Bruce Haylor Christiansen, age 59, died accidentally at his residence, 13100 Hill Road, Waterford, PA, on Monday, February 2, 2015. Born May 4, 1955 in Hancock, Massachusetts, he was the son of Charles Christiansen and Geraldine Conklin Christiansen Jassak.
Bruce moved to Erie after graduating from Paul Smiths College with a degree in forestry in 1975. He was eventually hired as a lineman by Penelec and worked his way through numerous positions, retiring in 2010 as supervisor for the Meadville district after 27 years of service.
He enjoyed watching his girls grow up, spending every weekend in the summer camping at the KOA in Meadville. He also enjoyed hunting, fishing and farming. A born farmer growing up, he was known in the neighborhood for finding every wet hole in the field to get a tractor stuck. The neighbors made a habit of looking to see if, and where, Bruce had the equipment stuck now.
Bruce enjoyed farming so much that after retiring from Penelec he decided to work for Troyer Land Resources driving trucks, loading potatoes, corn and soybean. He was also known to give his wife Linda a hand at the Riverside Golf Course when she had big tournaments and needed help parking golf carts.
By far his best times over the last few years were spent watching the grandbabies grow up, and showing them the kitties, baby chicks and calves in the barn. Pappa needed help with chores and they were always up to the task.
Bruce was a dedicated pheresis donor at the Community Blood Bank, faithfully donating every two weeks for the last 35 years. He was their highest donor with 128 gallons to his credit. Because of his passion for this adopted family and their mission at the Blood Bank, the family requests memorials be made to the Community Blood Bank, whether in the form of monetary donations or a pint of blood in his name.
Family members include his wife, Linda Albrecht Christiansen, whom he married on May 24, 1980; his daughters- Chelsea Christiansen of Cambridge Springs and Kendra Christiansen, at home; grand-daughters- Ava and Haylee Allen; his mother Geraldine Christiansen Jassak and his step-father – Edwin Jassak of McKean; his brothers- Charles Christiansen (Joanne), Pittsfield Massachusetts and Joe Jassak (Lisa), Winnette, Montana; his sister– Karen Cooper (Dick), Waterford; step-brother– Dave Jassak (Patty), McKean; and step-sisters– Debbie Croff New York, Jean Giese (Bill), Erie, and Judy Burks, New York. Bruce’s father, Charles Christiansen preceded him in death.
Memorials may be made to the Erie Community Blood Bank, 2646 Peach Street, Erie, 16508. The family is not planning any services.
Linda and family,
We were so sorry to hear of the tragic loss of Bruce. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers, especially in the coming days. We remember Bruce as a very kind man. Dave especially has many more fond memories.
Thinking of you at this time.
Sincerely, Dave and Kim
Girard, PA
Linda, Girls and Family – No words can express the loss of such a wonderful person! Every time we ran into Bruce, he always gave a hug and a huge smile! He touched so many lives with his positive and loving manners! Thoughts of Bruce always bring a smile to our faces! We pray for your peace and knowledge that he has fulfilled God’s plan for him. Sadness for us, but he has his eternal reward with our Heavenly Father! We pray that your memories, as ours, bring warm and loving feelings! He will always hold such a special place in our hearts and memories!
Love to you all! Penny and Chuck Keller McKean, PA
Linda I am so sorry for your loss Bruce was such a great guy ! Cherish all your memories Will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers Love PAULA
Dear Linda & family,
Expressing our heartfelt sympathy in your time of sorrow. Bruce was a great man, and will be sadly missed by all who knew him.
Thought & Prayers,
Larry Green & family
Mrs. Christiansen,
It has been quite some time since I’ve been to the farm, but ALL of my memories with you and Bruce are unforgettable.
As a child, I looked forward to the summer gathering on the farm, and will never forget all the joy it brought to everyone there. You and Bruce have always showed so much love and compassion for those around you, especially my family. Bruce has been such a blessing in our lives, as he did so much for us, and I can’t ever thank you enough.
I pray that you will see that God has a plan for all of us, even if it doesn’t seem fair or clear to us at the moment, he has a plan and we’re all in it..
My condolences to you, the girls, and the grandkids, may GOD bless you all. You will be in my families prayers.
Matt Zellefrow and Family (Dan Zellefrow’s boy)
So sad to hear this world has lost such a wonderful person. Bruce worked many years as an instructor in Philipsburg at the lineman straining center that I managed. He was a true professional and sincere dedicated lineman. I considered him a great friend. Floyd Lehman, perry Miller and I send our deepest regrets to his loving wife and family. Sincerely, Blaine E Koontz, Lead-Training Instructor, Retired,Philipsburg Training Center.
I am so sorry for your loss. Bruce was a wonderful man and very good friend. He will be missed by all of his friends at the YMCA. God Bless you and your family.
Sincerely
Chris Lovell
Linda,
It’s ironic but Lin and I were up your way recently and talked about stopping in to see you and Bruce. However, the weather was bad that day and we decided to head back to Meadville…unfortunately. We are shocked and saddened and so very sorry for you and your family. Bruce was such a great guy—big, strong, handsome and perhaps most importantly, a very compassionate person. We will miss him. Please let us know if we can help in any way. You and your family are in our prayers.
Jack and Linda Lerch
Linda,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband. I know it sounds trite but if there is ever anything I can do, let me know.
Doug
Kendra and Family,
We are so sorry for your loss. You all will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely,
Kris, Lori, and Eian Wick
Linda,
My heart aches for you and your family. We haven’t known you long, but we just love you guys. My daughter, Melody, was heartbroken to hear the news. If I ever decide to get that rooster, I will surely name it Bruce since it was always his idea that we have one!
Love,
Your friends across the greens, Cyndi and Melody
Linda and family: how very sad to hear of this news. There are no words that will make you feel better. I only met Bruce once at the Riverside Country Club – what a wonderful man. He was so good with my niece Melody and he was obviously totally dedicated to his family. The obituary in the Erie Times is a wonderful tribute to a loving caring man. My prayers are with you and your family as you wrestle with this tragedy.
So sorry to hear of Bruce’s passing. He was a wonderful customer and we all enjoyed visiting with him when he would stop in. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Linda, Chelsea, & Kendra: It is with a heavy heart that Dean and I send our sympathies. We will keep you and your family in our thoughts and prayers.
Linda, we were very saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Bruce. Our sincere condolences to you and your family and our thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.
Linda,
Mom and I send our thoughts and prayers to you and the family. It has been a long time, but we still have many great memories. May GOD bless you in the days ahead.
With Love,
Travis, Bonnie, Marcia, and our little farm.
So very sorry to hear about Bruce.
Linda you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.