Bruce L. Waha

Bruce Lee Waha, 91 of Boyne City, Michigan passed away at home on Wednesday, June 6, 2018. Born July 19, 1926 in Jackson, Michigan to Harry and Esther (Keary) Waha.

He was a 1944 graduate of Detroit Cooley High School. Upon graduation, he entered the US Navy and served in the Naval Air Wing during WW II. After honorable discharge, he attended Wayne State University, where he played football and was a shot putter on the track team. After graduating from Wayne State, he played Semi-Pro football with the Detroit Tars. He went on to pursue his lifelong passion in education and coaching at Detroit Redford High School, Howell Middle / High Schools and Michigan State University. He was a co-founder of the Michigan High School Track Coaches Association (MITCA). Bruce was a recipient of the Kermit Ambrose Award and was inducted into several Halls of Fame including; The Michigan High School Coaches Association Hall of Fame, The Michigan High School Track Coaches Association Hall of Fame and Detroit Track and Field Old Timers. His great love of coaching was reflected in the many accomplishments of his athletes throughout their lives.

Upon retirement, Bruce and his wife moved to Northern Michigan, where they enjoyed Golf, traveling the US, and wintering in Gulf Shores, Alabama. He was a patriot and a member of the “Greatest Generation “, but found the most pride and joy in his family.

Bruce is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Joan (Moir); son Douglas Waha of Charlevoix and daughter Carrie (Tom) Roney of Boyne City (Grand Rapids); grandchildren Jaimen (Alexandra), Christopher (Emily), Alexander, Owen, TJ (Annaliese), Patrick (Katie) and Maggie and great granddaughter Nora (Jaimen and Alexandra) and great grandchild #2, to be born end of June (Christopher and Emily); Sister,  Dawn Muenchow of Ligonier, Pa., and two nieces and two nephews.

Cremation has taken place.  A memorial service will be held Sunday, July 8, 2018 from 1-3 PM at the Michigan State University Alumni Chapel, 636 Auditorium Rd., East Lansing, Michigan, 48824.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Joan Waha through Gaylord Community Funeral Home & Cremation Service, P.O. Box 249, Gaylord MI 49734 to be distributed for track and field scholarships in memory of Bruce.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family at www.gaylordfuneralhome.com