Bruce Irwin Hamberlin

Bruce Irwin Hamberlin

November 9, 1951 – January 23, 2022

Celebration of Life: 11 a.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at First United Methodist Church, 313 N. Center St., Arlington, TX

Interment: 2 p.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2022 at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy., Dallas, TX

Memorials: In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Parkinson Voice Project, Punching Out Parkinson’s, or First United Methodist Church of Arlington.

Bruce Hamberlin, age 70, died of cancer January 23, 2022, at his home in Arlington, Tx.

Born in Dallas to Wayne and Mattie Hamberlin, Bruce attended Bryan Adams High School, studied music at Boston University with members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra, and served as clarinetist in the West Point Band in the 1970s.  After further studies at Juilliard, Bruce completed his music degree at the University of North Texas.  For many years he served in the 531^st Air National Guard Band while working as a Training Technician for the U.S. Postal Service.  As a private clarinet teacher he was a compassionate mentor, displaying a special rapport with middle school students.

He was a longtime member of First United Methodist Church of Arlington, where his musical contributions to worship services are a cherished memory.

Bruce lived with Parkinson’s disease for more than 12 years. Active in the Parkinson Voice Project and Punching Out Parkinson’s, he was an energetic advocate for his own health and the health of others, inspiring many with his tenacity and dedication. Bruce was a loving husband and father and a friend to all.  An overwhelming majority of friends and family have used the word “kind” to sum up his character. Always quick with a joke, he never met a stranger and brought his warm, gentle spirit to every life he touched.

Predeceased by his brother Troy, Bruce is survived by his brother Larry, of Bristol, Vt; by his wife, Melanie Kidd Hamberlin; by his two sons, Reid of Norman, OK, and William, of Arlington, Tx; and by a host of loving nieces, nephews, and longtime friends.