R.I.P. Bruce Guttman

JohnL · Post by **JohnL** » Mon Dec 22, 2025 10:44 pm

Anyone have real world contact with Bruce? He hasn't signed in since October. Hoping he's OK.

EDIT:

Doug Elliott wrote: Wed Dec 24, 2025 6:50 pm I'm sorry to report that Bruce died on October 13, 2025.

I just had a chat with his widow. They were married for 53 years.

Digidog · Post by **Digidog** » Tue Dec 23, 2025 1:55 pm

I have also noticed his absence.

I hope to hear he’s OK.

jpwell · Post by **jpwell** » Tue Dec 23, 2025 5:50 pm

I noticed too

Kbiggs · Post by **Kbiggs** » Wed Dec 24, 2025 10:39 am

Add my name to those concerned.

Doubler · Post by **Doubler** » Wed Dec 24, 2025 5:50 pm

From what I could find with an Internet search, Bruce could be having increasing health problems. We wish him well.

JohnL · Post by **JohnL** » Wed Dec 24, 2025 5:59 pm

Doubler wrote: Wed Dec 24, 2025 5:50 pm From what I could find with an Internet search, Bruce could be having increasing health problems. We wish him well.

That's why I'm concerned. His health has been declining for a while. If memory serves, he moved into some sort of assistive care facility some time ago.

At one time, there were people on the forum who knew him in the real world, but I'm not sure if they're still around. If there's no word by New Years, I will reach out to the Merrimack Valley Philharmonic.

Post by **Doug Elliott** » Wed Dec 24, 2025 6:50 pm

I'm sorry to report that Bruce died on October 13, 2025.

I just had a chat with his widow. They were married for 53 years.

Burgerbob · Post by **Burgerbob** » Wed Dec 24, 2025 7:00 pm

Rest in peace, Bruce. A mainstay of this and Tromboneforum for as long as I have been around them.

JohnL · Post by **JohnL** » Wed Dec 24, 2025 7:16 pm

Thanks, Doug. He will be missed.

Doug, can you change the title of this thread to something appropriate?

Lhbone · Post by **Lhbone** » Wed Dec 24, 2025 7:35 pm

Rest easy, Bruce. I’ll miss reading your contributions on here.

jpwell · Post by **jpwell** » Wed Dec 24, 2025 7:56 pm

Anyone find an obituary

JohnL · Post by **JohnL** » Wed Dec 24, 2025 8:03 pm

jpwell wrote: Wed Dec 24, 2025 7:56 pm Anyone find an obituary

I looked but did not find one.

hyperbolica · Post by **hyperbolica** » Wed Dec 24, 2025 8:56 pm

Bruce will certainly be missed. Truly sorry to hear he has passed.

Digidog · Post by **Digidog** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 1:02 am

Oh….sad, sad news!

He will be very much missed and remembered.

Post by **blast** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 1:50 am

That's so sad. He was at the core of the old forum and kept that constant contribution going here. A real stalwart who will be sorely missed.

Digidog · Post by **Digidog** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 4:38 am

Doug Elliott wrote: Wed Dec 24, 2025 6:50 pm I'm sorry to report that Bruce died on October 13, 2025.

If so, he was posting here into the last….

I feel taken aback from this; Bruce was such a constant presence here, and all of a sudden the void feels deafening.

GabrielRice · Post by **GabrielRice** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 6:12 am

In all the time we conversed online while living within about 100 miles of each other, I only met him in person once. I hope he received as much as he gave to the trombone community.

Geordie · Post by **Geordie** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 7:06 am

One of the constant lights here and previously in TTF has gone out. Sad news, and a loss to the community.

harrisonreed · Post by **harrisonreed** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 7:27 am

Bruce loved nothing more than welcoming new members to both this forum and the old one. I'm pretty sure he replied to every single new introduction post. He'll be missed.

CalgaryTbone · Post by **CalgaryTbone** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 11:04 am

Sad news - RIP Bruce. My condolences to his family.

Jim Scott

Kbiggs · Post by **Kbiggs** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 11:52 am

This is sad news. Bruce was a constant presence and a guiding force here on TC and on the old Trombone Forum. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.

Posaunus · Post by **Posaunus** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 12:23 pm

Sad news indeed. At our last correspondence, Bruce invited me to play duets with him at his "nursing home" in New Hampshire during my annual visit to relatives nearby. I had not heard from him recently (now I know why

) so a few days ago e-mailed my holiday greetings.
R.I.P., Bruce.

timothy42b · Post by **timothy42b** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 12:33 pm

Very sorry to hear that. I will miss him.

Vegasbound · Post by **Vegasbound** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 12:42 pm

Sad news, another loss to our comminity!

Vegasbound · Post by **Vegasbound** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 12:42 pm

Sad news, another loss to our comminity!

Scotzen · Post by **Scotzen** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 2:16 pm

I am so sad to hear this. I remember reading in a post he mentioned his health was not great. When I was a moderator on TTF he was always great to work with.

Bach5G · Post by **Bach5G** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 4:28 pm

Sad news, indeed.

RobL · Post by **RobL** » Thu Dec 25, 2025 4:39 pm

He left an enormous legacy here and on TTF.

Tuba mirum spargens sonum
Per sepulcra regionum
Coget omnes ante thronum.

Mors stupebit et natura
Cum resurget creatura
Judicanti responsura.

The trumpet, scattering a wonderful note
through the tombs of every land,
will compel all to come before the throne.

