Bruce "Bill" Opheim Jr.

bruce

Bruce “Bill” Opheim Jr., known for his infectious laugh and sharp wit, left us on July 25, 2024, at the age of 58. Bruce leaves behind a loving family, including his mother, Betty; his sister, Brenda (Jim) Hagel; his grandson, Dylan Leaf; and his nephew, Wes (Lori) Hagel.

Bruce had a unique charm and was often found binge-watching cooking and home remodel shows. He loved to joke that, despite never cooking or owning a home, those shows were his absolute favorites!

A true NASCAR enthusiast, Bruce’s passion for speed was matched only by his passion for riding his Harley. His model trains were a strong contender for his favorite activity, spending countless hours planning and designing his layouts.

Bruce’s cat, Maybe, was his faithful sidekick, and was always by his side demanding treats and attention. His ready smile could brighten any room, and his friends and family will always miss the warmth and joy he radiated.

In honor of Bruce, let’s celebrate his life by sharing a laugh, enjoying a good race, or simply appreciating the little things that can bring so much happiness. His memory will forever be a cherished part of our lives.

A private family celebration of life is being planned.

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Dearest Betty, My heart breaks for yours. So hard to find words! May he be forever at peace, and may you find strength and comfort to carry you through these tough days. I love you ❤️

  2. We know you were expecting this but the reality is always much harder than you think. You should never be burying your child. The next few days will be especially difficult but please know that we are holding you in our hearts.

  3. I will miss Bill at our 40th class reunion in September. May the memories of Bill bring comfort to all who loved him. My deepest condolences to all of Bills Family and friends. 🙏

  4. God speed Bill!

    Aunt Betty, sending our love, thoughts and many prayers. We are thinking about you through these difficult times. God bless you, all our Love, The Atlanta Siegmunds

  5. Honored to get to know Bruce, and will remember the spark in his eye, and that kind smile. I’ll sing a song for him today. Thank you for including me in Bruce’s last days. It meant a lot to me. Peace and Love to your family. -Amy

  6. Betty,
    May God grant you the peace only He can give at this time. I am truly sorry for the loss but imagine the joy and family reunion he is experiencing on the other side.

    • He will be greatly missed. I am so sorry for your loss may we find peace that he us no longer in pain.

  7. Dear Betty, Brenda & family – I am so sorry about the loss of Bill. My heart aches for you. I cannot imagine the pain you are going through. I am praying that you find peace and comfort. God will get you through it; all you have to do is ask. Please know that you are all in my thoughts and prayers. I love you.
    Beverly

  8. Betty & Family,
    May cherished memories remain forever! Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

  9. Dearest Betty & Family – Our hearts are filled with sadness and grief on the news of Bill. Sending our love and prayers during this most difficult time.

  10. I have wonderful memories of Bruce Bill from working with him at SEI. Paschal and I are sending healing thoughts your way, and hope that you find strength in knowing that he was loved and will be missed.

  11. Betty.
    So sorry for your loss of your son. You were a dedicated Mother and cherished the relationship. Wishing you can find peace in your times together cherishing the memories. You made an impact in Bill’s life. Thinking of you. Sincerely, Jill Berg

  12. We are so sorry to hear Bill has passed away. Our love and sympathy to Betty and all of his family. We know he was dearly loved and will be missed by so many.

  13. Hi Betty, I am so sorry to hear that your son Bill has passed away. I know you told me of his health problems and we always pray they will be healed. He now is in heaven and has no more pain. You are in my prayers, Stacia

  14. Dearest Betty,

    Please accept our very deepest condolences at the loss
    of your son, Bill. The obituary describes him as a dear soul with an inner light.
    May you find peace and strength at this time of sorrow!~Our thoughts
    are with you. Mark and Pamela Herschlip

  15. I am so sorry to hear about Bill. I worked with him 15 years ago or so at SEI. Thoughts with your family.

  16. I was thinking about Bruce this summer, remembering the time we spent together working at SEI. Hard to believe that was 30 years ago. We spent many hours talking, it was easy to talk about a great number of subjects with Bruce, a very intelligent guy. I always had a great deal of respect for him.
    I am very sorry for your loss.

  17. I met Bruce on Reddit back in 2018, and we’ve been talking ever since. Our last conversation was on Discord, sometime last year. His final message was in January 2024, on another server he was part of. It’s the first time I ever learned his real name—he went by Maysa/Opium for almost six years. He was a legend, always making everyone laugh, never failing to lighten the mood. He was direct, but that’s one of the things I admired about him. I’ll never forget how strong he was, fighting cancer and winning, until it came back. Even then, he kept fighting like the brave soldier he was.

    I miss him so much. I wish I had the chance to say a proper goodbye. Bruce helped me through some of my darkest times, when I was lost and battling depression. I didn’t know his whole story, but I believe he was a good man who lived his life with purpose. Rest in peace, Bruce. You’ll always be a legend in my heart.

    —Orange


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