Walter Bruce Shirk

Bruce passed peacefully after a valiant fight against Multiple Myeloma and other health conditions. He was surrounded in his final days by his three daughters, their husbands, and his beloved wife of 47 years, Norma.

Bruce organized his life around helping others. He was exceptionally proud of his service as Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps and had boundless energy for supporting fellow veterans, including through many years of pro bono legal counsel. He mentored countless individuals in recovery, too. His quick mind, humor, and extraordinary breadth of knowledge made him relatable and someone people turned to, trusted, and admired.

Born in Raytown, MO, he graduated Raytown High School and then Harvard College (’62, summa cum laude). He then served in the early days of the Vietnam War as an intelligence officer. Following an honorable discharge, Bruce enrolled in Harvard Law School (’68). He led a storied career that included partner positions at several prominent law firms. His final role was at MITRE where he concentrated on the study and design of national health policies. Bruce loved the intellectual challenge of work.

Following his retirement at age 85, Bruce continued developing new interests. He taught himself how to incorporate Ai into his personal projects, and was open to his grandsons’ attempts to get him into video games. Bruce was a voracious reader who devoured books within hours.

His wife Norma, daughters Alison (Adam Scherr), Leslie (Stephan Powers), Amy (Dave Thompson), grandsons Sam, James and Carter and countless family and friends will treasure memories of his sense of humor, his intelligence and endless curiosity. Most importantly, we will remember his immense kindness, generosity and all the love he gave us.

A private memorial service will be held in Washington, D.C. at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family suggests a donation to the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center.