It is with sorrow and gratitude that we mark the passing of Bruce Sunding, 85, — sorrow at the loss, gratitude for the life.
A life is more than dates on a stone; here is a small portion of his story.
Bruce entered this world in 1940 — the start of a journey that would span 85 years.
Bruce spent his working life as ['surveyor for Northwestern Public Service'] — and was, by all accounts, loved by those who knew him best.
A long life is not measured in days but in the people gathered along the way.
Clarence "Bruce" Sunding, 85, of Trail, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on August 31, 2025.Bruce was born on July 12, 1940, in Highmore, South Dakota, to Clarence and Alvina (Voight) Sunding. He grew up on the family farm north of Highmore and graduated from Highmore High School.On September 25, 1960, he was united in marriage to Linda Tompkins in Highmore. The couple began their life together, moving to Huron, SD, in 1961. Bruce dedicated most of his career as a surveyor for Northwestern Public Service. They built a life in Huron for 42 years.He cherished hunting, especially for white tail deer and pheasant and was known to take the "short" way just to see the countryside and maybe spot a deer or two. A true craftsman, Bruce's talent truly came to life in his woodworking. He could create anything from beautiful small boxes and furniture to an entire family home. His hands were rarely still, and he found great joy in traveling to California, gardening, and watching westerns. He was always ready to lend his expertise and strong hands to help his family with their big projects.In 2003, Bruce and Linda retired to a home he built himself in the beauty of Box Canyon, near Hermosa, SD. There, he spent his days in his shop, working with wood and metal, and enjoying the peaceful view of deer wandering through the backyard. In the fall of 2022, they moved to Trail, Oregon, to be closer to family.He is survived by his three daughters: Debbie (Kevin) Palmer of Trail, OR; Dixie (Jon) Hall of Trail, OR; and Melanie (Leon) Klock of Chancellor, SD. He was a grandfather to six grandchildren: Heather (Fernando) Avila, Matt (Rebecca) Hall, Mark (Michelle) Hall, Bailey Hall, Allyson (Ben) Gaughan, and Brady Klock; and a great-grandfather to eleven great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.He was preceded in death by his wife, Linda; his parents, Clarence and Alvina Sunding; and his siblings, Loren Sunding, John Sunding, and Joyce Thompson.A graveside service will take place at the Highmore Cemetery on September 27 at 12:00 pm, followed by a lunch at the Highmore Memorial Auditorium.Bruce will be deeply missed for his quiet strength and the enduring legacy he built for his family. His memory will be cherished in every piece of woodworking he left behind.
