece of metal, I thought it was for his knife-making, which was hard enough in itself. However, on the other end was a gorgeous metal rose that he had ordered for my birthday. So sweet, honey. U+ME

~Steven Michael Bruce, you will be in every joke we tell, every hug we give, every road trip we take, forever~