Harold Neil “Tuff” Bruce
RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Harold Neil “Tuff” Bruce, former resident of Hershey, died Feb. 13, 1999, in Bermuda Dunes, Calif. He was 84.
He was born Aug. 25, 1914, in Hershey.
Mr. Bruce was a veteran of World War II, where he wrote the initial first aid booklet used in the field. 
On June 25, 1933, he married Faye Bedker in North Platte. The couple moved to Connecticut in 1935. They lived in the Bay Area from 1935 to 1952, where he worked for the Coca-Cola Bottling Company. In 1954, they moved to San Luis Obispo, Calif. where he was active in many organizations, including the Elks Lodge, Al Malaikah Shrine, King Davids Lodge and Scottish Rite Masons. He also had a perfect attendance while a Rotarian.
He and his wife opened the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company in 1954, which he operated until its sale in 1970. In addition, in 1964 he and a group of local businessmen and professionals were granted a federal charter, originating the First National Bank of San Luis Obispo. As CEO and manager, he negotiated the buyout of the bank by Wells Fargo in 1979 and then retired at the age of 65.
He had desert property from 1976 to the time of his death and for several years he raised thoroughbred horses in that area.
He was a man worthy of respect and will be missed by all who knew him.
Survivors include a daughter, Judy B. Haas of Payson, Ariz.; a son, Truman of Hemet, Calif.; six grandchildren, David of Corvallis, Ore., Stephen of Los Angeles; Mark of Summit, N.J., Bruce Pierce of Bonney Lake, Wash., Ron Pierce of Phoenix and Don Pierce of Moscow, Idaho; and 11 great-grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years; a sister and two brothers.
Memorials are suggested to King David Lodge No. 209 F&AM, 859 Marsh Street, San Luis Obispo, Calif. 93401.
He will be interred with his wife in Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, Calif.
Palm Springs Mortuary of Cathedral, Calif. is in charge.