Bruce E. Notson, 83, of Anacortes, Wash., passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Home Place Special Care Center in Burlington. He was born to Mildred and Edward Notson 83 years ago in Thorp, Wash.

Bruce graduated from Tonasket High School in 1950, and continued his education at Washington State University (WSC) graduating with a BS in Business Administration and received his officer’s commission into the United States Air Force. The following week he married the love of his life, Jeanne Porter of Pomeroy, Wash. They began their adventure together in Texas and raised their family all over the United States and in Japan. Bruce was an experienced bomber and fighter pilot with over 10,000 hours and gained his combat experience in the skies above Southeast Asia, totaling 76 combat missions. He loved flying and did so on a recreational basis both while serving in the Air Force and after he retired.Bruce E. Notson, 83, of Anacortes, Wash. passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at Home Place Special Care Center in Burlington. He was born to Mildred and Edward Notson 83 years ago in Thorp, Wash.

Bruce graduated from Tonasket High School in 1950, and continued his education at Washington State University (WSC) graduating with a BS in Business Administration and received his officer’s commission into the United States Air Force. The following week he married the love of his life, Jeanne Porter of Pomeroy, Wash. They began their adventure together in Texas and raised their family all over the United States and in Japan. Bruce was an experienced bomber and fighter pilot with over 10,000 hours and gained his combat experience in the skies above Southeast Asia, totaling 76 combat missions. He loved flying and did so on a recreational basis both while serving in the Air Force and after he retired.

After retirement, Bruce and Jeanne moved to Guemes Island in 1980 and settled in to take care of their parents. He was active in the Guemes Church and particularly enjoyed the fellowship of the Men’s Breakfast. He had a soft spot for dogs, especially his last one, Guy the poodle. Bruce had a warm sense of humor and loved to tease his children and grandchildren.

He is survived by Jeanne Notson of Guemes; his daughter Kim Bone of Guemes; Chung-Hwa Nam of San Francisco; son Ed Notson (Jeanne) of Farmington, NM; daughter Barbara Richards (Mark) of Gig Harbor, Wash; and daughter Karen Simpson (Ed) of Bow, Wash. His legacy includes 19 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at the Westminster Presbyterian Church in Anacortes with a reception to follow. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Eden Cemetery on Guemes Island. Memorials to: Moody Aviation (moodyglobal.org) or World Concern (One Village Transform ed – Harako) 19303 Fremont Ave North, Seattle, WA, 98133, or Hospice of the Northwest (www.hospice.org).

Arrangements are in the care of Evans Funeral Chapel and Crematory, Inc., Anacortes, WA and the San Juan Islands. To share memories of Bruce, please sign the online guest register at www.evanschapel.com.