West Brookfield: Bruce F. Hedlund, 72, "Uncle Bruce" passed away on Tuesday, Feb. 7 ^th , in the East Longmeadow Skilled Nursing Center, after a long illness.

His wife, Martha K. (Smith) Hedlund, passed away in 1997.  He leaves his brother, Kenneth M. Hedlund and his wife Kathleen of East Longmeadow; his sister, Elizabeth A. Poirier and her husband Real of Fiskdale; his sister-in-law, Soni Christensen of New Castle, NH; and his 8 beloved nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his brother, Col. Arthur R. Hedlund, Jr.  Bruce was born in Worcester the son of the late Arthur R. and Eleanor V. (Mikoloski) Hedlund, Sr.   He was a graduate of Stetson University in Deland, FL.

Bruce worked as a carpenter and construction worker for many years for various companies,  retiring several years ago. He was an avid runner and ran the Boston Marathon.  Bruce was devoted to his family and was his parents caretaker in their later years.

Bruce's funeral service and burial in St. Anne's Cemetery, Sturbridge, will be private.  There are no calling hours.

The Daniel T. Morrill Funeral Home, 130 Hamilton St., Southbridge, is directing arrangements.