Where has Bruce Watson gone??

[PersonalBest]

Most of you that fish at Irvine Lake, especially during the tournaments, may be wondering where has Bruce Watson has gone?

Well…Bruce has suffered a double whammy. A few weeks back his wife of 40 years (Sandy) had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Bruce being the guy he is pulled away from the fishing scene to take care of his wife during her Chemotherapy. I respected Bruce’s wishes to keep things on the low and not mention anything to give them the privacy he wanted. Then a few days ago Bruce suffered a massive stroke that took him down but not out. He has just been release from the Hospital today, is OK and is back home resting. Bruce is recovering but has challenges with the left side of his body, his speech, his arm control and is stuck in a wheel chair (for the moment). I was talking to him today and could not agree on keeping this quite this time. This is one of the most helpful fishermen I know. There were times that we went fishing together and started late because he had to help another angler in need first. I even remember a time he stopped to lend his trolling motor to a tournament competitor because he was not able to assist them by fixing their motor. Just all the stuff you would expect from a solid fisherman.

We all have stories like this about Bruce and how helpful he is. It would be great if we all could wish him a speedy recovery and/or share a similar antidote about Bruce here on FNN. I know that Bruce will not respond until he gets his arm movement back, but I know he is watching.

Bruce let me be the first to wish a speedy recovery for you and your wonderful wife. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

Your fishin buddy...PersonalBest

[HawgZWylde]

Most of you that fish at Irvine Lake, especially during the tournaments, may be wondering where has Bruce Watson has gone?

Well…Bruce has suffered a double whammy. A few weeks back his wife of 40 years (Sandy) had been diagnosed with breast cancer. Bruce being the guy he is pulled away from the fishing scene to take care of his wife during her Chemotherapy. I respected Bruce’s wishes to keep things on the low and not mention anything to give them the privacy he wanted. Then a few days ago Bruce suffered a massive stroke that took him down but not out. He has just been release from the Hospital today, is OK and is back home resting. Bruce is recovering but has challenges with the left side of his body, his speech, his arm control and is stuck in a wheel chair (for the moment). I was talking to him today and could not agree on keeping this quite this time. This is one of the most helpful fishermen I know. There were times that we went fishing together and started late because he had to help another angler in need first. I even remember a time he stopped to lend his trolling motor to a tournament competitor because he was not able to assist them by fixing their motor. Just all the stuff you would expect from a solid fisherman.

We all have stories like this about Bruce and how helpful he is. It would be great if we all could wish him a speedy recovery and/or share a similar antidote about Bruce here on FNN. I know that Bruce will not respond until he gets his arm movement back, but I know he is watching.

Bruce let me be the first to wish a speedy recovery for you and your wonderful wife. You are both in my thoughts and prayers.

Your fishin buddy...PersonalBest

I don't know you or Bruce, but he sounds like the kind of angler I would love to fish with. Best wishes for a speedy recovery, and my prayers are with them both...

[See Chris Fish]

Knowing Bruce, I'm not the only person he'd helped out.
It was just last trout season Bruce loaned me his trolling motor and battery when the boat wouldn't start.
That was after he tried everything he could think of to get the motor going.


Sad news all around.
Thoughts and prayers to them both for a good outcome and recovery.

[5150fishn]

As a Irvine regular of course I know Bruce. His great military stories are a staple around the campfire the night before any trout tournament. I wish both Bruce and his wife the best and a speedy recovery!

[Hometown]

Bruce is one out standing person I wish a speedy recovery for him and his wife

[olfishergal]

OK guys Bruce is on the mend and as onrey as he is will be back fishing with us all again real soon. The Nurses kicked him out of the hospital because he demanded too many sponge baths and couldn't keep his good hand to himself. He kept testing the zippers on the front of the nurses uniforms to boot. I have been in contact with Bruce and Sandy while they go through their "trials" No, I am not his real wife, just his good fishing buddy.......Now I know why he likes to fish with me all the time since I can run his boat almost as well as he does....He wanted his own built in RN to take care of business....Bruce and I intend to be out there for VIP day and am sure you'll see him sooner. Keep this thread going and send him all the good wishes you can. He has lots of physical therapy to do and could use some cheer. Thanks all. OFG

[Marley]

All the best for a quick return to fishing.

[Big Daddy]

My Prayers and thoughts for bruce and his wife for a full and speedy recovery. I love this guy he is so knowledgeble, kind, helpful and one of if not the best story teller of all time this really saddens me but I know he will be up and fishing soon. Get well my friend and please leave the "Viagra" alone for a while.

[troutdog]

Wishing you well Bruce, LilTD and I have you and your wife Sandy in our prayers.....we look forward to hearing your next corney joke at the lake!


