Santa Barbara Winemakers.
From the Santa Barbara Newspress
Obituaries
VANDALE, Bruce Evan
February 24, 2006 9:22 AM
57, of Santa Ynez, CA did not pass away on February 20, 2006 but passed the rest of us up.
Born April 7, 1948 in Pittsburgh Pennsylvania to Elsie Hetherington and Ernest Vandale Jr., Bruce is survived by the following family members: wife Elizabeth Ann Vandale (Santa Ynez, CA): son Andrew Evan Vandale (Santa Barbara, CA): stepdaughters Joan Trebbow (Buellton, CA) and Kelly Elizabeth Williams (Ladera Ranch, CA): mother Elsie Vandale (Glendora, CA): siblings Alan Hetherington (Valley Springs, CA), Robert Ernest (Santa Cruz, CA) and Jeanne Ellen Vandale (Fontana, CA): plus all the friends across the globe that he ever met.
Bruce came from the country but felt at home everywhere. Growing up in Allison Park (PA) he roamed the forest of western Pennsylvania with his older brother Alan. As precocious country children they would rise by 5:00am, check their trap lines for opossums then run through the snow (uphill both ways) to catch their school bus. Bruce later would have experiences that many people only read about in books.
In 1961 the Vandale family moved to Glendora, CA. Bruce joined the Glendora High School marching band and in uncharacteristic fashion chose the relative obscurity of the band’s trombone section. Typical of the intended trajectory of his fate - he was plucked out of the brass section and asked to lead the marching band as their drum master. Bruce quickly became the one to beat in statewide marching band competitions. His mother, Elsie, made his kilt and jacket to go with the caber, sporran and headdress to lead the Glendora Tartan Band to numerous victories. Bruce also found a steady job doing landscape work before this time, which would literally “plant the seed” for one of his future adult passions - growing grapes. Like his father, Bruce never tired of planting and nurturing his growing things.
After high school Bruce spent a year at Humboldt State College before joining the Navy in 1969. He was assigned during the Vietnam War to the first Communications command Vessel, the Blueridge, as a radioman serving three years in the Pacific. After the war Bruce attended the prestigious Brooks Institute in Montecito, acquiring a degree in his newest passion - photography. In 1981 Bruce and his first wife Judy became the parents of Andrew Evan. Photography jobs did not readily materialize and it was a difficult time for the couple. He and Judy amicably divorced. At about the same time Bruce was asked to join friends who were starting a magazine named “Showboats”. Photography, graphic layout and promoting new advertising were among his roles in the nascent venture. His good luck continued when he met Beth. They were married in 1984 and purchased their first home in Hope Ranch.
After several years it became apparent his greatest skills were in sales and his career was firmly established. He became the West Coast Advertising Editor of “Showboats”. He attended boat shows all over the world and came to know and be known by many people. But Bruce was not yet satisfied.
Bruce and Beth moved from Hope Ranch to Santa Ynez where they began building a ranch nicknamed the “B&B Ranch” on a 12-acre hilltop. From a house on a hill with minimal landscaping it grew to a compound with vineyards, a pool and a multitude of trees. Parties were numerous and there was always someone visiting, but starting in 1990 it was his passion for his Italian-style sangiovese grapes, grown and produced under the Vandale Vineyards label, that became yet another driving force in his life. With Bruce the vineyard guy and marketing/distribution guru and Beth the sales and fulfillment expert, together they created a distinguished brand name in the growing Santa Ynez wine appellation. (If Bruce were writing this, he would now list the outlets where you can purchase a bottle or two.)
Most people here knew Bruce by his involvement in Showboats or Vandale Vineyards, which took off immediately. So much of the success of the projects Bruce became involved in was due to his enormous willpower and integrity but Bruce would insist an acknowledgment be added for his appreciation of all the contributions of others - and Bruce knew so many people. He remembered people’s names, what they were doing the last time he spoke to them, where they were from and information about their families. His door was always open. Everyone was part of Bruce’s family.
Today the ranch is a testament to the endless drive Bruce had to create a perfect spot. The number of people Bruce and Beth entertained is in the thousands. Their events were frequent and typically huge. The house felt like a comfortable but luxurious Bed and Breakfast as much as their home. Their circle of friend constantly expanded.
Bruce Vandale was the biggest figure in many people’s lives. He traveled the world, met people from all walks of life and befriended everyone along the way. His energy was astonishing. His love was boundless. His creativity endless. He accomplished so much and planned to do much more. He never gave up and didn’t believe there was any challenge he couldn’t meet. He worked on new projects until his last day. Where most people fear death, it is actually living life they are most afraid of. Bruce was definitely not afraid to live. It is with great hope that you had the pleasure of meeting him.
A private service will be held on Saturday, February 25. A public celebration of his life will be held on Friday, April 7 - his birthday, at the “B&B” Ranch.
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