You’ll be relieved to know that when it was time, it was both quick and peaceful, that Mom was holding his hand, and that no one in the room - Dad included - had any regrets. He was, as you all know, a giant of a man, and he lived a life of meaning beyond his wildest dreams. He had the luxury of writing his own obituary, which I’ll post below - as usual, he was far more at peace with this than we are.

 

At this time, we’re requesting no flowers to the family; the thoughts are appreciated but not necessary. Tributes here, or on his Facebook page are most welcome, and emails as well.

 

There will be a celebration of life when it’s safe to gather. For now, there are a multitude of ways to honor his memory:

• When you’re listening to music, pump your fist - subtly but emphatically - when the chorus hits.
• When you eat a fantastic meal, push back from the table and refer to it as ‘tremendous’. As the table is being cleared, turn to your companions and say “Are you kiddin’ me? Tremendous.” in a hyperbolic way.
• Sing along. Anytime, anywhere.
• Be demonstrative with your love. Don’t leave it unsaid.
• Most importantly: Take the time to truly connect with someone whose path you cross, in a sincere, empathetic way. This is my father, encapsulated in a single action.

Thanks for being part of his journey. Here’s his obituary, in his own words:

 

Bruce Melburn Saulnier, 73, of Cheshire, CT passed away on March 21, 2021, after a 14-month battle with cancer. Born in Houlton, Maine on April 14, 1947, Bruce was the only child of Joseph Saulnier who passed in 1987 and Barbara (Earle) Saulnier who passed in 2012.

Bruce is survived by his wife Janice (1973) of Cheshire, CT; his son Kyle Saulnier (Brooke) of Bristol, VT; his daughter Melanie (Aki) and Aki’s two children of Middleton, WI; his sister-in-law Sandra Moss of Metuchen, NJ; his brother-in-law Don Wolman of Dallas, TX; and many wonderful nieces and nephews and their children. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his parents-in-law Ralph and Celia Wolman of Bradenton, FL; his brother-in-law Robert (Bob) Moss of Metuchen, NJ; and his sister-in-laws Kathleen Wolman of DeSoto, TX and Joan Wolman of Dallas, TX. 

Bruce received his B.S. in Mathematics from Defiance (Ohio) College, and his M.S. and A.B.D. in Information Science from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Hired by Quinnipiac University to start its undergraduate program in Computer Science, Bruce became founding Chair of and tenured Professor in the Department of Computer Information Systems (CIS). Above all else, Bruce was a student-oriented professor who responded to the question “What do you teach?” by replying, “Students.” He would then explain that that he did not teach CIS, but rather that he used the content of CIS to teach students. In doing so he demonstrated his belief that the purpose of higher education was not to tell students what to think, but to teach them how to think.

Bruce was an avid sports fan, especially professional baseball and college hockey, an enthusiastic follower of all of the Quinnipiac athletic teams, and derived great pleasure from attending NCAA national championship events. He loved music and believed that there is great music across all genres. A Friend of Bill for over thirty years, Bruce treasured his friendships both in and out of the program.

Bruce loved life, and was truly grateful for the blessings he received and the path he was privileged to walk. He believed that this life was not a dress rehearsal and that he was morally obligated to do his best and be the best person he could be every day. He appreciated the little things in life because he realized that to him they were really the big things. He was much more concerned with how he was traveling than where he was going. He understood that life was not all about pursuing his desires, but was best lived by caring about and for others. He consistently sought to make the world a better place for those around him. For in the final analysis, to paraphrase author Ursula LeGuin, “It’s great to have an end to journey toward, but in the end it’s the journey that matters.”

Bruce was an internationally recognized scholar in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) as applied to the CIS field, and he published over 20 academic scholarly articles and made over 100 conference presentations in his field of expertise. Among his many career awards were: Professor Emeritus of Computer Information Systems Quinnipiac University (2021), EDSIG Fellow (2015), Educational Special Interest Group (EDSIG) of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP); Excellence in Teaching Award (2009), Quinnipiac Center for Excellence; Distinguished Fellow (2004) and President (2001-2003), International Society for Exploring Teaching and Learning; Connecticut Professor of the Year (2002), Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching; Beta Gamma Sigma (2001); Outstanding Faculty Member (1993), Quinnipiac University; JCI Senator (1986), Jaycees International; HEW Fellow (1969 – 1971), Georgia Institute of Technology; Athenaeum Society (Phi Bata Kappa) (1968), Defiance College.

A memorial celebration of Bruce’s life will be held when it is safe for all of us to gather. At this time the family is targeting very late August. For now fond memories are best shared on Bruce’s Caring Bridge page, on Bruce’s Facebook page, or via email and in lieu of flowers memorial donations would be very appreciated to the V Foundation for Cancer Research or to the cancer fighting organization of your choice. Date, time, and location of a Celebration of Bruce’s life will be announced later via Bruce’s Caring Bridge page and Bruce’s Facebook page and email. Thank you all.