Telander, Bruce N. Bruce died on April 13th, his eighty-first birthday. He left an indelible mark, devoting his life to family, faith, and serving others. His motto was "It's all about relationships." Bruce grew up in St. Paul, where he developed a wonderful balance between family, work and play. He began his career at the age of nine caddying at Somerset Country Club. He promptly rose in the ranks to become Somerset's shoeshine boy and groundskeeper, tending to the greens often late at night after school and homework were done. He and his father, Maurice, won many Somerset annual father-son golf championships in the years to come, beginning a lifelong love affair with the Club (and golf). Five decades later, the once-caddy and maintenance man served as Somerset's President. Most important to Bruce is the scholarship fund he co-founded with the late Tom Garrett III for Somerset employees. After graduating from South St. Paul High School in 1952, Bruce began his freshman year at the University of Minnesota. He pledged Chi Psi Fraternity and pursued his dream of skating on the Gopher Men's Hockey team. His coach, the late John Mariucci, gently but strongly encouraged him to trade in his skates and instead serve the varsity team from the bench. Truly a team player, Bruce poured his talent into organizing the team and earned his athletic letter as the team manager until his graduation from the University's School of Business in 1956. His love of Gopher Hockey never waned. Bruce purchased his first season tickets that year, and held them for 59 consecutive years, holding the prized number-one seating priority at the time he died. Luckily Bruce took a few minutes away from the rink to court his future wife Barbara Johnson - a fellow Gopher. They were married shortly after graduation, and have three daughters, Terri, Traci (John Carron) and Toni (Lee Fowler), as well as four grandchildren, Calen, Abigael, Brady and Kaya. Bruce, together with his good friend, the late George Lyon, never stopped working for Gopher Hockey. The two men began a formal recruitment program, traveling - sometimes hitchhiking - throughout Minnesota to find outstanding players to receive fully-funded Gopher Hockey scholarships. Their visionary, quiet leadership continued as they co-founded the Blue Line Club, the Olympic Hockey Development League - a summer program offered to outstanding collegiate hockey players - and the Balcony Club, the very first booster clubs for men's hockey in Minnesota, and all organizations that continue to be significant contributors to Gopher Men's Hockey today. Bruce also served as a Board member and President of the University's "M Club". He co-chaired the Major Gifts Division of the campaign to build Mariucci Arena and also directed its construction. More recent involvements included coordination of Gopher Hockey's 75th Anniversary celebration and the current Mariucci Arena renovation. This spring, Bruce celebrated fifty-five years of distinguished service with Cobb, Strecker, Dunphy & Zimmermann, a Minneapolis-based construction insurance/surety bond agency. As Chairman, he was the embodiment of integrity and trust; he had the quiet and patient strength of a resolute leader and an unbelievable commitment to employees and clients alike. The building of strong friendships and solid relationships meant everything to him and will forever define his legacy at CSDZ. He established a vibrant corporate succession plan to serve future generations. Bruce felt very strongly about preserving the rural and pastoral character of his community and so he served 21 years on its city council. Bruce was initially drawn to Mount Olivet Lutheran Church of Minneapolis by the inspired sermons of the late Senior Pastor Paul Youngdahl (affectionately known as "The Big Guy"), and he quickly began many years of active service. His enthusiasm for the church he loved was infectious; he brought many others to membership, and was known for his heartfelt, generous spirit. Bruce consistently ushered and served on the Congregation Council, Mount Olivet's leadership board, for many terms. In the early 1960s, Bruce developed a passion for skiing, especially in the Wasatch and Rocky Mountains. Eager to share this sport with the family, annual ski trips out West began, and for 42 years the they gathered to "point 'em down" and celebrate birthdays and Holidays. A celebration of a life well lived will be held Friday, May 8 at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church. Come. Be prepared to smile as we remember Bruce. Memorials: University of Minnesota Foundation c/o The Bruce Telander Fund, 516 15th Ave SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455; The Somerset Country Club Scholarship Fund, 1416 Dodd Rd, St. Paul, MN 55118; Mt. Olivet Lutheran Church Music Ministry, 5025 Knox Ave S, Minneapolis, MN 55419; Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758541, Topeka, KS 66675-8541. Washburn-McReavy.com Edina Chapel 952-920-3996