Very sad to hear the passing of Bruce. We played together from early ages through Cubs, Scouts, and School. Bruce taught me perseverance and perfection. If Bruce made a wooden cabinet it must be simply the best. Please accept my sincere condolences to all his family and his children who we often babysat in Roslyn Dunedin.

I played in two bluegrass bands with Bruce , covering from the mid eighties to early nineties. In those bands (Hard to Catch and High Country Bluegrass) Bruce was our mandolin player and bass vocalist, (after an earlier career as bassist for the Bluegrass Expedition). When I joined up with these bluegrass enthusiasts, Bruce was already the most knowledgable amongst us concering style and interpretation, although others in the group knew way more than I did about performing this exciting music. We strived to play the music 'correctly' and made a pretty good fist of it, including a repertoire of 4 fart gospel songs. Anyway, Bruce was a wonderful band mate, cool, calm keen and collected, and we spent many hours on gigs, tours, festivals and rehearsals spreading the word. A wonderful example of the human race, he is sadly missed.

Bruce was a 'lecturer' back in my tertiary study days, but never was a title less-apt. Bruce was so very wise, and radiated that wisdom, intellect and infectious curiosity and was so generous with all he knew. He was like bottled lightning and the warmest sunshine, and the world is an infinitely-poorer place with his passing.

A beautiful mind. A sage mentor and colleague. A soul mate. An artist. A musician. A friend when I needed one most. Love to Lizzie, his rock and love of his life. He taught so many and made a real difference. A giant of a man. Admired, appreciated, and missed by so many. Mearl

We are pleased we made it over to Nelson to Bruce's funeral to share a special time with Bruce's family. We were still in shock . Bruce and Lizzie were good friends over the last 20 years or so, starting as NMIT colleagues and then through Little Fish Days and many other social occasions. We were fans of 'With Strings Attached' and followed them around to a few different venues. Both so welcoming and many fine stories told, lots of music and laughter. Hopefully get together at Bruce and Lizzie's Rarangi house to further celebrate his creative and interesting life . Love to all the whanau Rob and Anne xx

'Old' memories of Turner & Fergus familes growing up in Pine Hill.. if I remember properly the older boys were great friends for some time. I am now 'orphaned ' but stil recall Bruce. Sincere Condolences to his family . Laraine

We moved to NZ and Blenheim 17 years ago, and one of the first guys I met was Bruce, along with Neville, at the Little Fish Gallery. I instantly fell in love with them both, and have been mates ever since. Bruce has been a mentor, a champion, a drinking buddy, an inspiration, a neighbour and a key whanau member for all this time, and it’ll be difficult not being able to pop in to the house as I bike past. Bruce and Lizzie have always been so positive, sweet and welcoming, it’s always been a joy to share their company. Bruce’s passing, and Lizzie’s decline, will leave a giant hole in me and my family’s hearts. Hard to say goodbye, but I do so with with a smile in my heart for knowing him, and them both, for as long as we did. What a legend. Lots of love from the Tillmans, to all of the extended family and wider whanau.

Such a lovely human being and artist. So glad I got to meet and work with him

Great service. So happy we could view here. Well done Dad. ❤️❤️❤️❤️

deepest condolences to family and friends, gonna miss you Brucie!

You will be deeply missed "Cuz" .

Marlborough has lost an outstanding artist, musician and distinctive character. Bruce's skill with wood,word and banjo are legendary. As a regular exhibitor and staunch member of Artists of Marlborough (as Secretary for the last several years), his unique creativity produced a steady output of immaculate wood creations. His adventures in art extended well beyond Marlborough,in galleries and in collaborative artist gatherings. As a friend, Bruce was a delight; sharp witted,loyal and always positive in outlook,even under significant stress. He lived life to the full, making the most of difficult circumstances. His love,care and support of Lizzie has been exemplary. A loved friend and fellow artist who will be greatly missed Gerard and Joy Verkaaik