Obituary

19 September 2002 |

Bruce Becker
Bruce Becker, a senior building maintenance worker at University Village in Albany, died Aug. 29 — his 55th birthday.

A 30-year University employee, Becker was hired in 1972. Five years later he started working at the village, where he maintained, repaired, and painted student-family housing.

A bear-sized man with a slow, loping gait, he appeared to some as “scary, because of his large stature,” says one co-worker. “He was, in fact, a very kind and gentle person, and once he began to speak, that kindness came across, and you would not feel intimidated by his size or stature anymore.”

Becker liked to jog, read, and practice meditation, and was known at the village as someone who talked on a “cosmic” level and was eager to share his philosophical insights with others.

“Our village family is greatly saddened and will miss Bruce,” said Tavie Tipton, assistant director of family housing.

He is survived by his father, Beech Becker, and his brother, Larry Beech Becker. A memorial event was held over the weekend. To make a contribution in Becker’s memory, contact Pepper Black at University Village, 526-8505, ext. 12.