Congratulations Bruce Countryman, a Community Hero!

Bruce and his wife, Katie Countryman, at a fundraising event for a local charity. February 2019.

Sunriver Resort, in recognition of how tough 2020 has been on Oregon communities, launched “For the Love of Community Heroes” campaign and invited community members to privately nominate their Oregon heroes.

They received hundreds of submissions and have awarded Bruce Countryman, from Forest Grove, an outstanding Oregon Hero, stating “We are so grateful for people like you, who continuously impact the community in a positive way.”

As a winner, Bruce will receive a complimentary two-night stay at Sunriver Resort for some well-earned time to relax & unwind, amidst all the beauty Central Oregon offers.

Here is the nomination story, submitted by staff members at West Tuality Habitat for Humanity, nominating Bruce for recognition:

Bruce Countryman, April 2021, managing the construction of three units of affordable housing at West Tuality Habitat for Humanity’s Kidd Court project.

Bruce is an incredible volunteer.

He is the volunteer construction manager for West Tuality Habitat for Humanity, where he has been an active volunteer on the construction team for five years. Since taking the helm as construction manager, he has overseen the construction of five homes to date, with three more breaking ground this month.

Bruce is an incredibly talented master craftsman. His fine art wooden containers and sculptural pieces have been featured at Valley Art Association, another place where Bruce volunteers his time, talent and treasure.

He is very involved in his local church, serves as a volunteer to the city Forestry Board, and in his spare time, partners with his wife Katie to care for their young grandchildren so their parents can work during covid. Bruce is also often found puttering around the neighborhood, helping neighbors with deck rails that need straightening, fence boards that need tightening, and a thousand other small daily kindnesses.

Bruce is kind, patient, generous, and has a wonderful, warm, sweet disposition that makes him a joy to work beside, in any capacity. Bruce is the very epitome of a Community Hero, and is very deserving of such an honor. That is, if his humility doesn't keep him from accepting it!