Obituary for Bruce Thomas Cartwright
Bruce Thomas Cartwright, 72, died on Friday, July 3, 2020 at Community Hospice House in Merrimack. He was born on November 19, 1947 in Honolulu, Hawaii, son of the late Philip Cartwright and Lois Cook.
He was the beloved domestic partner and best friend of Cheryl Harper. They were together since October 8, 2011.
Bruce served his Country with pride as a member of the US Air Force from 1971 to 1975 and remaining in the US Air Force Reserves through 2005, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. He received USAF OTS/Pilot Training and also attended Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio and the University of Puget in Washington. His career away from the military was spent working as a pilot for Delta Airlines from 1978 through 2004.
As his career would reflect, Bruce was a brilliant pilot who absolutely loved flying. He also loved being in the mountains as well as at the beach. His hobbies included skiing, hiking, fishing, gardening, and traveling. He was a dedicated runner until he was unable to run, at which point he walked 4 miles daily regardless of 9 or 90 degree weather. He was also an avid reader until Alzheimers presented.
Along with his loving partner Cheryl, he is survived by a niece, Nicole Hernandez; nephew, Barry Cartwright; step-sister, Josette Gamble; cousin, Nancy Goldberg; great-nephew, Raphael Hernandez; and a great-niece, Pascale Cartwright.
SERVICES: A Military service will be held in New Hampshire, as well as a family memorial service in California at a future date when large numbers of people can once again gather safely.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Bruce's name be made to either Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054, or Harbor Homes, Inc., 45 High Street, Nashua, NH 03060.
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When Tomorrow Starts Without Me...
by: David M. Romano
When tomorrow starts without me
And I’m not there to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We did not get to say
I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
And each time that you think of me
I know you’ll miss me too
But when tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
And said my place was ready
In Heaven far above
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly loved
But when I walked through Heaven’s gates
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me
From His great golden throne
He said this is eternity
And all I promised you
Today your life on earth is past
But here it starts anew
So when tomorrow starts without me
Don’t think we’re far apart
For every time you think of me
I’m right here in your heart
He was the beloved domestic partner and best friend of Cheryl Harper. They were together since October 8, 2011.
Bruce served his Country with pride as a member of the US Air Force from 1971 to 1975 and remaining in the US Air Force Reserves through 2005, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel. He received USAF OTS/Pilot Training and also attended Baldwin Wallace University in Ohio and the University of Puget in Washington. His career away from the military was spent working as a pilot for Delta Airlines from 1978 through 2004.
As his career would reflect, Bruce was a brilliant pilot who absolutely loved flying. He also loved being in the mountains as well as at the beach. His hobbies included skiing, hiking, fishing, gardening, and traveling. He was a dedicated runner until he was unable to run, at which point he walked 4 miles daily regardless of 9 or 90 degree weather. He was also an avid reader until Alzheimers presented.
Along with his loving partner Cheryl, he is survived by a niece, Nicole Hernandez; nephew, Barry Cartwright; step-sister, Josette Gamble; cousin, Nancy Goldberg; great-nephew, Raphael Hernandez; and a great-niece, Pascale Cartwright.
SERVICES: A Military service will be held in New Hampshire, as well as a family memorial service in California at a future date when large numbers of people can once again gather safely.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Bruce's name be made to either Community Hospice House, 7 Executive Park Drive, Merrimack, NH 03054, or Harbor Homes, Inc., 45 High Street, Nashua, NH 03060.
-------
When Tomorrow Starts Without Me...
by: David M. Romano
When tomorrow starts without me
And I’m not there to see
If the sun should rise and find your eyes
All filled with tears for me
I wish so much you wouldn’t cry
The way you did today
While thinking of the many things
We did not get to say
I know how much you love me
As much as I love you
And each time that you think of me
I know you’ll miss me too
But when tomorrow starts without me
Please try to understand
That an angel came and called my name
And took me by the hand
And said my place was ready
In Heaven far above
And that I’d have to leave behind
All those I dearly loved
But when I walked through Heaven’s gates
I felt so much at home
When God looked down and smiled at me
From His great golden throne
He said this is eternity
And all I promised you
Today your life on earth is past
But here it starts anew
So when tomorrow starts without me
Don’t think we’re far apart
For every time you think of me
I’m right here in your heart