Bruce R. Bond, 77

CENTER HARBOR — Bruce R. Bond, 77, died on Feb. 23, 2024, at Concord Hospital-Laconia.

Born on June 18, 1946 in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Bruce was the first child to grace this Bond family, son to the late Octave Melvyn Bond and late Ruby Benson Bond, who were later blessed with a daughter, Judy Bond.

Bruce is survived by his partner of over 40 years, Louise M. Coretti; sister, Judy Bond Nicholson; nieces, Shannon Nicholson and Megan Derby; and nephew, Bryan Flynn.

The family lived in the Boston, Massachusetts, area for many years with Bruce graduating from Arlington High School and leaving the area to attend and graduate from Maine Maritime Academy in Castine, Maine.

Upon graduation, he immediately applied his skills with his first and only employer, Texaco Inc. in the marine department delivering marine products between Port Arthur, Texas, and the Northeast U.S. This was his start and from there he worked in Marine Sales which, at times, was far more than it sounds. The Texaco Marine and Marketing Trailblazer Project encompassed: determining plant site location, securing permits and qualified personnel at all levels, managing construction and initial operation of a Used Oil Recycling Plant in Marrero, Louisiana, in 1994. The project received positive reviews from the Environmental community.

When Texaco was sold to Chevron, Bruce initially joined Chevron but ultimately decided to retire.

Upon retirement Bruce moved to his house on Lake Waukewan in Center Harbor where he could enjoy what he loved lakes, forests and boats. He had boats from an early age and summered with his parents on Lake Winnipesaukee every August for years. He enjoyed a wide range of boats throughout his life from row boats and canoes to outboard motorboats ranging from small outboards, jet boats, graduating to higher powered crafts until he reached “Thunderchief,” a very fast and loud 29-foot outboard. All the while having a trusted pontoon boat (several over the years) at the dock on Lake Waukewan.

While the pontoon boats were for Lake Waukewan, the power boats were at a slip he owned on Lake Winnipesaukee at the Bay Shore Yacht Club & Marina. Obviously one at a time, with varying but escalating size and horsepower! Bruce was an active board member of the Bay Shore Yacht Club for many years. In the early years the “club house” had seen better days and the owners decided to build a new one. Bruce volunteered to oversee the project and in May 2007 club members presented Bruce with a plaque recognizing his total commitment to the project and the time and talent he exerted to complete the project within established parameters.

Bruce also volunteered his skills to the Town of Meredith for various projects, such as Lake Waukewan Water Testing Project.

Bruce was always there whenever something had to be done and, when personally involved, meticulous.

Calling hours will be held on Tuesday, March 5, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Mayhew Funeral Home, 204 Daniel Webster Hwy, Meredith.

Graveside services will be held in the spring at Center Harbor Memorial Park, Center Harbor.

The Mayhew Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Meredith and Plymouth, are honored to assist the Bond family. To leave a condolence, visit mayhewfuneralhomes.com.