PORTLAND — Bruce William Steeves, 70, passed away on June 8, 2011.

He was born in Somerville, Mass., on Jan. 19, 1941, the son of Ruth E. and E. Clayton Steeves. Bruce graduated from Acton Boxborough Regional High School in Acton, Mass. He had a long and successful career with John Hancock Mutual Life Insurance Company in Boston.

Bruce was a very creative person and enjoyed painting, traveling and gardening.

He and his partner, James Stevens, lived in the Back Bay section of Boston and lovingly restored their old home on Fayette Street. Bruce loved Boston and all it had to offer. His move to Portland was a difficult decision, but it brought him closer to family members and he enjoyed getting together with all of them.

Bruce was predeceased by his parents; his beloved and much missed life partner, James Stevens, after a relationship that lasted 43 years; and his brother, Earl C. Steeves.

He is survived by his sister, Priscilla Payne of Windham; a brother, David Steeves of Casco; seven nieces and nephews; as well as great-grandnephews and nieces.
A memorial service will be held in the Bigelow Chapel at 11 a.m. on Saturday, June 25, 2011, at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, 580 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, Mass. Arrangements are by Independent Death Care, 660 Brighton Avenue, Portland. To offer words of condolence, sign a guest book and share memories, go to the obituary page at www.independentdeathcare.com

In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to his church, which played a meaningful role in his life: Old South Church, 645 Boylston St., Boston, MA 02116-2882.