Bruce Alan Scotland, 91, of Durham, North Carolina, and formerly of Ashland, Massachusetts, passed away on December 9, 2025.

Born and raised in Framingham and Ashland, Mass., Bruce spent his childhood on Waseeka Fruit Farm, where his father oversaw many seasons of apple, peach, and pear harvests. His family also maintained a Victory Garden that grew thousands of vegetables for American service members during World War II. He remembered this time of his life with great fondness, as he enjoyed spending time with friends at the farm's small bowling alley and movie theater that were available to farm workers and their families.

After discovering his passion for airplanes in the Junior Air Patrol, Bruce enlisted in the Air Force just after graduating high school in 1951. He served in the Air Force for four years, including 25 months stationed in Japan during the Korean War from 1953-54. He achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant and served as a crew chief for the T33 training aircraft, which allowed him to enjoy many beautiful views flying around Mt. Fuji. He found great personal meaning in serving his country, and his identity as a veteran remained important to him for the rest of his life.

Upon returning home, Bruce earned his Associate's Degree from Worcester Junior College, then began a dedicated 37-year-long career in sales at Sears Roebuck & Company. He built enduring friendships with coworkers and customers that lasted across the decades.

Bruce's greatest joy was his family. He was a devoted husband to Susan Scotland (nee Hastings) for 61 years before her passing in 2019. Together they raised three wonderful children–David, Douglas, and Paula–and spent many weekends relaxing in their second home in Sandwich, Mass, on Cape Cod. At both homes, he enjoyed cultivating a sizable vegetable garden each year, just as his father did before him.

Throughout his life, Bruce was actively engaged in his Ashland community, from working the polls each election for over 55 years, to delivering food items to the food pantry, and most notably his leadership and involvement at the Ashland Senior Center. Because of many years of volunteer service to the community, the Town of Ashland eventually awarded Bruce "Citizen of the Year."

Bruce is survived by his son David Scotland, daughter Paula Scotland, daughter-in-law Joanne Scotland; grandchildren Keith Scotland (Gabrielle), Averyl Freedman (Joshua), and Addison Edwards; and beloved great-grandchildren Maeve Scotland and Ezra Freedman. He is also survived by his nieces Cheryl Scotland and Laurie Curley, and niece-in-law Donna Scotland.

Bruce is preceded in death by his mother Mildred Scotland (nee Nutting), father Gordon Scotland, Sr., older brother Gordon Scotland, Jr., sister-in-law Lucille Scotland, nephew Gary Scotland, and son Douglas Scotland.

Bruce's friendliness, rascally sense of humor, and enduring devotion to his family will be lovingly remembered by everyone who knew him. His legacy lives on in the values he instilled, the stories he shared, and the countless ways he supported those around him. He will be deeply, deeply missed.

A celebration of Bruce's life will take place in Durham, North Carolina at Eno River Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 4907 Garrett Road, on Monday, December 15th at 5pm.

A second celebration of Bruce's life will take place in Ashland, Massachusetts at the John A. Matarese Funeral Home on January 3rd, 2026, with calling hours from 9:00-10:30AM service at 11:00AM.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Advocates , a nonprofit organization that provides comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges, and is the organization that supports Bruce's son David.