Bruce Norman Simmonds, JP, was born in 1941 and lived most of his life in Bristol.
He was a student at Clifton College between 1950 and 1960. He worked as a Chartered Accountant, and set up his own business,’ Bruce N Simmonds and Associates (BNS) in 1971. His initials, BNS, live on through the property management business he help his sons set up and by his friends as Bruce Never Stops!
Bruce married Kathy in 1974. They have 2 sons, Andrew and Ian, and 4 grandchildren (Charlie, Harriet, Immy & Anya) and they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary on 6th July, 2024
Bruce was a passionate supporter of organisations whose prime objective is to help those in need. He became an active long-term member of Round Table, 41 Club, Rotary, The Lord Mayor of Bristol Children Appeal, Bristol Savages and various Masonic Lodges.
He joined Clifton Rotary Club in 1968 and served in most of the senior roles including Club President for two terms and was the Charity Account Treasurer for many years. Bruce was a Paul Harris Fellow who recently received a Sapphire Jewel to his medal.
Bruce acted as Chairman and Treasurer of the Lord Mayor of Bristol Children Appeal where he served for over 50 years. He was recognised for his work in helping to raise millions of pounds for the under privileged children within the city of Bristol with a presentation of the Lord Mayors Medal in 2017. In February 2023 Bruce’s charitable work was recognised with an award at the Mansion House Dinner hosted by the Guild of the Guardians.
Bruce has always ever been willing to put himself forward and lead from the front for Community-based projects, championing all the charities he supported.
Bruce had many a talent. He was a competitive national swimmer, known locally as “The Bristol Bullet”, invited to train for the GB Olympic swimming team. A keen water skier, he never missed a chance to “mono” on the Costa Blanca in Spain.
A dedicated gardener, Bruce somehow found time between his roles in the multitude of clubs to create and maintain his beautiful garden and home in Frenchay.
Bruce was also a regular guest presenter on BBC Radio Bristol, having an early morning spot reviewing articles in the local Press which caught his eye, whilst promoting the clubs and the charitable work their members undertook.
Our friend Bruce was a huge part of the LMCA charity for many years and will be sorely missed by everyone involved.