Bruce Stephens Aug.18, 1955- Nov. 3, 2014

Bruce Stephens (a.k.a Swami Bruce), 59, loving husband, father, brother and friend has died after a long battle with Pancreatic Cancer on November 3rd, 2014. He passed peacefully in his longtime home in Encinitas, CA surrounded by the love of his family that he cared for deeply.

Bruce Stephens was born in Los Angeles, CA on August 18th, 1955 to parents Rebecca and Robert Stephens.

He spent his childhood and adolescent years in Los Angeles and South Pasadena until the age of 19 when he moved to Solana Beach, CA. It was there he met his future wife Amy Stephens whom he married in 1982. Bruce’s passions in life included; Ashtanga Yoga, Organic Gardening, Surfing, Poetry, Philosophy, family and much more. Bruce was an accomplished Sports Massage Therapist and worked with various pro athletes over his 30 year career. For the past 20+ years he found his calling in spoken word and specifically, officiating weddings. During his impactful career, he performed over 400 weddings. Bruce is survived by his wife, Amy, and children, Carmen and Myles, his 4 sisters and 5 nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life service is scheduled for 1 p.m. on November 22nd at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship located at 1036 Solana Dr, Solana Beach, CA 92075. We ask you to wear a bright color and no black as we wish to celebrate Bruce. His favorite color was blue. A Paddle Out in honor of Bruce is tentatively planned for the morning of November 23rd at Stone Steps Beach. For both events we encourage you to carpool.

In lieu of flowers or gifts, we are asking you to donate to an organization in Bruce’s name.

You may donate to Hospice of North Coast (http://hospicenorthcoast.org/) or to Youth Speaks (http://youthspeaks.org/) an organization that teaches spoken word to youth.