Bruce was born in Reno, Nevada, August 7, 1948, to Wayne and Alouise Matley. His early years were spent working on the family cattle ranch and playing in a band called The Daybreakers. He later earned a PhD in Theatre, worked as a professional actor and director, and served as department chair at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA.
Bruce moved to Port Townsend in 1998, where he was best known as cowboy singer Nevada Slim. He married Susan Abraham, his music duo partner, in 2006. They moved to Walla Walla in 2007. Late in 2018 Bruce was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. He died December 23. Bruce is survived by Susan, brothers Ken and Randy, dog Doc Holliday, and a passel of cats. He was predeceased by his parents, his brother Douglas, and his sister Tamara.
A gathering in Bruce’s honor will take place at the Art Building, Jefferson County Fairgrounds, Saturday, October 5, 2PM to 5PM.
