Bruce Haynen VanArnam, 85, Ogdensburg

OGDENSBURG – Bruce Haynen VanArnam died on November 6, 2024. Bruce was born on August 1, 1939 in Troy, New York. At age 16, Bruce moved to Ogdensburg. It wasn’t long after that when he met his “girlfriend Judy.” Bruce and Judy(Mourick) were married on October 21, 1960, remaining happily married for 64 years. Bruce is survived by 3 children and their spouses, Dave (Tracy) VanArnam, Bryan (Carly) VanArnam and Kim (Rich) Marshall, 8 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren.

Bruce worked for Frito-Lay until his retirement in 2000. Children in all the surrounding areas always knew where to find freshly expired potato chips during Bruce’s employment with Frito-Lay. In addition to Frito-Lay, Bruce was a longtime member of the Morristown Volunteer Fire Department, where he could be seen driving the cotton gin at Morristown’s annual 4th of July parade. Bruce remained an active member of the fire department until his death.

Bruce, also known as “Big Red”, enjoyed the simple things. He enjoyed hunting, beer in the garage and underpaying his grandchildren for any help he might have needed around the house. If you take a walk around Bruce’s garage, you’ll find his tools marked with his initials, where and when they were purchased, along with the original receipt still in the box.

He is remembered by his family for his personal song “What A Friend We Have in Brucie”, and for his campfire stories about The Bloody Hand and SideHill Gouger. Bruce will be remembered for always walking around with a paper towel, boxes placed strategically around his house filled with rubber bands, sticky notes and pens. Fun times were with his wife and kids, popping popcorn on Thursday nights and watching The Waltons. He also loved to cook a weekend breakfast, with colored pancakes being his specialty.

There will be no services, at his request. Those wishing to make a donation in memory of Bruce may make one to the Morristown Fire Department.