Bruce Elliott Tilsley

Bruce Elliott Tilsley was born September 25, 1932 in Indianapolis, Indiana to James H. and Edna Tilsley. Married to Ruth Eleanor Jones on June 14, 1959. Bruce and Ruth were married for 53 years. Bruce is also survived by his three children, Sondra Lee Tilsley and her husband Lance Maloney, Diana Jeanne Maddera and her husband Chris and Christina Tilsley Pratt and her husband Greg. Also survived by his grandchildren, Adam, Janet, Hanna, Jason, Lindsey and Aaron. Bruce's three siblings include Sister Sylvia Parsley (deceased), Jim Tilsley and Gloria Angus. Bruce graduated from East High School in 1950, after moving to Colorado in 1949. He graduated from Kansas City Art Institute in 1954. During his time at the Kansas City Art Institute, Bruce rode his three speed bike from Kansas City to Denver. He joined the Army in 1954 and went to Camp Pendleton for basic training and then was stationed in Mt. Ephriam, New Jersey. He returned to Denver and Boulder to work for BMF, Lefferdinc and then Hofflund and Schmidt. Bruce opened his own business, Graphic Solutions, December 1960 where he remained until retirement. At retirement, Bruce resumed painting landscapes. His favorite medium was acrylics and his paintings honored nature realistically. Bruce served as leader in many capacities locally, regionally and nationally for the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. Some of his roles included serving on the General Board of the Christian Church, participating on the Administrative Committee and was Vice-President of the National Christian Men's Fellowship. Bruce also served as an Elder and was highly involved with the Men's Retreats and when he was younger, Bruce served as the Youth Sponsor at Highland Christian Church. Bruce designed the Chalice of the Christian Church which was adopted at the 1971 Louisville Assembly. Bruce was a highly dedicated member of the Arvada Jefferson Kiwanis for almost 40 years. He was a member of the Koinania and participated in the Prison Ministry. Bruce began the Dinosaurs, which was a group of Advertising professionals who had been in the business since 1970. He was also a member of the first Tuesday Advertising Radio club. In retirement, Bruce enjoyed his Common Grounds Friday Coffee Group. Bruce's community involvement also included being an active member of the Arvada Historical Society, Board Member for the YMCA and volunteer at Red Rocks' Colorado Information Center. Visitation will be Friday, November 30, 2012 from 4-8pm at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 3020 Federal Boulevard, Denver. Memorial Service will be Monday, December 3, 2012 at 1pm at Central Christian Church, 3690 Cherry Creek South Drive, Denver. Memorial contributions may be made in Bruce Tilsley's name to: Tennyson Center for Children at Colorado Christian Home 2950 Tennyson Street Denver, Colorado 80212 Please share your memories of Bruce and condolences with his family by signing the Guestbook below.