Bruce Ware

March 7, 1957 - October 24, 2020

Bruce left this world unexpectedly while enjoying nature on his family’s land in Westport. Bruce was born in Elmhurst, IL on March 7, 1957 and spent every summer of his early years in Westport. He fulfilled his dream of becoming a permanent member of the community in October 1989. While growing up, his family lived in Illinois, Johnstown, NY, and Troy, NY, where he graduated from high school and was still in touch with a group of close high school friends. He attended Castleton State College in Vermont. He met the love of his life, Carolyn, in Watertown, NY and had been married for 38 happy years. They raised two children who loved and respected him dearly. They brought so much love, pride and joy to his life. He was full of advice for them and would often remind them “no stinkin’ thinkin’” as they went out the door. Bruce and Carolyn owned and operated two businesses in Westport, Ernie’s Market from Jan 1990-Dec 2018 and Venture North Associates from 1996 to present. He especially enjoyed real estate and was very knowledgeable regarding the real estate business. Many afternoons he could be found sitting in a Westport chair on the porch of his office, drinking coffee and visiting with folks who would often take a seat and chat for a while, waving to everyone who passed by. He joined the Northern Adirondack Board of Realtors in 1996, served as Board President 2005 and 2006. He was awarded Realtor of the Year in 2006. Throughout the years he had been a member of the Westport Town Board, Chamber of Commerce and the Economic Development Committee. Bruce became a Master Mason of Sisco Lodge #259 in 1990. He was a member of the Westport Federated Church where he had served on the Church Council and sang with his dad in the choir. He was a fixture in the kitchen for the church dinners, roasting the meat and mashing the potatoes. Bruce was very kind hearted and generous. He spoke with passion on many subjects. He loved swimming and boating on Lake Champlain, deer hunting, cooking for family gatherings, and in the latter part of his life, spending the coldest months of the year in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. Most of all he cherished every moment spent with his baby grandson. Bruce was predeceased by a brother, Roger, and his parents Thornton K and Ardyce (Andrews) Ware. He is survived by his loving wife and partner Carolyn (Tompkins) Ware, daughter and son-in-law Madeline and Timothy Van der Voort, son Alan Ware, and grandson Orson Van der Voort, as well as his sister Patricia Ware, and brother and sister-in-law Stephen and Patricia Ware. His sister-in-law, Jennifer Tompkins, and mother-in-law Sylvia were very much a part of his life as well as brother and sister-in-law Andy and Kathy Tompkins. He had one nephew and two nieces who brought him great joy, and two little great-nieces who loved spending time with Uncle Bruce. He had a large extended family and many dear friends. There will be a celebration of his life with all his favorite music next summer. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Westport Federated Church or the Westport Emergency Squad. Arrangements have been entrusted to Heald Funeral Home, 7521 Court Street, Elizabethtown. To light a memorial candle or leave an online condolence please visit www.healdfuneralhomeinc.com