Bruce Leroy Holtrop went to be with his Lord and Savior on Saturday, Dec. 2, 2023.
Bruce was born Sept. 23, 1955, in Bellingham to parents Egbert and Lola (Widman) Holtrop. As a 1973 Ferndale High School graduate, he took technical courses in the automotive trade. Bruce was raised in Ferndale, then settled in Lynden the last 35 years. He enjoyed NASCAR racing, fishing, and camping. He enjoyed writing poems about everyday life and relationships.
Bruce was a member of Sunrise Baptist Church serving as an usher and helped with several church maintenance projects. He was raised in a devoted Christian home, but it wasn’t until his early 50s when he gained a deep personal relationship with Christ. From then on, Bruce had been outspoken in his faith sharing the good news of Jesus. Some may say that Bruce lost his battle with cancer; Bruce would say that he gained his life in Christ through cancer.
Bruce’s work career centered in the field of agriculture which included dairy farming, cannery work, and potato farming. He worked many years at Brim Tractor both as a technician and service manager. Following his passion, Bruce then started his own business, Bruce’s Tractor Service of mowing and trimming, rebuilding and restoring tractors, equipment, and automobiles. He was a talented, skilled, self-taught man who took great pride in his work.
Bruce is preceded in death by his parents.
Bruce is survived by his siblings Nancy (Ron) Draper of Portland, OR; Virgil (Faith) Holtrop of Thompson Falls, MT; Lyle Holtrop of Keizer, OR, Marilyn (Roger) McDowell of Winter Haven, FL; and Carol (Mark) Prince of Carnation, WA.; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
The family wishes to thank brother Lyle who spent numerous weeks caring for Bruce and who in turn was blessed to spend that time together; for the community of neighbors, family, and church family at Sunrise who cared for him on a daily basis, and Whatcom Hospice for their excellent care in his final weeks.
Visitation for Bruce will be Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023, from 3-6 p.m. at Gillies Funeral Home, Lynden. A private family graveside service will be held on Dec. 15 in Greenwood Cemetery. The memorial service for Bruce will be 11 a.m. on Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, at Sunrise Baptist Church with reception to follow.
Memorial donations may be made to the Lighthouse Mission Ministry, 910 West Holly St., Bellingham, WA 98225.
Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Gillies Funeral Home and Cremation Services.
