Birth date: Sep 18, 1952 Death date: Sep 30, 2020
Bruce Biermann, who passed away on September 30, 2020, was the first son of schoolteachers Arnold and Jean Biermann. Raised in Bellevue, WA, he graduated from Newport High School and earned BS and MS degrees at the Wharton School Read Obituary
I am late in seeing this about Bruce but wanted to say how thankful I was to Bruce ( and Neil) for coaching me in swimming at TamOShanter in 1973. I was 12 years old back then and very impressionable for which Bruce would take time to talk with me on the pool deck about intellectual and some spiritual things in life. He encouraged me and I appreciated the opportunity to become a better swimmer that continued through college and also then as a young kid. These memories of him left a lasting impact that I will remember for my lifetime. Brad Smith, M.D.
I will always treasure the many intellectual conversations with Bruce at the Tam O’Shanter swimming pool, where we were life guards, to be truthful only his side of the conversation was intellectual. He introduced me to economist Milton (Uncle Milt) Friedman and helped foster my Capitalist ways. One summer Bruce brought scuba gear to the pool and sent me to the bottom with an air tank on my back, he often encouraged me to try something new. I am so glad I had the opportunity to catch up with Bruce more recently at one of Neil and Jane’s Christmas gatherings. My condolences to Lisa and Bruce’s family.
Simon Jude
My heart goes out to Brad, Lisa, and the rest of Bruce's family. Of all the years I have worked at the Washington Youth Academy Bruce has always kindly reached out to me since Brad's time there and would send me inspiration in times I needed it the most. Alot of inspiration always comes from students so his was a mentorship that meant so much to me. I will miss that. He was very proud of Brad, he loved sharing his accomplishments with me. He loved his family and I was fortunate enough to had his support over the years at the Washington Youth Academy.----Michelle Rauback
I was so sorry to hear of Bruce's passing. I, too, knew him through basketball officiating back in the '70's and '80's. He was a great guy to work and be with, someone you could always count on.
I laughed when I read Steve Cottnair's tribute. The Police Chief he referred to was Pat Fitzimons, himself a small college basketball official, and one to quickly let you know when you screwed up a call.
John Anthony
Bruce was a great friend and mentor for me from junior high school on. We kept in touch all those years. We were on different life paths, often intersecting. He recruited me to several of his adventures, both work and pleasure. Notable here are the Enchantments, Intetec and Red Robin. My condolences to Lisa and all the family. RIP
Steve Murphy
In 25 years of officiating, the oddest, weirdest, funniest thing that ever happened, I shared with Bruce. We’re working a game at O’Dea, and taking very rude and profane language from two gents at one end of gym. After a while, we approached (charged) the two with every intention of throwing them out of gym. We were both furious. Things changed a bit we we realized one was principal of O’Dea, a the other Seattle Police Chief!! I’m not quite sure how we wiggled out of that, and finished game with much fear that squad cars might be waiting for us outside. After finding our way to our cars, and seeing no badges we began laughing outrageously, and have ever since.
I also spent some time with Bruce at Harborview after that horrific Xmas Eve. Courage, strength, humor and nothing but positive thoughts came from this guy with more wires and tubes in and around him you could count.
Haven’t seen Bruce a lot in recent years. Often heard rumors of poor health. Will always carry fond memories of the O’Dea affair, but most meaningful to me was our friendship over the years. He was indeed “good people”, and a “cut above” Us normal, crazy referees.
Thank you for sending me this information.
Steve Cottnair
I am very sad to hear about Bruce's passing. I was luck enough to meet Bruce and serve on the board of a startup with him. I learned a lot from him and feel a large debt of gratitude.
I am deeply saddened by Bruce's passing. We connected often over the years with the most recent/last time being in person when he visited me on Whidbey Island to share in our mutual love of wine. His intelligence, knowledge, and sense of humor were impressive. I wished I had known him better during our time in junior and high school but alas he said he was too shy to "approach a cheerleader". We shared many stories about our careers at Microsoft. I am so very sorry for your loss. Chris Whitney (Culjat). RIP Bruce.
I didn't know Bruce personally, but heard many wonderful stories of him from the Cameron Clan. Mrs Biermann was my first grade teacher. My condolences to the family.
