Bruce Epp, 71, passed away peacefully at home on Friday August 1, 2008, after a long courageous battle with lung cancer. True to Bruce's wish, he was surrounded by his family when he passed. Born in Long Beach, California Bruce moved to Shafter before his first birthday with his father Alvin Epp. He was a graduate of Shafter High's class of 1956 where he was involved with many sports teams and the school's agriculture programs. Bruce's life-time pride, were the years he spent after enlisting in the United States Coast Guard. He served proudly and he spent much of his time during his retirement researching his Coast Guard history. Bruce's professional years were spent in the Shafter area working in the agricultural chemical sector and later joining the family owned winery. True friendships were always dear to Bruce's heart and the truest of friends he found in the likes of Pat and Carlos White of Shafter. A conversation with Bruce would sooner or later involve one of many stories expressing his love and fondness for both Pat and Carlos. Bruce will always be remembered for his eye for detail and his perfectionist ways. He was a perfectionist in every since of the word which meant that if you asked for his help you were insured to succeed. Whether designing a new landscape drawing and building a patio or planning the lay out of a new warehouse the outcome had a bit of Bruce's soul embedded. A bit of Bruce stands in many a families home. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Alvin Epp Sr. and Iona Adamson, parents-in-laws, Carl and Ramona Steele and brother-in-law Michael Steele. Bruce leaves behind his wife and love of his life, Sanda Epp. The two were inseparable for over 50 years. Living and loving Bruce's memories are his two daughters Kimberly Speer with husband Chris and Tracy Umfress with husband Doug; his 8 grandchildren, Cynthia Green with husband Tony, Megan Johnson with husband Shane, Robert and Stephen McWhorter, Jayson Speer and Jason, Erick and Zachary Umfress; Bruce's 2 great-grandsons Hunter and Maddox Green and name sake Sawyer Bruce Johnson due in September (according to Bruce it took 11 tries but he finally got his way). Bruce's brother, Alvin Epp Jr. with wife Joni, and his sisters Patricia Reynolds and Wanda Holt along with numerous nieces and nephews. Bruce fought lung cancer for almost five years, never giving up and never complaining. In the end he accepted God's plan that he would be in a better place with no cancer. Bruce's family would like to express extreme gratitude to Dr. Tun and his staff, Dr. Dean Davis and his staff for taking such great care of Bruce during his illness. Optimal Hospice also needs to be thanked for their compassion and assistance to Bruce and his family during his last days, especially Lisa, Caroline and Pastor Steve. The family would like to thank everyone for their love and support during this time. Graveside services were be held on Tuesday August 5, 2008 at the Shafter Cemetery at 10:00 am under the direction of Peters Funeral Home.