Bruce MacGregor

Bruce MacGregor of Wolfeboro, New Hampshire, age 87, passed away on November 16th, 2024. He was surrounded by his loving family. He had bravely faced numerous health conditions all the while never losing his sense of humor 

Bruce was born in Boston, Massachusetts in September of 1937, the youngest of three sons of Forbes MacGregor and Elizabeth Clarke MacGregor. He attended school in Falmouth, Massachusetts, graduating from Lawrence High School in 1955. Bruce attended Harvard University, where he graduated in 1959 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics. After Harvard, Bruce served in the Navy for seven years, reaching the rank of Lieutenant. He served on a Naval Destroyer and was stationed on the USS Davis off the coast of Cuba during the Cuban Missile Crisis. He earned the nickname: “The Big Bopper” for his dance moves. In 1964, Bruce married his beautiful wife of 58 years, Barbara Whiting. While in the Navy, he and Barbara were stationed in both Newport, Rhode Island and Athens, Georgia. After his service he moved to Waterville Maine to enter civilian life working for Scott Paper Company. He was given numerous opportunities based out of Wilbraham, Massachusetts and then on to West Chester, Pennsylvania, where he was the Controller of International Operations at the Philadelphia headquarters. After working for Scott Paper for twenty-one years, he transitioned to James River Company and moved to Amherst, Massachusetts. 

In 1994, Barbara and Bruce fulfilled their lifelong dream of buying a home on Lake Winnipesaukee in Wolfeboro, NH residing in Winter Harbor. Bruce opened up a small accounting and financial consulting firm named Ledger Plus in town and Barbara assisted him in his practice. He worked well past the age of retirement. It was not until he was 78 years old that he decided: “it might be time to retire.”

When asked if he had not been an Accountant, what profession he would be, he replied “a chef”. His family was able to reap the benefits of his great cooking. He also enjoyed eating good food and was known for politely saying “it’s interesting” when his daughters cooked him something he was not a fan of. 

Bruce was a person of strong Christian faith and values. He was a member of First Christian Church of Wolfeboro for many years. Bruce could be heard singing in his baritone voice a solo piece or with the choir. He was also a member of the Church Council and its Historical Society.

Bruce was an avid history buff. He spent many an hour researching the family genealogy. He was a proud member of the N.H. Clan Gregor Society. 

Bruce was an animal lover. Barbara and Bruce were one of the founders of the Waterville Maine Area Humane Society, which celebrated 50 years of humane service in 2021. They always had multiple cats and dogs. At one time in Amherst, when no additional foster homes were available there were 14 cats in the MacGregor home! Along with the animals inside the house, he also enjoyed making sure that the birds around his home were always well fed. He worked hard making sure they were getting more food than the squirrels. 

Bruce was predeceased by his wife of 58 years Barbara (Whiting) MacGregor. He is survived by his two daughters and their husbands: Dr. Carol and Mr. Manuel Barba Jr. of Rye, NH, and Ms. Laurie and Mr. Blaise Beakes of Rollinsford, NH. He is also survived by eight grandchildren: Immanuel, Benjamin, Izaiah, Sarah Grace, Zacchais Barba and DeVonn Wilson-Miles, Bailey and Leila Beakes. They were his pride and joy. He passed on his legacy to his grandchildren through long talks of family stories accompanied with exotic cheeses, crackers and a nice glass of scotch. His grandchildren will forever have the memories of learning to play card games and enjoying his relaxing informative boat tours. He was an inspiration who will forever be in their hearts. 

** He is also survived by brother-in-law Dr. Richard D. and Suzanne D. Whiting of West Lebanon, NH and by his beloved nieces and nephews: Debra, Glenn, and John Forbes MacGregor and Heather MacGregor Shult.

Please help us celebrate Bruce at a Memorial Service in the late Spring. The details will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to the Lakes Region Humane Society, PO Box 655, Ossipee, NH 03864.

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