Bruce Merlyn Lukens

Bruce Merlyn Lukens passed away on April 30, 2023, from organ failure associated with kidney disease. He was diagnosed with kidney failure in 2007 and began dialysis in November. He continued with dialysis for three-days-per-week until April 25, 2023, when he chose to stop the treatment.

Bruce was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, on August 8, 1948. Growing up his family also lived in Boise, Idaho (twice), Portland, Oregon, Oakland, California, and then Bakersfield, California. Bruce was always very proud that he graduated from Foothill High School in Bakersfield in June 1968.

That year he also completed the first degree of Social Dancing, awarded by the Debonaire School of Ballroom Dancing. In the late 1970’s he started participating in local Special Olympic events.

Bruce continued living with his parents when they moved again back to Boise early 1980’s. While there he continued being a regular competitor in Special Olympics, mostly in track-and-field events. He was chosen as a member of the Idaho team for the 1991 International Special Olympics held in Minneapolis-St. Paul. He was also an active member of the United Christian Church.

Bruce’s work experience was primarily as a custodian, working for the ARC in Bakersfield and Boise, Jack-in-Box restaurant and Fabric Land in Boise. He always enjoyed doing lawn mowing for the family home as well as the neighbor’s.

Bruce moved to Seaside, Oregon, in January 2010, where he lived at the Neawanna By The Sea adult care center. He and his parents lived in one of “cottages” at first, but he later moved into his own apartment in the “big building”. He enjoyed his independence there and soon became a favorite of the staff.

Bruce’s main hobby was bowling. He began when very young and continued his entire life, gathering many trophies along the way. He also enjoyed watching his favorite baseball team, the Seattle Mariners and attended several games with his brother. He really enjoyed dancing and listening to music of all kinds.

Bruce was preceded in death by his father Edgar Merlyn Lukens; Mother Geraldine Lukens: and sister Sally Margaret Lukens.