Bruce Coe (1930 – 2009) was an Isles trustee and friend to Isles for many years. The following was written by Marty Johnson to honor Bruce’s Memory.
Bruce and I shared a common story. We were both raised in a modest family in a simple, Midwestern style.
We both arrived at Princeton University as 18 year olds, grappling to find our place among the fast paced, East Coast elite – and still maintain.
That common ground was important to me. When others said we were crazy to start this organization Isles, Bruce said sure, that’s true – but it is worth it!
Bruce left Princeton and went to Wall Street. After 25 years – about the same time we were starting Isles as students – he was a senior partner, successful, but still troubled with what he wasn’t doing. He needed more meaning in life. I quote him in his 25th reunion booklet:
“I have recently left private industry, and accepted an appointment in government service. I hope I can make a contribution. So far, for merely trying, I’ve found that I am happier with myself. I suspect that if more of us could take the time to get involved, we’d all be more pleased with the result. We’re living every day with good-humored optimism about the future.”
Others will talk about his years in government. Twenty years later, Bruce looked back on those years of public service:
“What observations do I have from this second career? That there is a direct correlation between the quality of government and the degree of public participation in the process. In another way, government needs all the help it can get. Elected officials and public employees cannot, by themselves, come up with the best answers to public concerns. Every experience I have had demonstrates again and again; good people contributing their time and talent are what makes government its best. We are the sine qua non for greatness in democracy.”
After retirement, Bruce began immersing himself in the nonprofit sector.
At his 50th reunion, Bruce noted, “Both Barbara and I have largely committed our time to working with several nonprofits, and will continue to do so. We strongly believe that these organizations serve to make the world a better and safer place by helping to transform people’s lives in positive ways.”
A curious mind, Bruce asked a lot of questions about nonprofits and their management. He understood who businesses were accountable to, and government, but who are nonprofits accountable to?
He came to define nonprofits in three categories: those that didn’t manage well and didn’t do much; good managers, but little real impact, and good managers and effective!
He got involved in organizations that were, to him, in that final category. These included the Children’s Home Society, NJ Public Policy Perspective, Coalition for the Public Good, and NJ Future.
Lucky for us, it also included Isles. Bruce and Barbara have both been extraordinary volunteer Board and committee members, as well as leaders at Isles. Bruce was on the Board until his illness last year.
Bruce was a disarming, funny, amiable force at Board meetings. He would then come out with the hard question – the challenging comment that no one else would put out there. He was not afraid to say too many things. If he found someone else out there doing something better, he would tell you. He thrived on that competitive banter.
He kept us on our toes. He spoke the truth as he saw it. That is the definition of a good Board member and a dear friend.
He was smart and experienced, but he also thought big. Bruce made no small plans.
But, it was Bruce’s sense of humor, and that boisterous laugh, that made those lofty goals easy and fun. A few weeks before he passed away, Liz and I were leaving a small party at their house. Liz spent a little longer hugging Bruce and saying goodbye. I then leaned down to give him a hug, and I noticed that mischievous grin. “I’m necking with your wife,” he whispered. I said, “What?” “I’m necking with your wife,” he could hardly talk.
Thanks to all the people who cared for Bruce. Thanks to those that have contributed to Isles in his name. Bruce felt well loved. Of course, thank you Barbara. When you entered his life, he opened to the world. The world benefited greatly. And thank you for opening up your home and your heart over the past year to so many of us who were lucky enough to experience the most important things – friends and family in common unity, community.
Bruce gave much of his time, talent and resources to Isles over many years. To honor his passion for the organization’s mission, his friendship and his contributions as an advisor and board member, Isles has announced the dedication of a wing at Mill One to Bruce.
The Bruce Coe Center for Energy and Environmental Training will provide “green-collar” job training and other employment services to underserved populations throughout the state of New Jersey. Trainees will learn how to perform energy audits and retrofits of homes and businesses, install solar panels and other technologies, and clean up environmental hazards.
Click here to donate in honor of Bruce or to support the Bruce Coe Center at Mill One.