Bruce Alan Bales' Obituary
Bruce Alan Bales was born December 23, 1930 in Lebanon, Kansas to Peggy and Merle Bales. At age 9, Bruce and his family moved to Portland, Oregon where he attended Fernwood Elementary School and Grant High School. After graduation, he moved to Sun Valley, Idaho where he worked on the ski patrol at Mount Baldy. On June 15, 1951, Bruce joined the US Air Force Reserves during the Korean War.Shortly after enlisting, he was called to active duty and air dropped 356 miles southwest of Fairbanks, Alaska to build the Sparrevohn Radar Station; one of the most expensive and difficult long range, early warning systems to date. After his service, Bruce returned to attend the University of Oregon graduating with a Bachelor of Finance degree.During college he began his career in the securities industry with Wellington Fund, later becoming a mutual fund wholesaler, venture capitalist and an oil and gas securities consultant. In the early 1980’s he founded Kensington Energy, an oil and gas asset management company in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Bruce sold Kensington and retired to play golf, oil paint, travel and enjoy life. He was a member of Christen Explorers Community at Asbury United Methodist Church. His interest in golf led him to start BG Enterprises, a national golf distribution company. His many interests, amazing self motivation, and zest for life was boundless.Bruce’s 86 years were packed with fun, family and many friends. In 1984 he married the love of his life, Toni. Together they share 6 children, Bruce’s 4 girls and Toni’s 2 boys and 19 grandchildren. He is survived by his beloved wife Toni and Jolie Bales of Oakland, CA and her girls, Isabelle and Sophie, Kate Bales-Moulene of Malibu, CA and her children, Cameron, Pierre, Anna Mei, Maggie and Rachel, Page Bales of Napa, CA and her twins, Louis and Patrick, Brooke Abbate, her husband, Giuseppe of Tulsa, OK and her 3 boys, Ford, Kash and Lincoln, Jimmy Green and wife Amy of Spring, TX, and their children Taylor, Kenzie, Addy and AJ and Bobby Green, and wife Amber of Tulsa, OK and children Savannah, Hailey and Brody. Nieces, Dr. Anne Bray of Kansas City, KS and her children Ford and Chase, Merilee Bales of Portland, Oregon, Nephews, Scott Bales and wife Donna of Kansas City, KS and their children Aaron and Wes, Br. Francois Rick Bales, of Clear Creek Abby in Hulbert, OK, and sister-in-law, Carol Bales of Longview, WA.Toni, who has lost the love of her life shares this prayer: God please bless our beloved Bruce. I’ll forever miss your laughter, your strength, your voice, your touch and your love. My heart departed with you. Dear Lord, please wrap Bruce in your grace, he is so very special. AmenPrivate family service will be held. Friends and family are invited to Bruce and Toni’s home, Monday, May 22, 2017 from 12:00pm to 2:00pm for a Celebration of Life. 7920 S Quebec Ave, Tulsa, OK 74136 Family request donations be made in honor of Bruce’s life to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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