TD

[Rooster]

Bruce is one of a kind and huge asset to the community here on FNN. I like how he always wins raffles and without hesitation is handing off his winnings to someone else. Makes me proud to know him. Get well my friend and lets talk baseball soon BLUE!

[PONTOON]

Hey Bruce.........

First of all I just want you to know that my thoughts and prayers will go out tonight for both you and Mrs. Watson.:Cool:

There have been many times I have sat back to reminisce about the Friends I've made, people I have met and places I have fished since becoming a member of FNN in 2004. Every time I must say you have crossed my mind and one of the best times we all had on the water was when we would troll DVL for some awesome trout fishing. It was so cool to be out there on the water trolling three to fifteen colors in some cold, windy wet days as well as some terribly hot days. All of us after that "bragging rights" trout but still taking the time to stop and swap stories when we crossed one anothers paths. Very Cool Memories!:Cool:

Then when Fat albert came up with the idea of the Smackdowns we couldn't have had more fun. Fish or no fish the commeradie was second to none. One of my best remembered days was at the first smackdown. It seemed like every one of the "Old Guard" :Big Grin: was there fishing their tails off for bragging rights. Trolly and I were in his Valco. Trolly doing his best to get us on some trout, me, bailing water like crazy to keep us afloat:LOL: and Trolly says to me "Hey, there's Bruce. I wonder how he's doing?" I remember turning around to see if it was really you and right away I knew it was and I also knew it wasn't a friendly visit. The first thing that caught my eye was this gigantic slingshot mounted on your bow and you, in that signature Panama hat, ready to let it fly! :Shocked: The next thing I knew we were bombarded with the signature Bruce Watson banana hello!:LOL:

Bruce, I'm hoping you have a speedy recovery and I'm sure that the many people who's lives have been touched by your generosity and kindness will be praying for both you and Mrs. Watson.:Thumbs Up:

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm200/TeamTrolltoon/Bruce%20Watson/100_0795.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm200/TeamTrolltoon/Bruce%20Watson/100_0796.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm200/TeamTrolltoon/Bruce%20Watson/100_0797.jpg

http://i296.photobucket.com/albums/mm200/TeamTrolltoon/Bruce%20Watson/100_0799.jpg

[Hometown]

I remember that day Chris didnt your battery go dead lol Like we have all said Bruce and his Wife are in are Prayers

[Hitts0n]

Wish you a full recovery Bruce! Looking forward to listening to more storys from the 50's!



X - Hitts

[Thisfool]

wow

hope you get well soon Bruce and i hope to see you back out at the lake and get to hear your Viagra jokes again really soon. My best wishes to you and your wife hope you two have a quick recovery

[jaggerbub]

Wow, total bummer to hear. Wishing u and the wife a speedy recovery. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Get well soon.

Tom (your old mailman)

[Santa Fe Eric]

Wishing Bruce and his wife the best! Bruce, I have always admired the way you carry yourself and your kindness to others. God Bless you and yours.

SFE

[PersonalBest]

Great pictures Pontoon. Great posts everyone.

This is what community is all about. Keep'em coming!


-PB

[TaperSteve]

Bruce is a top notch guy and an outstanding fella to know. Hope we see you out at the lake soon my friend!

Steve

[Wingnut]

Bruce is a great guy and really fun to talk to. I enjoyed his company at the volunteer Kids events at Hansen Dam and many Team 57 events in the past.
Get well soon Mr. and Mrs. Watson! :Big Grin:

[Troutman65]

Bruce, sorry to hear this news about you and your wife . Know that I am praying for you and your Wife .

[technician]

I do not know him but sounds like a real stand up guy. My grandfather suffered a severe stroke back in November and had come full circle and then some... So always keep your hope up... Best wishes to him and his family and friends.
Technician out....

[Trout Nine]

Get well soon see you on the water.

[Fysher]

Don't know the great guy or his wife but want to wish you a speedy recovery. For those of you who know him and fish with him, you are lucky. We need more people like this.

[kaneo]

i have know bruce since about 2005 ? and he is the most giving person i know. between the youth events he always makes time to attend. to helping out the dan hernandez foundation childrens events, and as someone else mentioned giving of his time before taking time for himself.. giving raffle prizes to the kids sitting at the events... putting together games and working with the kids, bruce is one of a kind man. and he is very humble. non of us would have know if it were not for a few close friends who got word bruce had suffered another heart attack.. no of us would have known... get well bruce, and were thinking of sandy as well...

[trollmiester]

if bruce made it out of vietnam after getting shot,he can survive anything.get well remeber you teached genda how to fish.and many more anglers.get weell soon there are yellowtail at lajolla and trout at irvine.

