Bruce Riddle

Bruce Riddle passed from this world on June 21, 2024, at the age of 67 years, 10 months, and 25 days. Born on July 27, 1956, in Colorado Springs, CO, to Richard and Donna Riddle, Bruce’s life was one of rich experiences, deep connections, and significant achievements. As a child, Bruce moved with his family from Colorado to Seattle and then settled in Wichita, KS, around the age of 7. It was here that he formed a lifelong friendship with Mark Herndon. Summers were spent on his mother’s family farm in Piqua, KS, where his strong work ethic and problem-solving skills were nurtured by his grandfather, who taught him the ways of the farm and allowed him the freedom to learn and grow. These skills Bruce carried with him throughout his life. In high school, Bruce excelled in both football and basketball, helping take his basketball team to the state tournament his senior year. Though they were undefeated until the final game, their runner-up finish was a source of pride. It was also during his senior year that he met his future wife, Cindy Cropp. Following high school, Bruce and a group of friends embarked on a backpacking adventure through Europe, creating memories that would last a lifetime. Bruce’s career in construction saw him doing everything from working on a wrecking crew to becoming a master plumber. Eventually, he founded his own business, Woodframe Construction, where his meticulous nature and commitment to quality shone brightly. A story from his friend and client Kim Penner highlights Bruce’s attention to detail: when constructing a screened porch, Bruce was concerned about being an inch off in alignment, a precision few would notice but which defined his approach to his work. Bruce and Cindy married on May 8, 1976, and moved to Denver for a time, becoming avid Denver Broncos fans and snow skiers. When they decided to start a family, they moved back to Wichita to be closer to loved ones. They welcomed their daughter, Abby, in January 1983, and their son, Zac, in February 1986. Bruce and Cindy shared a passion for traveling, taking their kids on numerous memorable vacations. From Seattle and Vancouver to Yellowstone National Park, and from skiing and fishing trips in Colorado to adventures in Maine, Nova Scotia, the St. Louis arch, Disney World, NASA in Florida, and Barbados, creating countless cherished memories. Bruce also enjoyed visiting his kids at KU and K-State, and traveling to Alaska to welcome Zac home from Afghanistan, and making the road trip back to Kansas with him. As his children grew, Bruce enjoyed visiting Abby at KU and K-State, and traveling to Alaska to welcome Zac home from Afghanistan, and making the road trip back to Kansas with him. He even traveled to South Korea to experience the culture Abby had spoken so fondly of, where he developed a love for Korean food. His frugality was a family joke, exemplified by a memorable incident where he asked Abby for $0.50 for two calls to 411 instead of using the phone book. As he got older, Bruce embraced various hobbies. He became a home brewer, delighting in brewing his own beer and sharing it with family and friends. Sundays were often spent cheering on the Broncos together. Politics also captured his interest, leading him to shift his focus from football and brewing beer to woodworking. Bruce became an exceptional wood craftsman, creating beautiful furniture, decor, and other items for his loved ones. Bruce’s life was marked by a dedication to his family, a passion for learning and creating, and an unwavering work ethic. He will be deeply missed, but his legacy of hard work, attention to detail, and love for family will live on in the memories and hearts of those he touched. Memorial Service will be at 2:00 pm, Friday, July 12, 2024, at Downing & Lahey West Mortuary. Preceded in death by his father, Richard D. Riddle. Survived by his wife, Cindy Riddle; children, Abby (Roger) Laughary, Zachary (Melissa) Riddle; grandchildren, Cheyenne and Remington Riddle, Ridley, Edie, Rex and Baby Laughary; mother, Donna Riddle; siblings, Debbie (Rand) Conrad, Kipp (Sally) Riddle, Rich (Liz) Riddle, Bryan (Linda) Riddle; numerous other family. A memorial has been established with: Yellowstone Forever, 222 East Main St., Suite 301, Bozeman, Montana 59715.