Bruce William Rust, 63, of Bridgton, died on Friday, Sept. 27, 2019, at Gosnell Memorial Hospice House following a brief battle with lung cancer.

He was born in Beverly, Mass., the son of William W. Rust and the late Charlotte Susan (Blake) Rust. Bruce graduated from Gorham High School in 1974. He was a member of the G.H.S. New England soccer champions in 1972.

He married Valerie Chaisson Rust in December 1981, and settled in Sebago for 25 years before moving to Bridgton. His love for soccer and baseball continued with his three children while coaching their school teams in both Sebago and Bridgton recreation.

Bruce was a devoted father and loving husband, who worked hard to raise three college graduates while restoring his 1850s home. He enjoyed vegetable gardens and the challenge to keep deer and critters from devouring it all before harvest. He loved cooking on his smoker and was a master chef of smoked pork and chicken. His passion of cooking also included baking bread and specialty desserts. Bruce was also a member of Harmony Masonic Lodge in Gorham.

He is survived by his wife; his children, Allyson Chaar of Gorham, William J. Rust of Auburn, N.H., Michael Rust; two grandchildren; many siblings, in-laws, cousins and nieces and nephews, who all spent time with him during his final weeks.

Visiting hours will be from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 10, at the Windham Chapel of Dolby Blais & Segee, 434 River Road, Windham. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., on Friday, Oct. 11, at the First Parish Church, 1 Church Street, Gorham. To express condolences and to participate in Bruce's online tribute, please visit www.DolbyBlaisSegee.com

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of Southern Maine, 180 US Route One, Scarborough, ME 04074, or online at www.hospiceofsouthernmaine.org/give