[Prowler_Tuber]

Damn that's horrible news but I'm glad he is ok and I'm sure he will get better, stay strong soldier were here for you!

[VineAssist]

From the staff at Irvine Lake we wish Bruce and his wife a speedy recovery. I posted the news on our facebook and am encourging people that know him to post good, funny or stories they have of Bruce. Hopefully he will be able to find and read some of them. Bruce has been such a great guy around the lake and goes out of his way to help others the true defintion of what Dana and Team 57 was all about. So if you feels so inclined feel free to go to our facebook page and post a story. Or do so on here. Bruce if your seeing this buddy get well soon and its allmost Trout Time!

[bruce watson]

Hi Guys

My left side is useless and I can"t type but with one finger on my right.

Sandy is doing ok with chemo, not much sickness

I go to Therapy 3 time a week to learn to walk and talk

will make trout opener I promise

thank you everybody Bruce and Sandy

[Carptain_Bao]

Hope you can get better soon! Great to see you are still checking the FNN!

[striperkingclassic]

To Bruce- It's great to hear from you. I'm glad that your wife is doing better. Everyone's pulling for the both of you. You've always been a great supporter of our events at Diamond Valley Lake and we hope that you can make it for the Striper King Classic 2. I still remember you and Chris at last year's seminar at the lake. Keep us updated on how you are doing. Hope to see you on the water soon!

Barry

http://i297.photobucket.com/albums/mm210/DVL_SmackDown/IMG_0462-1.jpg

[Prowler_Tuber]

Bruce, great to hear your moving around, if you need anything give us a shout buddy, see you at the opener.


Diego

[Thisfool]

Hi Guys

My left side is useless and I can"t type but with one finger on my right.

Sandy is doing ok with chemo, not much sickness

I go to Therapy 3 time a week to learn to walk and talk

will make trout opener I promise

thank you everybody Bruce and Sandy


good to hear you two are doing good i hope you both feel much better very soon. see you at the opener.

[olfishergal]

Talked to Bruce awhile ago. Voice is stronger and he is bitching more. Manages tro walk short distance to move the lawn sprinkler. All he can really talk about is getting out fishing. Looks like next time will be the VIP day at the vine. Of course he own built in RN will be there to make surehe doesn't play naughty with any of the vine scenery. His wife is tolerating her treatment pretty well. Bruce should be playing with us all again soon. OFG

[olfishergal]

Dam Barry what was in that coke, I look stoned in that pic.....lmao

[VinePatrol]

Hi Guys

My left side is useless and I can"t type but with one finger on my right.

Sandy is doing ok with chemo, not much sickness

I go to Therapy 3 time a week to learn to walk and talk

will make trout opener I promise

thank you everybody Bruce and Sandy

Bruce,

Good to hear, keep up your good spirits/more, and WE'll see you on the water soon! - ps*- just don't shoot anymore bananas (grenades) at fishermen! :) ...waiting to hear more of your stories...Stay Positive and strong, and will see ya at the 2012 Irvine Lake Trout Opener...or sooner!!-

God Bless!


-hz

[WPCBANDIT]

get well soon Bruce ...hope all goes well for you and your wife....

[Hunt4Fish]

Story:
I have only met Bruce a couple times at the lake, he didn't know my screen name but Bruce answered my plea on this site of my buddies sunken fishing pole at Irvine Lake, he offered to bring an underwater camera to our house so we could find it, our schedules conflicted as he was about to go into the hospital on that day (Knee?) and yet he was going to deliver it first:Thumbs Up:. He was willing but we weren't able :).

Hey Bruce:
With good will like that I'm sure you have the good Karma that will help you to a speedy recovery and put you back on the lake. Best regards to your wife’s recovery also.
H4F

PS:
My buddy and I dragged the lake with a "contraption" to no avail, soon after the lake rose 20' in 3 days during that huge storm, the pole is still in there as far as I know and I am keeping an eye out for it as the water recedes:)

[Hitts0n]

Good to hear you are doing better Bruce!

[Catmando]

Best wishes to both of you. Get well soon.

[Beeracuda211]

BRUCE ALMIGHTY! YOU NEED TO ALL GET BETTER AND GET OUT THERE WITH THE BANANA SHOOTER LOL. YOU HAVE MANY VICTIMS LEFT TO SHOOT .. :Big Grin:

[Bebop]

Bruce, I don't know what happened to my post but it is good to hear you are recovering well. See you soon Brother at the opener

[Gmoney]

wishin the best for you and your wife Bruce!
hope you both bounce back strong.
G$