In Memory

Bruce Hartwell

Bruce Hartwell

Bruce Wayne Hartwell, 34 was killed Monday, March 5, 1984 when the coal truck he was driving went over a hill. Hartwell was an employee of Shrewsbury Coal Company in West Virginia and a UMW member. He was a graduate of West Virginia University and an Army veteran.

He is survived by his wife, Cathy; daughter Angela, son Michael all at home; parents, Mr. and Mrs. Harold Hartwell, and sister, Carol Ann all of Mankato, MN. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial contributions be made to West Virginia University athletic fund

 



 
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02/22/12 11:56 AM #1    

Phil Meyer

Bruce, Brian Hoyt and I used to play a lot of baseball together at the old Mankato State lower campus. We'd make up rules for batting games because we never had enough for a full team. We'd also played "Ditch" (a version of hide and seek) throughout the campus buildings and slide down the old enclosed spiral fire escape at the back of the library seeing how far we could run up the slide in our stocking feet before you'd come sliding back down and wipe the person coming up behind you.

Although Bruce played several sports, baseball was his first love and he became a great high school player. At the state tournament, Bruce turned a ground ball into a double play from first to second to back to first that was as fine as any you'll see a professional make. I got a chance to watch it from 3rd base and it was just an outstanding play. I think many in the stands thought the same thing because they put Bruce on the All-Tournament team because of his hitting and fielding. 


02/22/12 07:40 PM #2    

Brian Hoyt

Thanks for the update Phil.  Really brings back memories for me too.  Bruce was a great friend and we did have some really good times growing up.  From what I recall, he was killed in a work related trucking accident in West Virginia.  He left a wife and a couple of children. 


03/24/13 01:44 PM #3    

Cassie Hapke (Bunker)

Non sport memory of Bruce: He was close to me in the alphabet soup at school. His dimples always preceded him into the room and then his huge smile and welcoming saunter came at you. Large memory of a great guy.

 


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