Bruce W. Kinsch, Jr.

Bruce W. Kinsch, Jr. passed into his Lord’s arms on April 21, 2022. He was beloved as a spouse, father, grandfather and friend. He lived a full and beautiful life doing the things he loved. He was passionate about family, faith, friends, juvenile justice, music, his community, the great outdoors and his many books. He was known to counsel and mentor others both professionally and casually. He is remembered for his big heart, great smile, sharp mind, listening ears and quick wit. His storytelling is legendary. It amused one and all. At sixty, he got a tattoo and learned to cook.

Bruce was born in Frontenac, KS to Bruce and Dora Kinsch. The family moved to Seattle, WA when he was an infant. There he graduated from West Seattle High School. At 21, he discovered Catholicism and spent several years at St. Edward and St. Thomas Seminaries. After receiving his B.A. degree there, he moved on to Seattle University for further study. While his children were young, he got his Masters of Social Work at the University of Washington.

Bruce met his wife, Mary at Seattle University. They were married in 1964 and celebrated over 58 years together. Shortly after the wedding, he accepted a position with Catholic Relief Services in Southeast Asia. Their first assignment was in Saigon, Vietnam where their first child was born. The next assignment was Manila, Philippines. They returned to the Seattle area in 1966 where three more children were born.

Professionally, his career was spent in juvenile corrections working for King County, Snohomish County and finally, Umatilla County, as the Juvenile Department Director. He served Umatilla County for almost twenty years. He managed juvenile probation, the regional detention center, and all the staff. He networked with other county departments, and agencies and other counties. He made repeated contacts with legislative representatives to implement laws that improved the corrections process for youth.

In his spare time, Bruce gave his expertise and talent to various community organizations, boards and groups. He offered his musical skills to St. Mary’s church for liturgies. He participated in youth retreats and a diocesan camp program for high school students for ten years. He taught religious education. He worked actively in the community for suicide education and prevention. He taught for the criminal justice department at BMCC for twenty years.

After retirement, Bruce was a field placement supervisor for Walla Walla University School of Social Work. He mentored many students. He also worked with the Milton-Freewater Police Department on a short term grant to provide non-violence programming for the high school. He enjoyed photography; and travelling with his wife annually to the OR and WA coasts and Mazatlan, Mexico. He relished his time with family and friends. He loved games, singing and fun. His grandchildren gave him special joy. He cherished visiting the kids in their homes and his, plus the many family trips to the Oregon Coast. His time with each of them was treasured.

He is survived by his wife, his children: Valerie (Rich), Stephen (Alicia), Michelle (Michael), Annemarie; and his grandchildren: Robert, Gabrielle, Jason, Paige, Griffin, Ashley, Marc and Hannah. His service will be held at St. Andrew’s church in Mission at 10am on May 28th. A reception will follow at 12pm at the Let ‘er Buck room.