Obituary of Bruce W. Crist

Bruce W. Crist, 77, of The Villages, Fla. formerly of Ashville, NY, died on March 3, 2015, in Leesburg Regional Hospital, Leesburg Florida. Bruce was born January 15, 1938 in Clymer, NY, the son of the late Clifford "Red" Crist and Avis Hamilton Crist Blackmer. He graduated from Youngsville High School in 1956 and Allegheny College in 1960. Bruce was an Eagle Scout and member of the Order of the Arrow, and had the opportunity to attend several jamborees during his time as a Boy Scout. A history teacher, Bruce taught for 38 years at Southwestern Central Schools. During his teaching career he also enjoyed coaching many athletic teams. Following his retirement, Bruce worked at the Chautauqua Golf Club and as a gate attendant for the Chautauqua Institution. Bruce was a past member of the Panama United Methodist Church and a current member of the New Covenant United Methodist Church in The Villages. He was very involved in Special Olympics throughout the years, particularly as a golf coach. He was also a member of the Vikings and the Lakewood Rod & Gun Club. In earlier years he was also a 4-H leader. Bruce enjoyed time with his grandchildren as well as tending to his orchids and barbecuing. He is survived by three children, Paul (Sally) Crist of Forestville, NY, Pamela Cole of Richmond, VA and Peter Crist of Jamestown NY; four grandchildren, Megan Crist of Cambridge MA., MacKenzie Crist of Forestville, NY, and Justin and Alexandria Cole of Richmond VA; as well as 3 brothers, Barry (Marie) Crist of Pittsfield, PA, Norman (Connie) Blackmer of Girard, PA and Ron (Vicky) Blackmer of Russell, PA, and many nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife Josephine "Josie" Crist whom he married November 1, 1958 and who died July 11, 2011. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, May 9th in the Panama United Methodist Church. The Rev. Steven Taylor will officiate. Inurnment will be in Sunset Hill Cemetery. The family suggests memorials be made to the Chautauqua Golf Club Special Projects Fund, P.O. Box 28, Chautauqua, NY 14722.