Bruce Daniels, long-time mountain resident and community activist, passed away on May 5 after a month-long illness. Bruce spent his life dedicated to public service on and off the mountain.
Bruce began his professional career in Washington, D.C., at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. He later moved west and went on to serve as the Director of Housing and Community Development with Riverside County. After three years serving in Shasta County, he returned to the San Bernardino Mountains to become the Economic Development Specialist for the City of Big Bear Lake. There, he played a significant role in the revitalization of Big Bear Village and the completion of Northwoods Lodge.
Bruce continued his public service as City Manager of the City of Coachella, where he initiated and oversaw numerous improvement projects during a time of great need for the community.
In later years he worked as a private consultant, devoting his time and expertise to projects close to his heart. He was especially proud of helping secure funding for the Children’s Forest Trail and was a passionate advocate for enhancing the trail system across the San Bernardino Mountains.
Bruce’s dedication to community reached beyond his professional life. He was instrumental in establishing the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District and served as its first board chair. Bruce was a participant in the “barn raising” of the Twin Peaks Senior Center, helping erect the building in a single weekend.
A lifelong lover of soccer, Bruce spent many years supporting AYSO as both a coach and chief referee. He and his son could often be found on Saturday mornings (at dawn) “chalking” the fields before he spent the rest of the day refereeing matches. His enthusiasm for the sport led him to referee at the high school and college levels, and he was instrumental in persuading the Rim of the World school board to create a varsity soccer team. His passion for soccer led him to manage both the Lancaster and San Bernardino soccer complexes where he continued to promote youth sports and community engagement.
Bruce Daniels is survived by Suzanne, his wife of 61 – “working on 62” – years, his sons Thomas and Scott, two brothers John and Curtis, a sister Marie and three grandchildren.
Bruce’s legacy of service, passion and community spirit will continue to inspire those who knew him.
0 Comments