What does one remember of each conversation with someone--almost everything! I first met Ken Bruce when he was helping to extend the boat launch into Indian River by laying in two precast concrete slabs. His attitude and actions were neighborly, friendly and helpful.In fact, my prevailing remembrance of Ken was his attitude toward other people. He was a man of "good will to others" as in the Christmas Song. I don't believe I ever heard him pronounce a pejorative against anyone else on the street. Hard to be optimistic when certain unjust,unfair things were happening but he was not blind or self-deluded. He knew who was at fault but eschewed heaping additional blame. For many days he seemed to be singing the song "and never was heard a discouraging word" and "the skies are not cloudy all day." That could be irritating sometimes!One of the most interesting and telling characteristics of Ken Bruce was evidenced by his yard. Most people's front yards are neat as pins but their backyard contains piles to dispose of and jobs only part finished. Not Ken Bruce. He was was exactly who his front yard stated--organized and conscientious. He was publicly and privately the same--what we used to call," What you SAW WAS WHAT YOU GOT."He always made time to talk and LISTEN. He was a good listener. He really listened and you knew he was listening. It was active and complimentary. It made you feel that you could talk to him honestly. Somebody actually listens! I could always rely on Ken not for irrational support of taking sides but hearing out the issues in the neighborhood and giving good advice. He never incited. Always looking for reconciliation rather than condemnation or judgement.I never felt Ken needed to blow himself up in comparison to anyone else. He was so comfortable with who and what he was.He knew a lot about gardening, grilling, computers, fishing, electricity and plumbing too but never bragged. But he always responded with assistance if asked. That's a real neighbor.Ken was a caregiver for his wife. One who has had many of the problems of my wife. But I never heard a complaint.He would never stand for office on the street and I finally came to realize why. IT's not that he didn't have principles or was hesitant to share them. He knew somehow that active involvement would be unproductive. Nor did he want his wife involved. Years ago there were 3 kens on the street. Ken number one was Ken Sharp. I called him "Mr all american volunteer." Ken Bruce as Ken no 2. He stood as a neighbor you could trust. And Ken number 3, that's me--who it falls by providence to praise the other two. We could use some more of both Kens as neighborly anchors.I say Goodbye to Ken Bruce and feel privileged to know him as a friend and neighbor.ken currie