Bruce Paddock

Bruce Lynn Paddock May 1, 1966 - December 28, 2025

A long, long time ago, I can still remember how that music used to make him smile...

One thing about Bruce-Moose to those who loved him-is that he never, ever stopped smiling at that hairband rock and roll music. Born May 1, 1966, to Dale and Nina Paddock, he was the youngest brother to sisters Karen and Marilynn, and brother Duane. Bruce spent his whole life being reminded that he was the baby of the family. But honestly, he was absolutely his mama's baby, and he wore that title as a badge of honor.

Anyone who knew Bruce knew that he never really left the Glory Days. He grew up surrounded by good friends, good music, and the best of times, and he carried that spirit with him every single day. You could always rely on Bruce for a story that reached back to the 80s. Some were tales of wisdom, but most were tales of mischief. If you were a pal of Bruce's, you definitely had a good time, and you most likely got into some trouble.

Bruce could spend hours listening to his favorite bands and always quizzing those around him with "Who sings it!?" We'd shake our heads and laugh, but that was Bruce, faithful to what he loved, and playing it loud and on repeat.

If he counted you a friend, you were lucky indeed, and it just so happens he counted everyone a friend. Bruce was the kind of friend who would give you the shirt off his back, pull you out of a ditch at 2 a.m., and never once make you feel like you owed him, though he'd tease you about it for the rest of your life.

Bruce graduated from high school in 1985, holding track records in the one and two miles one that would take more than 20 years to break-those long, skinny legs could fly. Despite being offered multiple scholarships across the country, he chose to stay and work the family farm with his dad and his brother. Because that's who he really was, a farmer. The land, the work, his family, and his home were always what mattered most to him. He fell in love, started a family, and somewhere in there, on a hot summer night, he wrote "Billy Bob Loved Charlene."

Bruce was a true master farmer with a rare and mystifying ability to fix anything with anything. He had a way with machines, pumps, and wires (except for the time they had a way with him and nearly blew half his face and hand off). That talent made starting the very successful Teton Irrigation business an easy decision. When something broke, Bruce could make it run again. When something seemed impossible to fix, Bruce figured it out.

His daughters, Daneal, Allie, and Taylor, were the light of his life. Of all the things he loved in this world, they were at the top of his list. And he truly meant it when he said, "I'll be two steps behind you."

There was nothing in the world he wouldn't do for his girls. When they were in trouble, he was always their first call. He was their first and greatest hero. They treasure memories of Holland Lake, rope swings, and camping. Bruce was easily convinced to put his boat on any lake and give any tube rider who dared to get on the ride of a lifetime.

Bruce's daughters were true "daddy's girls," and their worlds will never be the same without his big hugs, the phone calls he always, always answered, his home-cooked meals, especially his famous breakfasts, and those always-perfect potatoes.

Bruce was a proud Papa to seven grandchildren who always knew he was good for a sweet treat... or a crouton (sorry, Dad, had to slip that one in there). Though dates were never his strong suit, he never forgot one of their birthdays, and he usually found time to make those special breakfasts to celebrate. And one last time, Zachary says, "Tag, you're it, Papa."

Behind the wheel of his Ford and a Nitty Gritty Dirt Band song on the radio, he continued farming until the end. The Paddock Brothers were joined by Bruce's nephew, whom he loved dearly, though his phone rang a lot. Cows out. Equipment down. Pivots leaking. Bruce always answered. That's what family and farming meant to him.

Bruce's life was never the same after losing his youngest daughter, Taylor. When she left, she took a piece of his big heart with her. The light in those big baby blue eyes was never quite as bright. But he was a long sufferer, and just like the cowboys in the old westerns he loved to read, he faced every day bravely, and no matter what, he had a smile for everyone.

One of the things he enjoyed most was ice fishing. Though Bruce would tell you, despite the hours, days, weeks, and months he spent out on that ice, he probably only caught three fish. But it was never really about the fish. It was the company, the view, and the fun of untangling tip-ups again and again.

Always, Bruce was quick with a joke, or to light up your smoke, but we knew there was someplace that he'd rather be. And now, that's exactly where he is.

May the ice be thick, the sunsets orange, and the music loud. You were kind. You were gentle. You were steady and strong and so, so loved. You gave everything you had to everyone you loved, and we are all better for knowing you.

You will be loved and missed by all.

Bruce is survived by his daughters Daneal (Colin) Lightner and Allie (Drew) Quencer; his siblings Karen (Burt) Fisher, Marilynn (Marvin) Hanson, and Duane (Kelly) Paddock; grandchildren Zachary, Aiden, Raelynn, Brennan, Lincoln, Kennedy, and Lainey; and many nieces and nephews who he loved immensely.

He was preceded in death by his beloved daughter, Taylor and parents Dale and Nina Paddock.

A rosary and viewing will be held at Frontier Funeral Home on Friday, January 2nd, at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Faith Bible Church in Fairfield on Saturday, January 3rd, at 10:00 a.m., followed by burial at Sunset Hills Cemetery. A reception at Faith Bible Church will follow.

Rest easy, Daddy. The glory days aren't over-they're just beginning.