Bruce D. Phetteplace

Bruce D. Phetteplace, 66, of Lyon Brook Road, and lifelong resident of Norwich, went to be with his guide, savior, and friend, the Lord Jesus Christ, on July 13, 2018. Bruce died at his home with his loving family by his side.

Born on June 18, 1952, Bruce was the son of Donald and Virginia (Aldrich) Phetteplace. He was one of their five children. In his youth, he helped his family manage their farm, which evolved into a love of all things outdoors. Bruce was a 1971 graduate of Norwich High School, and immediately thereafter began his successful career in multiple business endeavors.

Bruce was a Ginseng dealer, logger, fur dealer, and loved to grow fruits and vegetables. He helped in the construction of 38 homes in the area, including his own home, which Bruce designed himself and almost entirely constructed from wood harvested from his property. Bruce had artistic talent in many mediums and was a collector of stones and Native American artifacts. Bruce was skilled as a trapper and hunter, and would go on to travel as far as New Zealand and South Africa for hunting expeditions. His love and appreciation of all of the earth’s resources -- God’s creations -- was clearly evident when in Bruce’s presence and his surroundings.

Bruce was also a devoted and active member of his church, the Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church (cvfree), in Norwich, and he led many to Christ. He served on cvfree’s board of administrators, the board of trustees, the pastor’s cabinet, and he represented cvfree as a delegate at various church conferences. He sang in the church’s “Praise Team,” was a “Growth Group” leader, and was happy to share how God worked in his life. Through Jesus, Bruce saved so many lives, in both a physical and spiritual sense.

On February 14, 1992, at the First Baptist Church, in Norwich, Bruce married the love of his life, his adored partner, most trusted confidante, and best friend, Joyce Westervelt, who survives. He is also survived by his sons, Benjamin Phetteplace and David Westervelt, and his wife, Jen; beloved grandsons, Drew and Dean Westervelt; siblings, Charlotte DesRoches, Phillip (Jeanette) Phetteplace, Christopher (Kahara) Phetteplace, and Janet Pidgeon; many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his loving church family. In addition to his parents, Bruce was predeceased by his brothers-in-law, Paul DesRoches and Terry Pidgeon.

A memorial service for Bruce will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 4, 2018, at Bruce’s home away from home, the Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church, where Rev. Jen Westervelt, pastor, will co-officiate with Rev. Dwayne Durand. Friends are invited to calling hours at the church from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service. At the convenience of the family, Bruce’s remains will become one with his beloved property.

Please consider a contribution in Bruce’s memory to Canasawacta Valley Free Methodist Church, 4299 State Hwy. 23, Norwich, NY 13815, or Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 21 Hayes St., Norwich, NY 13815.