Bruce Alan Yates

May 13, 1948 -

Aug 2, 2025

Bruce Yates of Gulf Breeze, Fla., died on Aug. 2, 2025. He was born on May 13, 1948, to Sam and Jeannette Yates in Philadelphia, Pa. After high school and a stint with the National Guard, he moved west in search of adventures. After several years in California, he came to Alaska in 1975, living in Kodiak, Girdwood, and Anchoragem until his move to Florida in 1998.

Bruce worked as a counselor, lumberjack, welder, teacher, taxi driver, remote census worker, owner of multiple businesses, small-plane pilot, political activist, sea captain, real estate agent, jungle and sugar-sands tour guide. He was a heartfelt man who wouldn't back down from a good debate!

To those who knew him best, Bruce was an all-around good man, with deep integrity, a strong commitment to justice and an unwavering desire to help others, especially struggling young people.

Bruce's life was filled with harrowing worldwide adventures, from deep jungles to distant deserts, the remote Arctic and small plane and sailing escapades. He was an innovator with business ideas ahead of his time. Bruce developed a successful Alaska "teens as trainers" program, considered radical in the 1980s. He started a telephone-counseling business in the 90s with two dozen licensed therapists available 24/7, but insurance companies weren't ready to reimburse. Once in Florida, he created a therapeutic first responder program to help accident victims and survivors being treated by police and firefighters.

He met his former wife, Becky Judd, while teaching prevention and health promotion workshops in rural Alaska. They were married on top of Mt. Alyeska and spent 15 years working and traveling the world together. They parted ways with his Florida departure, but always remained the closest of friends.

In Florida, he got his boat captain license so he could assist with the response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. Bruce spent months sailing along the Florida coast and in the Bahamas on his trimaran. With his dog, "Budreaux" as second mate, he started an eco-tours business visiting deserted islands in the Santa Rosa Sound.

Bruce leaves his family and many close friends across the country. His motto was "Find ways to help others and be thankful for what you have." Being that "supportive adult" for youth with challenges was a consistent theme in his life.

His legacy remains in our hearts and actions, inspiring us to "pay it forward." If you would like to donate in his name, consider supporting your local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters.

A celebration of his life will be held in Florida on Oct. 5, 2025.