Bruce Reader:
CLASS OF 1971
Parkland High SchoolClass of 1971
El paso, TX
Santa Ana CollegeClass of 1977
Santa ana, CA
Andress High SchoolClass of 1971
El paso, TX
Dolphin Terrace Elementary SchoolClass of 1967
El paso, TX
Bruce's Story
Life Update 2022
You may remember me as one of the trumpet players in the band.
Although I did not graduate from Parkland (graduated Andress - 71) I attended my freshman to junior years there.
Grew up in El Paso from 2nd grade (Dolphin Terrace) until I graduated and left for the Marine Corps in 1971.
Although I graduated with a music scholarship to West Texas State (Canyon, TX) - I took the fork in the road so to speak - decided to join the Marine Corps.
Served (4) years in the Marine Corps as a hydraulic/diesel service technician in the Marine Aviation wing Ground Support Equipment. I enjoyed my time in the Marine Corps and almost made it a career. The Marine Corps provided me skill sets that have benefited me my entire life. Once A Marine, Always A Marine!
Upon discharge stayed in Southern California, went to college, and spent portion of my career there.
Made a career in what we refer to “the iron business (construction & agricultural equipment)” working for equipment dealerships the first half of my career and working for the manufacturer the second half of my career.
One chapter of life ends and another chapter begins. After a 45+ year career, January 2020, I retired from my beloved “iron business”. I consider myself one the luckiest persons as I have done for living what is my hobby.
During my career I have had the privilege and honor of managing some of the best people in the industry - all with the passion, dedication and commitment to excellence that I admire and respect. In addition I have had the honor, privilege and pleasure of working for some excellent managers and companies.
My career as rep and manager has taken me all over North America - my wife and I have moved and lived in numerous places at the pleasure of the company(s). California, Idaho, Oregon, Chicago and Racine. As a rep I have traveled pretty much the entire US, most of Canada as well as England and Italy.
Now the wife and I have made our last move (at our pleasure) back to the “GREAT REPUBLIC (oops, I forget we are State) of TEXAS”.
Married Linda Smith in 1973 (she graduated Andress - 73) who I had known prior to my transfer from Parkland ...Expand for more
to Andress, still married to her today!! Maybe it is she is still tolerating me. We have (2) boys, did the usual stuff such as scouting, music, camping, sports and such. Both ventured on their own when they turned 17, living in other parts.
Looking forward to this next chapter -
Update - 2021
The wife and I have settled in Rio Medina, TX - a little town outside San Antonio. Procured 3 acres to build our retirement home, which we call “Rancho Costa Plenté “. It has been a 2 year project and is almost completed and we are anxious to get moved in.
Jazz, Golf, Goose and G35 . . . Life Is Good . . . For Now!
Update - 2022
Finally our retirement home is complete and we are now in our beloved “Rancho Costa Plenté “ as the wife and I affectionately call it. Still plenty to do as work is never done. We feel very blessed where we are after 49 years of hard work. Regardless, we have had a mess of good years and are looking forward to more good years as we continue our adventure together.
As the wife and I are fond of saying, “Jazz, Golf, Goose and G35 . . . Life is STILL good . . . For Now!”
“Life is a journey, enjoy the ride!”
Cheers, until the next “update”.
Update 2023 –
Another year gone by, a little older but NOT necessarily wiser. A couple of milestones this year - turned 70 and the wife (Linda) and I will be celebrating our 50th wedding anniversary this month. NO Regrets – while life in general has its trials and tribulations we have been blessed. Wait - there IS ONE REGRET . . . that we don't have another 50 years – we have learned to make the most of what we have. Speaking of which, one of the life's lessons that I have learned, albeit late in life is, "Don't mourn what you don't have, Celebrate what you do have!" What a difference that has made to my well being.
By the way, I want to thank all those who have stopped by my "cheesy little profile" here on classmates - I liken it to "the sour milk in the refrigerator . . . you know it's bad but you got to smell it anyway and sometimes take a taste . . . yep its bad." Anyrate, wishing everyone a Happy Holiday and a great New Year for 2024 - until my next update, Cheers.
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