Academic Staff Assembly Document #431

13 September 2010

MEMORIAL RESOLUTION OF THE ACADEMIC STAFF ASSEMBLY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON

ON THE DEATH OF BRUCE ORCHARD, 

SENIOR INFORMATION PROCESSING CONSULTANT, COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING

R. Bruce Orchard, age 62, died on Tuesday June 29, 2010, at the University of Wisconsin Hospital. He had suffered from leukemia for a year and a half.

Bruce was a lifelong resident of Madison. He graduated from Central University High School and earned bachelor's and master's degrees from UW-Madison and completed advanced study in mathematics and computer science. Bruce was employed at the Waisman Center for 15 years as a computer consultant, and then served as a senior consultant in computer information processing for the College of Engineering’s Computer Aided Engineering and Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering. Bruce was a regular attendee of the College of Engineering Committee on Academic Staff Issues’ events because he valued his relationship with other academic staff and keeping informed on issues facing them. Recently, he applied his computing expertise and wealth of university knowledge as an enthusiastic member of the Academic Staff Assembly Communications Committee, particularly as the committee began planning the new academic staff website.

On April 29, 2009, Bruce received a certificate of recognition from Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle and UW Chancellor Biddy Martin. He was also honored on the occasion of receiving emeritus status following "a record of distinguished service" to the university. For Bruce, there was never a problem too small or trivial. He responded quickly and efficiently, always as an excellent service professional and usually with a good laugh along the way. His office was notoriously chaotic in appearance, but when he needed something to help someone, he could put his hands on it right away.

Bruce was an active member of the University United Methodist Church throughout his life, where he served in many capacities. Bruce's interests centered around the Madison lakes. This included swimming and sailing as a member of the Hoofers Club. Bruce was a longtime supporter of the UW Hockey Team. He loved skating and participated in pickup hockey games on Sunday evenings at the Camp Randall Memorial Sports Center (“the Shell”). Bruce loved the outdoors and looked forward to his annual vacations at Pickerel Lake near St. Germain, Wisconsin. Bruce also enjoyed time spent at the family farm near Muscoda, Wisconsin, which has been in the family since 1854. Most of all, Bruce cherished his family and enjoyed interacting with even the youngest children.

Bruce is survived by his mother, Lorraine, and his sisters Jean Van Pelt (Mark) of Duluth, Minnesota, and Ann Orchard (Robert Keller) of Edina, Minnesota.

The Memorial Committee 
Susan Bernstein 
Deborah Brandt, Chair 
Brad Hughes 
Grace Krewson