Bruce Bowden Perry

BRADFORD, MAINE - Bruce Bowden Perry, 83, passed away on March 19, 2026, following a recent hospitalization due to heart complications, surrounded by the love of his family.

Born on June 26, 1942, in Camden, Maine, Bruce was the son of Barbara Carlton (Bowden) Perry and Edmond Donald Perry. The son of two schoolteachers, he was one of eight children raised on a farm and learned early the value of hard work; a lesson that stayed with him throughout his life. He attended Appleton High School.

After graduating high school, Bruce proudly served his country in the United States Navy during a pivotal time that included the Bay of Pigs and the Cuban Missile Crisis. He was honorably discharged in November of 1966. During his service, he was stationed out of Jacksonville, Florida, and served aboard the USS Allen M. Sumner.

Following his military service, Bruce began his career at Pratt & Whitney in Connecticut, later worked at Maine Lime Products, and spent nearly 30 years with A.J. Cole & Sons / Freightliner of Maine, where he was known as a master mechanic. Bruce had an incredible gift-he could fix anything. No piece of equipment was ever truly "junk" to him. Whether it was an old tractor on the side of the road or something others had long given up on, Bruce saw possibility. He loved to tinker in his garage, bringing things back to life in his own way. His beloved John Deere tractor was especially close to his heart and one of his favorite projects.

Bruce lived a simple, steady, and disciplined life. Known to many as "Bampy," he was an early riser, faithfully starting each day on the treadmill. He loved classical music, was an avid reader, and was a cribbage shark. He found joy in the quiet rhythms of daily life. A true homebody, his family affectionately called him an "old poop," though once you got him out, he always had the best time and a smile that could light up any room. If you asked him how he was doing, his answer was always simple "gooooood". You could always get him out with the promise of something good to eat.

Bruce married the love of his life, Twyla (Bowman) Perry, after they met at the Beaver Lodge in Hope, Maine. Together, they built a life and raised four children, Jeff Perry, of Brewer, Maine, Shannon Perry, of Portland, Oregon, Marc Perry, of St. Albans, Maine and Marcia Oiler, and her husband, Ken, of Greenbush, Maine.

Bruce had a special love for his black Lab, Brandy, and his loyal cat, Sammy, who were his steady companions.

Bruce shared a lifelong friendship with his best friend Ron Fortier, with whom he worked for many years at Freightliner. They spent countless hours together playing cribbage, cutting wood, and brainstorming their latest projects. He also shared a close bond with his son-in-law Ken Oiler, with whom he enjoyed a playful Army-Navy rivalry and a shared love of automobiles and tinkering.

Above all, Bruce was an incredible grandfather, lovingly known as "Bampy". His five grandchildren, Jordan Clement, Joshua Clement, Connor Perry, Taryn Perry, and Kaleb Perry were the light of his life. He loved them deeply, and his influence will live on through each of them.

Bruce is also survived by his siblings, Russell Perry and his wife, Dorene of Winterport, Maine, and Cindy Perry, of Appleton, Maine. He was predeceased by his wife, Twyla (Bowman) Perry; his siblings, Donald Perry, Tom Perry, Pamela "Pam" Boody, Patricia Dow and Debbie Finestine.

Bruce was a man of deep character; kind, respectful, and gentle. He never spoke ill of others and lived his life with humility and integrity. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, unwavering work ethic, kind heart, and his beautiful big smile.

A graveside service with military honors will be held in the spring at Williams Cemetery in Bradford, Maine. Service details will be announced at a later date.

The family extends a special and heartfelt thank you to Dr. Bryan Lundquist, who cared for Bruce for decades and made a personal visit to him in the hospital, bringing great comfort in his final days. Condolences to the family may be expressed at SimpleCremationofMaine.