Grandfather, lawyer, U.S. Army veteran

Bruce Jordan Lance, Jr., was born December 26, 1930, and died August 30, at his home in Claremont, surrounded by his loved ones. He was married to Marilyn Ruth Baughman Lance for 68 years.

Bruce grew up in Davidson City, California, the third of five children. He spent his early years on a small family ranch in the Compton-Paramount area of Los Angeles. He attended Lynwood Academy and La Sierra University.

After briefly working in the family construction business, he continued his education at Compton College and earned his bachelor’s degree from Pacific Union College. He then pursued law school at Willamette University, College of Law, but his studies were interrupted when he was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After completing his service, he returned to school and graduated from Loyola University College of Law in 1960.

He began his legal career as a deputy district attorney in San Bernardino, California. He later became a partner at the Ontario law firm of Vinnedge, Lance & Glenn, specializing in family and water law. His dedication to his profession and community was evident as he served as counsel for the Monte Vista Water District for more than four decades. Additionally, he was president of the Western San Bernardino Bar Association and the Montclair Kiwanis Club.

On April 1, 1956, he married Marilyn in Compton. She was a registered nurse, and graduated from Loma Linda University. She also made significant contributions in her career, working in her father’s medical office and as a school nurse in Pomona Unified School District. They had one child, Carol Lance Gafney, a mathematics and digital media teacher in Palm Springs. The couple cherished their 59 years in their Claremont home and enjoyed spending time at their Lake Arrowhead residence.

He is survived by his wife Marilyn; their daughter Carol and her spouse, Thomas Gafney; grandchildren Katherine, Brian, and Connor Gafney; and his brother and law partner, Harold J. Lance, of Spokane, Washington.

He was predeceased by his parents and by sisters Ruth Bergman, Helen Moor, and Patricia Fritz.

He was a devoted member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, and his commitment to service and dedication to his community and family will be dearly remembered and greatly missed.