Bruce Alden Palmer

Bruce Alden Palmer passed away peacefully at the age of 75 on March 24, 2025, at the Cleveland Clinic after a two-year battle with cancer.

Bruce was born March 26, 1949, in Lorain to the late Richard and Emma Palmer. In addition to his parents, Bruce was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Jan Palmer.

Surviving is his wife Sandy; son Todd (Hayley) Palmer; daughter Julie (Deron) Van Boxtel; grandchildren Austin, Ella, Finley, and Cameron; brothers Dave (Nancy) Palmer, Ron, and Rob (Janice) Palmer; and many nieces and nephews. Bruce was a 1967 graduate of Vermilion High School.

Bruce’s dedication, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit left a lasting impact on everyone who knew him. He spent his life designing, constructing, and operating golf courses, including Sycamore Hills in Norwalk, Willow Creek in Vermilion, and Thunderbird Hills in Huron. For nearly 50 years, he poured his heart into Thunderbird Hills Golf Course, where he not only built a thriving business but also met the love of his life, Sandy, his devoted wife of 53 years.

Bruce’s relentless work ethic and commitment to excellence led him to grow the pro shop into one of the top 100 golf shops in the country for nearly a decade in the late 1980s. In the early 1990s, he expanded his vision even further by designing and building the South Course and driving range, ensuring that Thunderbird Hills remained a beloved destination for golfers.

Beyond his work in golf, Bruce was always searching for the next great opportunity. He had a deep passion for researching and investing in the stock market, constantly learning and sharing his knowledge with anyone willing to listen. His mind was always turning, whether he was dreaming up new business ideas or fine-tuning investment strategies. When he wasn’t working, he cherished time vacationing with his family in Florida and the Virgin Islands, making lifelong memories in the places he loved most.

Bruce will be remembered as a hardworking, dedicated man who believed in doing things the right way and building something to be proud of. His legacy lives on in the courses he built, the knowledge he shared, and the love he poured into his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Foundation for Prader-Willi Research at Impact.fpwr.org/BrucePalmerMemorial.

Foster Funeral Home & Crematory, Huron, is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.fosterfh.com.

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