Bruce Edward Hochsprung, lifelong Colfax resident, died on Monday, January 12, due to complications from emergency surgery. He was 83.

Bruce was born on September 9, 1942, at St. Ignatius Hospital in Colfax, Washington, to Edward and Arlene (Ranes) Hochsprung. He attended Colfax schools and excelled at basketball and baseball. He graduated from CHS in 1960 and went on to study business at Eastern Washington University, graduating in 1964. On a blind date at Eastern in 1963, he met Charlyn Brocksmith. He quickly nicknamed her Charli, and they married a year later in Spokane on December 12, 1964.

After a short time living in southern California where Charli taught school, the couple returned to the Palouse. Bruce operated Burgerville in Pullman, Washington, as well as H & O Eatery in Colfax. They welcomed daughter Heather in 1969 with son Brock completing the family of 4 in 1971.

After the closure of both restaurants in the mid 1970s, Bruce joined the operations of St. Ignatius Manor. The Manor was a unique endeavor in Colfax, housing and caring for residents with developmental and physical disabilities from across the region. Over the next 30 years, Bruce provided companionship, love, and support to his special friends.

Basketball was Bruce's passion. From school teams to town team leagues and noon-ball games at Bohler gym, he played until he was nearly 60. He was also the ultimate fan and coach as both children and all seven grandkids played the sport he loved at one time or another.

After Bruce's retirement, Charli's work at the IMPACT Center at WSU allowed them to travel frequently. In later years, their time was spent visiting friends and family around the US, Europe, and New Zealand.

Bruce and Charli spent countless hours sitting on the porch of the family home in Colfax visiting with friends. They loved hosting family and group gatherings over the years with the final event being his 65th CHS reunion this past July.

Brucie, as he was affectionately called, walked Main Street almost daily and relished every chance he got to talk about the history of Colfax. He was visible in his red Pontiac convertible each summer as he cruised Main Street with whoever wanted to ride along.

Bruce touched many lives over the years. Whether he served burgers in Pullman or pizza in Colfax, elbowed ribs on the basketball court, cheered from the sidelines or stands, or simply said hello as he walked through town, his impact was immeasurable. The family would be honored to have you join us to celebrate Bruce's life on Saturday, January 31. A 1:00pm graveside service at the Colfax Cemetery will be followed by a reception at the Colfax Golf Course from 1:30 - 4:00pm. A formal memorial program will begin at 2:00pm.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 61 years, Charli, daughter and son-in-law, Heather and Eric Meyer; son and daughter-in-law, Brock and Julie Hochsprung; grandchildren, Regan and Jordan Monnin, Madelynn, Emilia and Elizabeth Meyer, Edward, Alex and Hannah Hochsprung; brother-in-law CC Brocksmith, sisters-in-law JB Kemp, Katie (Dan) Dore, Patricia (David)  Walsh, Peggy (Curtis) Heins, cousin Bill (Katie) Ranes, and his special buddies, Eric and Sheryl Patton. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Arlene, and sister, Carol, and brother-in-law Larry Walsh.

Family suggests gifts be made to the Colfax Volunteer Fireman. Corbeill Funeral Homes in Colfax is caring for the family. On-line condolences may be made at www.corbeillfuneralhomes.com