In memory of Bruce Gertz
1954-2023
“You will lose someone you can’t live without, and your heart will be badly broken, and the bad news is that you never completely get over the loss of your beloved. But this is also the good news. They live forever in your broken heart that doesn’t seal back up. And you come through. It’s like having a broken leg that never heals perfectly – that still hurts when the weather gets cold, but you learn to dance with the limp.”
– Anne Lamott
Mr. Bruce Gertz was a resident of the streets of the Village of Lake Orion for over 20 years. Bruce was a very humble man who enjoyed the village and township, watching the traffic flow, and talking to anyone that would stop and listen. Bruce lived an unconventional lifestyle and chose to not have an address, but rather enjoy all that the outdoors has to offer. No matter the season, or the weather, Bruce endured. Bruce was 68 years of age and left behind a community of caring and compassionate citizens.
Lake Orion Police Department
Gertz roamed the Orion area for more than 20 years, becoming a fixture in the community. People would stop and talk to him, and bring him food and other items, such as clothes, or even a bible.
Megan Kelly – Lake Orion Review
Most days in recent years Gertz sat quietly on a bench on Lapeer Road in front of the plaza south of Atwater Street in the Village of Lake Orion, umbrella in one hand to shade him from the sun or rain, watching as the cars went by on M-24. He always has his bicycle and personal items alongside him.
The passing of Mr. Bruce Gertz was very heartbreaking to the residents of Lake Orion and he will be forever memorialized to each other, not just as a Lake Orion resident, but as a reminder of how our residents came together to help a fellow resident. Mr. Bruce Gertz will always be remembered. The purpose of this site is to memorialize Mr. Bruce Gertz and allow those who would like to share any comments or memories to do so below as he has had an impact on all of us in a way that has changed us
Bruce was a good neighbor. He never screamed profanity for hours as some residents have. I never was afraid that he would be violent as another neighbor has been several times. He didn’t interfere with our tree trimming crews and cause me extra work. I miss him.
Bruce was a humble gentleman and respected everyone. He never asked for more than he needed for just the day.
I’d always ask if he needed anything and he simply requested ” batteries for my radio” or ” chunky soup pop top”.
He loved Lake Orion and always had a kind word to speak of. I don’t think Bruce ever had a bad day.
Bruce, I hope you’re resting peacefully
You will be missed.