I’m so sorry for the loss of Bruce. He was a bright light and the world is a bit darker without him here.

My sincere condolences for your loss. In a year of working with Bruce here at USNATO, I never observed him without a smile on his face- no matter how gloomy the weather. His consistently positive attitude was appreciated by all with whom he came in contact. Reading this obituary, it is clear he brought the same enthusiasm and cheer in to all his relationships and pursuits. Thinking of Bruce’s family and close friends at this difficult time.

Bruce was a bright light here in the U.S. Mission to NATO. He never let the stress of our mission here get to him. Instead, he lifted up all his colleagues with his laugh, great stories, and his smile. He made everyone feel appreciated and heard. He is deeply missed. Condolences to his wife Judy and his wider family.

Julie Smith
Ambassador, U.S. Mission to NATO

Bruce Dicker was my brother in the Lord, my friend and someone who earned my love as a great person. When Bruce first started to attend The Apostolic Bible Church he was in a motorcycle accident I visited him in the hospital. All the doctors and nurses I saw got along and liked Bruce. It was the first time I prayed for Bruce alone.. When I found out Bruce was gonna marry best friend and sister by another mother Judy Wasmundt I was very happy for them. When I expressed my feelings to Bruce I added that I liked Judy’s other dummy Randy Dandy better than her new one. (Judy and her dummy Randy Dandy had a Children’s ministry). During one his ministry/magic shows Bruce asked me to come up and help him, which I did. He had a rat trap I had a few just like that at home. Bruce set the trap off several times he would string the trap with a piece of wood, it almost snapped the wood. Bruce asked me if I trusted him I said I did he asked me this question several more times then told me to put my hand in the rat trap and set off the trigger. I looked at Bruce and almost put my right hand in the trap then pulled it out saying just in case and tripped the trigger with my left hand and nothing happened. There was some way he could disarm the trap. But Bruce was an excellent preacher, I really enjoyed his messages. I still find it hard to except the fact that Bruce is not with us on God’s green grass. But I plan on seeing Bruce again when on that glorious day when Jesus comes back to claim his bride. 1 Thess 4:16 For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: 17 Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. 18 Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
KJV
One picture of Bruce sitting on Judy’s lap. (almost)

I was shocked to hear about the passing Bruce and certainly want to share some memories and praise.
This was a person who made a significant contribution to our diplomatic work abroad.
I have often heard the phrase, “His life was beyond the normal” 0r something like this. Such a remark is frequently merely a polite comment, but in Bruce’s case, especially in the last 17 or so years, his life was anything but ordinary or normal. This was a person who served as a contractor at our missions abroad in Moscow, Kabul, Shanghai and Brussels–frequently in a hostile or high-stress environment. I knew him during my tour in Shanghai (2010-13), where we would frequently see each other in the hallways, go out to lunch (I remember us going to various hole-in-the-wall establishments for lunch–many colleagues wouldn’t be brave enough to patronize such places, but Bruce was). I knew that whenever I bounced a problem off Bruce to hear his thoughts, he would come back with a commonsensical suggestion. We also socialized outside the office. We kept in touch after I departed Shanghai, since we shared interests in history and coin-collecting.
I wish Bruce had entered the State Department or Defense Department (or take your pick of any department) at an early age, as he had a unique ability to cope with any environment or difficulties, while maintaining an admirable sang froid. Regarding the latter, many people are said to possess this trait, but few really do.
He was characterized by a wonderful sense of humor–as many of the other people above have commented–but he also could capture an audience on the street instantly by pulling a rose out of the ear of someone at a flea market, or at a social event. Of course I’m referring here to his talents as a magician. But his magic didn’t end with tricks and sleights-of-hand. He exemplified the adage, “Always remember the big picture.” In other words, he wasn’t knocked off-balance by peripheral difficulties.
He could also do a rendering on his guitar of any standard rock song that Secretary of State Blinken might envy.
As a so-called “China hand,” I marveled more than once at his ability to capture the attention of and secure the goodwill of any crowd, without even knowing any of the language. “He’s doing a better job at promoting good relations than most ambassadors,” I said–but of course, I didn’t say this too loudly. And this comes around to the point that when you’re working overseas, everybody is an ambassador for the U.S.–whether you want to be or not. Bruce was a very effective one. Thanks amigo.

Though my time knowing Bruce was short, he always had a smile and a quick wit about him when he stopped by to chat. I recall interrupting his mid morning snack and he offered me his, which I politely refrained. That is the type of man he was; caring, sharing, compassionate, funny, knowledgeable, and persistent. He is missed.