By the time this President’s Message is published, most of you are already aware that AWCI and the industry has lost one of its prominent and respected members. Bruce Miller passed away Jan. 19, 2019.
Bruce diligently served AWCI for over 48 years. He was a past president and Pinnacle Award winner. A close friend of many AWCI members, Bruce was a true mentor and friend of mine.
The term “legacy” is often misused, but Bruce leaves behind a very real legacy for all those people who were fortunate to have been a part of his life. Bruce had strong ethics that others would want to emulate, both in business and their personal lives. Everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Bruce will remember his booming voice and his John Wayne–like stature. He was larger than life, a man who stood out in a crowd.
I met Bruce over 25 years ago through AWCI. I was fortunate enough to be on the AWCI Business Forum Group number 2 with Bruce, which was established in 2000. It was a year after he received the prestigious Pinnacle Award. He went on to become president of AWCI in 2004. He was an inspiration to many, and we at the AWCI owe much to Bruce for his work with the organization.
However much you like your work, when all is said and done, it is the people who you meet and come to know that really matters. Colleagues like Bruce are very special, and not many leave such a lasting impression.
He will be missed.
In addition to being 2018–2019 president of the Association of the Wall and Ceiling Industry, Jerry Smith is president of Baker Drywall Austin, Ltd.
