Thursday, August 2, 2012
Life Carries On!
Dan and I are headed up to Michigan Tech with Jake today and tomorrow! Was absolutely gorgeous driving over the bridge.
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
A GATHERING OF LOVE
Dear, dear family and friends:
I want to share with you some beautiful photos of the memorial for Bruce at Duck Lake Channel. To be able to see each and every one of you there was a testament of the love you held for Bruce and our family, and our family felt the love and care that was gently wrapped around us that evening. I know Bruce would have been very pleased. We were truly blessed to have known Bruce, and he has touched all of our lives in so many ways that I cannot even begin to enumerate them all. Just know that he has passed from his earthly body to eternal life! I see him every day in my children, sense his presence upon my shoulder, and feel his spirit in my heart and to my very soul. I know we will all see him again someday. Words simply cannot express our family's gratitude to all for your support through this difficult time in our lives. Thank you!
We will continue to post on this blog to share more photos that I've not received yet from the memorial and to update everyone on the Rissi Glioblastoma Fund as it moves forward in time.
Love Always - Val
I want to share with you some beautiful photos of the memorial for Bruce at Duck Lake Channel. To be able to see each and every one of you there was a testament of the love you held for Bruce and our family, and our family felt the love and care that was gently wrapped around us that evening. I know Bruce would have been very pleased. We were truly blessed to have known Bruce, and he has touched all of our lives in so many ways that I cannot even begin to enumerate them all. Just know that he has passed from his earthly body to eternal life! I see him every day in my children, sense his presence upon my shoulder, and feel his spirit in my heart and to my very soul. I know we will all see him again someday. Words simply cannot express our family's gratitude to all for your support through this difficult time in our lives. Thank you!
We will continue to post on this blog to share more photos that I've not received yet from the memorial and to update everyone on the Rissi Glioblastoma Fund as it moves forward in time.
Love Always - Val
Thursday, July 19, 2012
Leaving a Legacy
As we mourn the loss of someone so profound to many, we look to find ways to leave a meaningful legacy that honors Bruce's life. We have had several discussions over the last months trying to identify meaningful ways to leave a legacy that honors such a wonderful person.
We have established the Rissi Glioblastoma Fund through the Community Foundation of Muskegon County. This fund is intended to help families of patients who suffer from Glioblastoma. Throughout Bruce's treatment, we have been working with Dr. Mikkelsen and Henry Ford Hospital on providing tissue samples to help with research associated with Glioblastoma, an effort that hopefully will lead to discovering the genetic marker associated with such a debilitating terminal disease.
Unfortunately, there are costs associated with donating tissue for research, specifically transportation and autopsy fees. We were very fortunate to have such wonderful people to help coordinate this effort on Bruce's behalf; other families may not have the means to provide such precious tissue for research. The Rissi Glioblastoma Fund will be intended to assist families in executing tissue extractions by helping reimburse costs for transportation and autopsy services. It is a small mission but one that will provide valuable information to researchers attempting to find hope for families coping with such a tragic diagnosis.
We also have decided to donate all of the medical equipment that we have acquired over the past months to the Center for Simulation Excellence through Muskegon County Medical Control Authority. The Center was a project that Bruce assisted our daughter Connie in establishing in her time with Region 6 Healthcare Coalition. It was a very significant professional accomplishment for her, Bruce was proud to be a part of the Center's development. It was a special project that they shared professionally that strengthened their relationship. The equipment will be used to help train medical professionals across the healthcare spectrum in the greater west Michigan area. Dr.Jerry Evans, the Medical Director, shared his deep appreciation for the donation. It seemed very fitting.
We can't thank everyone enough for the outpouring of support throughout these last 8 months. We are very blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends. Each day is a bit easier than the day before. We look forward to seeing all of you on Monday for the memorial.
The End - The Beatles - A song we sang to each other
Oh yeah, all right
Are you gonna be in my
dreams tonight?
Love you, love you
Love you, love you
Love you, love you
And in the end, the love
you take
is equal to the love you make
Love Always,
Val
We have established the Rissi Glioblastoma Fund through the Community Foundation of Muskegon County. This fund is intended to help families of patients who suffer from Glioblastoma. Throughout Bruce's treatment, we have been working with Dr. Mikkelsen and Henry Ford Hospital on providing tissue samples to help with research associated with Glioblastoma, an effort that hopefully will lead to discovering the genetic marker associated with such a debilitating terminal disease.
Unfortunately, there are costs associated with donating tissue for research, specifically transportation and autopsy fees. We were very fortunate to have such wonderful people to help coordinate this effort on Bruce's behalf; other families may not have the means to provide such precious tissue for research. The Rissi Glioblastoma Fund will be intended to assist families in executing tissue extractions by helping reimburse costs for transportation and autopsy services. It is a small mission but one that will provide valuable information to researchers attempting to find hope for families coping with such a tragic diagnosis.
We also have decided to donate all of the medical equipment that we have acquired over the past months to the Center for Simulation Excellence through Muskegon County Medical Control Authority. The Center was a project that Bruce assisted our daughter Connie in establishing in her time with Region 6 Healthcare Coalition. It was a very significant professional accomplishment for her, Bruce was proud to be a part of the Center's development. It was a special project that they shared professionally that strengthened their relationship. The equipment will be used to help train medical professionals across the healthcare spectrum in the greater west Michigan area. Dr.Jerry Evans, the Medical Director, shared his deep appreciation for the donation. It seemed very fitting.
