Bruce MacLaren passed away surrounded by his family in Richmond, Ky., on March 17, 2021.

Bruce was born on July 13, 1943, in Austin, Minn., to Catherine (Henriksen) and Warren MacLaren.

Bruce graduated from Austin High School in 1961. Bruce matriculated to Luther College in Decorah, Iowa, and graduated cum laude in 1965. Bruce went on to attend graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, earning a master's degree in 1967. Bruce completed his Ph.D. in the history of science discipline and with co-author Girard Etzkorn published a book based in part on his dissertation in 2015.

Coming to Eastern Kentucky University in 1969, Bruce began his teaching career as an Assistant Professor of Physical Science in the Natural Science Department. Bruce went on to become the chair of the Natural Science Department for 20 years. In 2000, Bruce founded the EKU Chautauqua Lecture Series and directed the program for its first 10 years. Bruce was a founding member of the EKU Honors Program. Bruce was nominated for a Golden Apple Award, received two Distinguished Education Leader Awards and is a recipient of a Golden Key from the National Honor Society. During his distinguished career in higher education, Bruce was known as a creative and caring teacher who delighted in the company of students and colleagues.

Outside of academics, Bruce participated in the Outward Bound program and the Boy Scouts of America and loved canoeing in the Boundary Waters near Ely, Minn. Bruce lettered in wrestling and football in both high school and college. At the age of 50, Bruce became interested in karate and went on to earn a brown belt.

Bruce is survived by his wife Marcia (Norland) MacLaren ‘65, his son John MacLaren ‘89 (Mary Ann), his daughter Heather MacLaren, his sister Sue MacLaren (Jensen), his brother-in-law Stephen Norland ‘69 (Susan (Morrison) Norland ‘69), and many nieces and nephews.

Bruce was preceded in death by his beloved parents Warren and Catherine and his sister Judith.

The family suggests memorials to the following organizations: EKU Honors Program, Alzheimer's Association, St. Thomas Lutheran Church (Richmond, Kentucky), Hospice Care Plus (Berea, Kentucky), Compassionate Care Center (Richmond, Kentucky).

In ministerium dei scientia et sapientia.