Bruce Arthur Lape

Apr 25, 1939 -

Aug 2, 2026

Alaska outdoorsman, fisherman and accomplished bush pilot, Bruce Arthur Lape died with his loving children by his side. Born in Albany, N.Y., he fell in love with the wilderness, spending many happy summers with his family camping at Schroon Lake.

In 1965, after completing a bachelor's and teaching credential, he and his first wife Silvia and their two children, Scott and Kristen, moved to Chico, Calif., where he taught fifth grade, earned an M.A. in psychology, and hunted and fished the rivers of Sacramento Valley.

California became too tame, so in 1970, Bruce migrated north and began his life-long connection to Alaska. Bruce's gregarious, kind nature made him a popular counselor at Anchorage's Service High School and enabled him to pursue his dreams of flying, hunting, fishing and spending summers with his children in the wild country that he loved. In 1977, Bruce started Lape Fish Co., a commercial set-net salmon fishery near the Kasilof River.

In 1989, Bruce married the love of his life, Mary (nee Rohrbough). They were partners in many adventures, running Lape Fish Co., flying all over Alaska, back and forth to California, quiet times on Shirley Lake and spending time in Hawaii, Oregon, and Arizona.

In 1991, Bruce and Mary pursued another dream, becoming almond farmers in Chico, where they visited, to be closer to their children and dear friend/ex-wife Silvia and her husband Vincent. Alaska was the place closest to Bruce's heart, caring for friends and family and living in their log cabin on the bluff.

Adored by family and friends, Bruce was known for his legendary barbecued salmon, picking out jazz tunes on the piano, cranking up the woodstove, sharing nature with anyone who wanted to learn and enjoying a good scotch on the deck as he fed his pet squirrel almonds from his orchard.

Bruce Lape is survived by his lovely wife, Mary; children, Scott Lape (Theresa) and Kristen Lape (Warren); stepchildren, John Hellen (Rochene) and Kristin Farnham (Doug); and brothers-in-law, Philip Rohrbough, Ron Pisano and Roy Langwig. He was predeceased by his brother, Walter Lape; sister, Janice Langwig; stepson, James (Jim) MacRae; and grandson, Michael Schrandt.

Bruce will be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Henry (Kayla), Julia (Kaleb), Jack (Mia), Peter (Clara), Max, Aidan (Emily), Hanna and Taylor; and nieces, Jennifer and Susan. Tales of joyous and wild adventures with their grandpa will be shared with his newest great-granddaughter, Wendy, and future generations.

In lieu of flowers, donations are welcome to Alaska Mountain Rescue Group, amrg.org.