OGDENSBURG – Bruce Haynen VanArnam passed away on November 6, 2024. Bruce was born on August 1, 1939 in Troy, New York. At the age of 16, Bruce moved to Ogdensburg. It wasn’t long after that when he met his ‘dearest Judy’. Bruce and Judy (Mourick) were married on October 21, 1960, where they remained happily married for 64 years. Bruce is survived by three children and their spouses, Dave (Tracy) VanArnam, Bryan (Carly) VanArnam and Kim (Rich) Marshall, 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Bruce worked for Frito-Lay until he retired in 2000. Kids in the surrounding areas always knew where to find freshly expired chips during Bruce’s tenure at Frito-Lay. In addition to Frito-Lay, Bruce was a long-time member of the Morristown Volunteer Fire Department, where he could be seen operating the cotton candy machine during Morristown’s annual Fourth of July parade. Bruce remained an active member of the fire department until his death.

Bruce, also known as ‘Big Red’, enjoyed the simple things. He enjoyed hunting, drinking beer in the garage and underpaying his grandchildren for all the help he needed around the house. If you walk through Bruce’s garage you will find his tools with his initials on them, where and when they were purchased, along with the original receipt still in the box.

He is remembered by his family for his personal song “What A Friend We Have in Brucie”, and for his campfire stories of The Bloody Hand and the SideHill Gouger. Bruce will be remembered for always walking around with a paper towel, while boxes were strategically placed around his house, filled with rubber bands, sticky notes and pens. His cherished times were with his wife and children, making popcorn on Thursday evenings and watching The Waltons. He also enjoyed preparing weekend breakfasts, where colored pancakes were his specialty.

At his request, no services will take place. Those who would like to make a donation in Bruce’s memory can make one to the Morristown Fire Department.