Bruce Wade Asai, 76, of Albuquerque, N.M., died unexpectedly Monday, March 19, in Eugene, Ore.
Bruce was born in Boston, Mass., on June 6, 1941 to Sim L. and Winifred C. Asai, the second of their three children. As an “army brat,” he lived in Japan and Germany, and finished growing up in Virginia, outside of Washington, DC.
He attended Virginia Polytechnic Institute and graduated with a degree in electrical engineering in 1964. Following graduation, he settled in Southern California, where he was employed for 14 years as an engineer for Hughes Aircraft, working on satellite systems.
At age 34, Bruce became a follower of the Indian teacher Guru Maharahji and he remained closely associated with the Maharahji’s mission for the remainder of his life. He also associated himself with the Bahá’í Faith.
Over the next 40 years, Bruce lived in Malibu, Portland, St. Louis, Mo., and finally, Albuquerque. During this time, he was married for a short period to Penny.
“Bruce loved the outdoors and enjoyed hiking the hills near his homes,” a loved one recalled. “He was an avid beach volleyball player and loved tennis as well. He was thoroughly an engineer and was forever tinkering with computers, audio equipment and varieties of electronics. He was also a voracious consumer of audio books on all topics.”
Bruce is survived by his younger brother, Peter Asai, and a goddaughter, Sheena Britetella of Glendale, CA. He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, David Greene.
“He will be missed by his family and many friends,” a loved one said.
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