John Edward Bruins

John Edward Bruins was born in Artesia, California to John (Bill) and Tillie Bruins on August 29, 1952. The youngest of four, John was the perpetual baby brother, fond of teasing anyone who was around and being a class clown. After graduating from Mayfair High School in 1970, John began working at Boos Window and Floor Coverings, where he sold and installed window blinds, shades and laminate covering for 10 years. In 1973, John (21) met Joanna Conner (19) through mutual friends. It wasn't long before John took Joanna home to meet his parents and spent the next five years waiting for Joanna to agree to marry him. Once she did, John booked the first available date on the Bethel church calendar, and they were married on April 1st, 1978. They were married for almost 45 years. In 1984, John completed his bachelor's degree in computer science from California State University, Dominguez Hills, making him the first of his family to graduate from a university. After graduating, John got a job at Hughes Aircraft Space and Communications (now Boeing) where we worked for 29 years as a software engineer primarily supporting a government satellite operations program. He was a "can do" guy who would work whatever launch shift and task called upon, large or small and was just fun to be around. John and Joanna's first daughter, Sarah was born in 1986 with Kate following 3 years later in 1989. As a father, he was affectionate and playful, enjoyed working on projects with the girls and encouraged discussions of politics, theology, history or any other subjects that would expand their minds. He was proud of all his three girls and would brag to anyone that would listen. After retiring in 2013, John enjoyed puttering around the house by fixing things, doing yardwork, and restoring vintage firearms from both world wars. He enjoyed going on road trips to Sedona, Arizona and Cody, Wyoming. A lifelong member of Bethel Reformed Church (now Encounter Church), John served as both a deacon and elder through the years in addition to serving behind the scenes. He was a man of quiet, but deep faith and had an unwavering sense of what was right. John will forever be remembered and loved for his gregarious, goofy sense of humor, fierce love, protection and unwavering support of those he loved the most in this world. John is survived by his wife, two daughters and his three siblings.

John Edward Bruins

August 29, 1952 - January 2, 2023