Captain Bruce M. Albert, Usmc, Retired

Captain Bruce M. Albert, USMC, Retired

Captain Bruce M. Albert, 86, passed away at home in Ashland, Oregon, on September 28, 2022.

The Marine Corps motto “Semper Fi” (always faithful), epitomized how Bruce led his life. He was always faithful to the Corps, his family, good friends, and the many jobs he held.

Bruce enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17 and after 4 years of active duty switched to the Marine Corps! Over the years, he worked his way up the ranks, achieving the rank of Captain and the title of Provost Marshal before retiring after 22 years of active military service (including duty in Vietnam!).

His next gig was with the Butte County Sheriff’s Dept, starting on patrol first, then working up the chain of command to jail commander, and eventually Undersheriff. Bruce also went back to school and earned his Bachelor’s degree from CA State University, Chico.

After retiring from the Butte County Sheriff’s Department, he and his wife, Barbara, moved from Paradise, CA, to Grants Pass, Oregon. Still seeking something to do besides his many projects around the house, Bruce obtained a job as a criminal justice coordinator for Josephine County and eventually became a probation/parole agent.

After Barbara’s death, Bruce retired for the third time and moved to Ashland, Oregon. He bought a beautiful home in Ashland where he lived the last 23 years of his wonderful life! He didn’t stay retired long, as he was soon recruited and hired by the U.S. Government to conduct police training in Kosovo and help run Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq. He belonged to Rotary Clubs in both Grants Pass and Ashland. He loved traveling the world both through active duty and as a civilian; meeting up with his coffee group, book group friends, and soup supper gatherings; and enjoying the Symphony, plays, and watching classic movies (because they knew how to make them back then).

Bruce’s philosophy in retirement was “every day’s a holiday and every meal’s a banquet.”

He’s dearly missed by his loving life partner, Sandy Friend; his children, Joe and Victoria; Joe’s wife, Ann; grandchildren Alexis Albert, Alicia Davis (Jason), Austin and Kyla Staub; three great-grandchildren; extended family (especially Cybele Abbett and Michael Thirkill, Nick Perez, and Kelly Grimes); and many friends.

Services will be private. Instead of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bruce’s name to the Marines’ Memorial Association & Foundation. Please leave a message on the Tribute Wall.