Bruce Anthony Coons

May 26, 1959 – April 7, 2025

Bruce Anthony Coons, beloved father, husband, and pillar of the Alleghany community, passed away peacefully on April 7, 2025, at 8:07 PM at Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital. Born in Oakland, California on May 26, 1959, Bruce lived a life defined by courage, service, and unwavering love for his family and community. He was 65 years old.

Surrounded by his devoted wife, Robbin, his three children, and many loved ones, Bruce took his final breath in a room filled with heartfelt goodbyes. His daughter held his hand and heart, feeling his last heartbeat, while his son Chris clasped his other hand, everyone whispering “I love you” countless times. Though intubated and unable to speak, Bruce’s gentle hand squeezes showed he heard every word, including the voices of relatives who called to share their love and last goodbyes over speakerphone.

Bruce’s life was marked by bold decisions. Inspired by his father Ercel’s unfulfilled dream to live in Alleghany full-time, Bruce took a leap of faith, leaving his life behind to move to the small town. With characteristic courage, he “played it by ear,” building a new life from scratch. Upon arriving, he joined the Volunteer Fire Department, filled a vacancy on the Alleghany County Water District Board, and later became Chief Water Operator after earning his license. Known for his knack for fixing anything, Bruce generously helped residents with water line issues, even when the repairs fell outside the Water District’s responsibility. He also held the position of Alleghany’s Post Master, in which he took a lot of pride, and did the job well.

Bruce was a steady presence in Alleghany, serving as Director and Vice President of the Pliocene Ridge Community Services District and proudly tending to the town’s flags at the park, firehouse, and post office. He cared for the tea roses his father Ercel planted in front of their Alleghany home, a quiet tribute to his family’s roots. Despite the volatility of small-town politics, Bruce remained calm and gracious, admitting mistakes and fostering unity after disagreements.

A man of deep faith, Bruce found joy in life’s simple moments. He was dearly loved by his son Chris, affectionately known as “Pugsley,” and by his eldest son Jason, nicknamed “Sillyboy.” He was a hero to his daughter—his “baby girl”—whom he lovingly called “Loolibutt” and “Seeheart,” a unique Coons family way of saying “sweetheart.” Bruce cherished his wife Robbin, his three brothers, his cousins, his parents, all his beloved pet kitties, the family dog Sam, and his “grandpuppy” Chili, who had passed just months before him.

Bruce’s faith assures his family that he was welcomed into Heaven by all his loved ones who have gone before him. His legacy lives on in the love he shared, the community he strengthened, and the bonds he forged.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Robbin; children, Jason, Christopher, and Alexandra; and a wide circle of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ercel and Dolores, and brothers, David, Robert, and Gregory.

A memorial service/potluck will be held on Sunday, May 25 at 2:00 PM at the Alleghany gym (527 Miners Street, Alleghany, CA). In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations for after-life expenses. You may contact Alexandra Coons at (925) 354-0651 or alexandracoons@yahoo.com.

“I know God has a plan that is greater than I can comprehend, and there is a lesson, a Blessing, and an opportunity to grow and show love in every trial and tribulation.”

—Bruce’s daughter