In Memory Of Bruce Holmberg
HOLMBERG Col. Bruce P. Holmberg USA (Ret.) passed away on January 26, 2009. Born in 1939 in St. Paul MN, he was the son of the late Donald and Betty Holmberg. He graduated from the United States Military Academy in 1961 and proudly served his country until retirement in 1984 when he and his family made their home in Rockville, MD.
He was a devoted volunteer for the Multiple Myeloma Cancer Research Foundation, the Ski Liberty Ski Patrol, where he served as director, and the Wounded Warrior Mentor Program at Walter Reed Army Hospital. His loving family includes his wife, Joan D. Holmberg; his daughter, Anne Lauritzen, her husband Brian and children Daniel and Kristen; daughter, Leigh Rand, her husband David and children Matthew and Allie. He is also survived by his devoted sister and brother, Kristen Behan of Washington and Donald Holmberg, Jr. of Texas.
Services and burial will take place at West Point, NY on Friday, February 6 at 10 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation (MMRF), 383 Main Avenue, 5th Floor, Norwalk, CT 06851.
Please fell free to leave comments and memories of Bruce Holmberg below.
I wonder if this is the same Bruce who mentored me as I arrived in Vietnam in 1967. We were both pilots with the 1st Cav Div. I am researching some I have lost track of and came across this. This is saddening as I have already lost one other pilot from our old unit this year and even though I am late commenting, I recall him well. My prayers to the family and friends who I hope have adjusted, I know the pain never completely leaves.
Roger DeWitt, A/229th AHB, 1st Cav. Div.
Bruce was truly an inspiring leader. He was totally dedicated to all of his interests. He made the effort to gain all the knowledge he possibly could to ensure he was the best he could be. But he took it even farther by becoming a committed leader and teacher, always sharing his passion. Bruce understood that, whether we know it or not, we are all leaders. Someone is always watching. And he lived that way. You could always catch Bruce doing something right! Bruce inspired me in more than just patrolling. He also inspired me to become an instructor. I think of him often, and those thoughts always bring a smile to my face. Bruce, you are missed. But I know that where you are now, you are carving perfect turns!
Wilke Renwick
Bruce brought extraordinary leadership and organizational skills to our patrol. In addition to working in hi-visibility roles as patrol director, OEC coordinator, and as a toboggan instructor - he worked countless hours behind the scenes on protocols, policies, procedures, safety strategies, instructor development, and off-trail rescue planning. He challenged everyone to strive for excellence and expected a lot but gave a lot in return. The Liberty Patrol has been an experimental incubator for NSP programs and Bruce has been one of the primary contributors. Ten years ago Bruce gave me some sage advice and encouraging words at a critical time when I was considering quitting patrolling. I will really miss Bruce but take great comfort in knowing there are so many members who benefited and will carry forward his legacy of service to Liberty and NSP.
Mike Jarriel