Death will be astonished, and nature too,
when creation shall rise again
in response to his judgment.

WGWTR180 · Post by **WGWTR180** » Fri Dec 26, 2025 6:30 am

Oh no so sad. R.I.P. Bruce.

atopper333 · Post by **atopper333** » Fri Dec 26, 2025 7:02 am

Sad news…thoughts and prayers for him and his family…

TomWest · Post by **TomWest** » Fri Dec 26, 2025 1:29 pm

I shall miss his tagline “Almost Professional”. RIP Bruce.

Doubler · Post by **Doubler** » Fri Dec 26, 2025 7:15 pm

May his memory be an inspiration to all.

andym · Post by **andym** » Fri Dec 26, 2025 9:03 pm

That’s so sad. I admire how much he gave to our community. My condolences to his family.

ngrinder · Post by **ngrinder** » Sat Dec 27, 2025 10:08 am

Very sad. He was such a frequent voice on here and so dedicated. RIP.

Savio · Post by **Savio** » Sat Dec 27, 2025 1:43 pm

He was kind of the glue and father here. I miss him.

Leif

BrassSection · Post by **BrassSection** » Sat Dec 27, 2025 5:20 pm

As a total rookie compared to many here, there are many I have great respect for in this group. Bruce was among the top with his insights. I will miss his contributions!

Jimprindle · Post by **Jimprindle** » Sat Dec 27, 2025 7:55 pm

A wise gentleman trombonist, what more can be said.
His family will have more remembrances.

AndrewMeronek · Post by **AndrewMeronek** » Sun Dec 28, 2025 2:06 am

Sad news!

jorymil · Post by **jorymil** » Sun Dec 28, 2025 3:01 pm

Bruce brought years of engineering expertise, a great wit, and friendly advice for two decades. He turned me on to buying my first endoscope (which I use with kids), and on different counterweight idea. I only hope I can contribute something somewhere of similar value.

MStarke · Post by **MStarke** » Sun Dec 28, 2025 3:14 pm

Very sad news... I have read his name so many times that he seemed like a really familiar person. He really contributed a lot of time, wisdom and nerves to this community.

Dennis · Post by **Dennis** » Sun Dec 28, 2025 6:07 pm

I'm very saddened to learn that Bruce has passed from our world. I will miss his sage advice and calm temperament. I know his family will miss him more. My sincerest condolences to them.

Gfunk · Post by **Gfunk** » Sun Dec 28, 2025 6:26 pm

I’m really sad to hear about Bruce’s passing. The silence without him here has been felt. Bruce was a big part of the welcoming community here. His insight and time he offered here will be sorely missed. My condolences to his family.

Macbone1 · Post by **Macbone1** » Mon Dec 29, 2025 6:54 am

Very sorry to hear this. He was a good friend and loved the trombone and music so much.

VJOFan · Post by **VJOFan** » Mon Dec 29, 2025 5:58 pm

Very sad to hear this. I will truly miss his presence.His humanity came across, even in a digital space.

SteveM · Post by **SteveM** » Tue Dec 30, 2025 1:39 am

If there was one person who could be said to represent the old Trombone Forum and the new Trombone Chat, it was Bruce. I remember how welcoming he was when I requested to join the Forum many years ago. And when, after I had received many sarcastic and negative responses to my posts on the old Forum (things sometimes got a little out of hand there, and I seem to have a knack for saying the wrong thing), I emailed Bruce to tell him I wanted to terminate my account, he persuaded me, with much kindness, to wait and see if I felt differently. I've been happy to mostly just read the forums since then.

Bruce's knowledge of various aspects of manufacturing, metals and chemistry often added a great deal to technical discussions. But, even more importantly, on both forums, Bruce was often the first to respond to questions from beginners, usually with some very down to earth, common sense advice. I'm sure he helped many aspiring trombonists to move in the right direction.

I hope there is someone here who can send these appreciations of Bruce to his family so that they can know how much he meant to his fellow trombone players. Thank you Bruce!

slidesix · Post by **slidesix** » Tue Dec 30, 2025 5:01 pm

I am sad to hear of Bruce's passing. Bruce's patience and willing to share with everyone--both beginning players and advanced professionals--spoke to Bruce's passion and deep knowledge for all things music. Bruce was deeply respectful to everyone who passed his path. He will be missed. I send my condolences to his widow and his family. May he rest in peace.

DCIsky · Post by **DCIsky** » Wed Dec 31, 2025 10:17 am

I was definitely way too young and immature when I joined the original Trombone Forum. Despite this, throughout all of our interactions, Bruce was such a kind and genuine person. I'm happy to see that he's touched so many people's lives in this community, and he'll be missed dearly.

TheConnArtist70H · Post by **TheConnArtist70H** » Thu Jan 01, 2026 11:57 am

I too was so shocked and saddened to hear of Bruce's passing.

Like many members, I didn't know him personally but for the short period of time that I've
been a member, Bruce was always very understanding and the first to jump in and support me and
others whenever help was needed.

Such a shame indeed.
RIP Bruce.

Post by **Doug Elliott** » Thu Jan 01, 2026 12:10 pm

I met Bruce at least a couple of times.
Yesterday I sent his widow all the text of this remembrance thread. I doubt she reads this forum.

TheConnArtist70H · Post by **TheConnArtist70H** » Thu Jan 01, 2026 12:16 pm

Doug - Such a nice gesture for you to have done this, I'm sure his Wife will be deeply touched
by a lot of the nice comments towards Bruce.