Bruce W. Clough

Bruce W. Clough, affectionately known as Dad, Popi, Cowboy, and Brucey, was born on May 14, 1944, in Marshalltown Iowa. He grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, attended Westside High School, and went on to Colorado State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree and met the love of his life, Janet (Jan) E. Willson.

Bruce and Jan shared 59 wonderful years of marriage, building a life filled with love, laughter, family, and countless memories.

After beginning his career with John Deere in Denver, Bruce became a successful entrepreneur, owning and operating several businesses. He especially enjoyed working alongside his son, Matt, and remained connected to CSU through his involvement with the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity.

Bruce had a heart of gold. He was intelligent, kind, funny, and always ready with a joke. His positive outlook and playful spirit brought laughter wherever he went. He was the rock of his family, always offering love, support, and encouragement.

Bruce loved the mountains, the ranch, and the outdoors. Horses (Leo), hunting, fishing, golfing, skiing, camping, and animals brought him tremendous joy. His beloved dog Minnie and his special bond with Cabo, affectionately known as “Big Dog,” held a special place in his heart.

Some of Bruce’s happiest memories were made during Christmas and Thanksgiving, surrounded by family, good food, laughter, and his favorite slide shows of old family pictures. Family was everything to him.

Bruce was a devoted husband to Jan, a proud father to Heather, Matt, and Megan, and an adoring Popi to his seven grandchildren: Cooper, Mason, Madilyn, Sophia, Coco, Khloe, and Lucy. He is also survived by his brother, Barry Clough. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marge and Larry Clough, and his sister, Brenda Akromis.

Bruce will be remembered for his enormous heart, his wonderful sense of humor, his unwavering love for his family, and the happiness he brought to everyone fortunate enough to know him. His greatest legacy was not the businesses he built, but the family he loved, the friendships he cherished, and the memories that will live on forever.

As Bruce would surely appreciate, these words from John Wayne capture the spirit of the cowboy he was:

“Courage is being scared to death and saddling up anyway.” — John Wayne

Ride on, Cowboy. You will be loved forever and never forgotten.

Memorial Donations may be made in Bruce's honor to the Alzheimer's Association at: https://events.alz.org/fundraisers/megankendrick