We can't thank everyone enough for the outpouring of support throughout these last 8 months. We are very blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful family and friends. Each day is a bit easier than the day before. We look forward to seeing all of you on Monday for the memorial.
The End - The Beatles - A song we sang to each other
Oh yeah, all right
Are you gonna be in my
dreams tonight?
Love you, love you
Love you, love you
Love you, love you
And in the end, the love
you take
is equal to the love you make
Love Always,
Val
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Memorial Information
Good Morning everyone, we have made the fianl arrangements for Bruce.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to The Community Foundation For Muskegon County, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, Mi., 49440. The "Rissi Glioblastoma" fund has been established to honor Bruce's life.
A memorial tribute will be held on Monday, July 23, 2012 at the Duck Lake Channel on Lake Mi. @ 8:00 P.M. Duck Lake Channel is located on Scenic Dr., 1/2 mile north of Duck Lake Rd. in Whitehall, Mi. If you have any questions as to directions please call me @ 231.740.2316 or any other questions you may have. Please dress in beach attire, this is a very informal service.
We are all taking comfort that Bruce does not have anymore pain and the anxiety of his imminent passing.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be directed to The Community Foundation For Muskegon County, 425 W. Western Ave., Muskegon, Mi., 49440. The "Rissi Glioblastoma" fund has been established to honor Bruce's life.
A memorial tribute will be held on Monday, July 23, 2012 at the Duck Lake Channel on Lake Mi. @ 8:00 P.M. Duck Lake Channel is located on Scenic Dr., 1/2 mile north of Duck Lake Rd. in Whitehall, Mi. If you have any questions as to directions please call me @ 231.740.2316 or any other questions you may have. Please dress in beach attire, this is a very informal service.
We are all taking comfort that Bruce does not have anymore pain and the anxiety of his imminent passing.
Sunday, July 15, 2012
Until We Meet Again
As I'm sure most of you know our beloved Bruce has joined God in heaven on Saturday afternoon at 2:30. It is with great sadness that we have had to let him go, but his pain & suffering has now ended.
We are very Thankful that the most awful pain was a brief 48 hours however it felt like an eternity to us. His wonderful smile and his joy of life will be missed by all.
Val, Connie & Dan, Jake, Mitch, Madeline, Kenzie, Corbin & Nathan my heart aches so very much for you & no words can express our great sadness & hurt for you and all of Bruce's extended family.
We are all so blessed to have Bruce be a part of all of our lives and have many Wonderful memories. May God bless you Bruce & I cannot say goodbye, as we will see you & hear you in all of the fond memories and as Val said when we left your side"He is right here on my shoulder Di, I'll be alright" Amen Bruce, love you & may peace be with you until we meet again! Love,Di
On behalf of the family, we would like to Thank all of you for your continued support & help the past 8 months. All of you were the best! Thanks again to all.
We will be making final arrangements the beginning of the week and will post ASAP. We will also have obituaries in the Grand Rapids Press & The Muskegon Chronicle.
Per Bruce's wishes he will be cremated and a memorial service to be announced.
We are very Thankful that the most awful pain was a brief 48 hours however it felt like an eternity to us. His wonderful smile and his joy of life will be missed by all.
Val, Connie & Dan, Jake, Mitch, Madeline, Kenzie, Corbin & Nathan my heart aches so very much for you & no words can express our great sadness & hurt for you and all of Bruce's extended family.
We are all so blessed to have Bruce be a part of all of our lives and have many Wonderful memories. May God bless you Bruce & I cannot say goodbye, as we will see you & hear you in all of the fond memories and as Val said when we left your side"He is right here on my shoulder Di, I'll be alright" Amen Bruce, love you & may peace be with you until we meet again! Love,Di
On behalf of the family, we would like to Thank all of you for your continued support & help the past 8 months. All of you were the best! Thanks again to all.
We will be making final arrangements the beginning of the week and will post ASAP. We will also have obituaries in the Grand Rapids Press & The Muskegon Chronicle.
Per Bruce's wishes he will be cremated and a memorial service to be announced.
Saturday, July 14, 2012
In The End
Bruce Philip Rissi returned to the Lord at 2:25 pm. May he rest peacefully without pain or suffering.
In the end, he is loved by all he touched!
In the end, he is loved by all he touched!
Update
Mom had a long night last night. Around 4:00 am, Bruce lost consciousness and has not been awake since. His breathing is very labored and he is now on oxygen for comfort. His lungs are filling with fluid.
I apologize for my very blunt post but I want to provide everyone exactly what is going on.
We don't anticipate it will be much longer. Our family is gathering at both the Poppen House as well as my Aunt Di's house today and are rotating our time with Bruce. Uncle Donn and Aunt Debbie were there when I arrived this morning. Mom needed some breakfast so Terry and I are with her eating now. We will be back up to his bedside after we eat.
Prayers please!
I apologize for my very blunt post but I want to provide everyone exactly what is going on.
We don't anticipate it will be much longer. Our family is gathering at both the Poppen House as well as my Aunt Di's house today and are rotating our time with Bruce. Uncle Donn and Aunt Debbie were there when I arrived this morning. Mom needed some breakfast so Terry and I are with her eating now. We will be back up to his bedside after we eat.
Prayers please!
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