BRUCE EDWARD MACLIN

Bruce Maclin (83) was born in Woodland California. His family lived in Placerville most of his life and he was educated in schools there from elementary grades through high school. Upon graduation from El Dorado High School in 1960 he attended U.C. Berkeley graduating in 1964 with a history major. He entered Boalt Hall Law School at Berkeley and cruised through Boalt graduating in 1967. He moved to Bakersfield in 1967 and began his professional career with Darling and Hugie Law Offices.

Bruce married his wife Laurie Darling Maclin in 1970. He had a career in Bakersfield business and law for over 40 years. He organized the San Joaquin Bank in 1979 and became the chairman of that Bank's board in 1980 and retired in 2008.

Bruce's family came to Placerville during the Gold Rush and began beverage businesses in both Placerville and Folsom during the 1840's. Throughout his life he was devoted to the history and memorabilia of the Gold Rush and of 19th Placerville California. Most of his lifelong pursuits centered around areas of intellectual interest: collecting rare books, ( especially historically significant books on Placerville and the Gold Country.) He collected "California Scene" art as well as antiques with his wife, Laurie and played very high level bridge several times a week. He received a great bridge honor recently by becoming a "Diamond Life Master" with the American Contract Bridge League. His eventful life included lots of travel and many visits with long time friends.

Bruce was very entertaining and as a raconteur he had a great sense of timing and dry wit. He could tell true stories of friends and events in an engaging, dramatic way that often ended with some surprising humorous punch line.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Laurie, his three nephews: Scott Ballman, wife, Cyndi, Eric Ballman, Bret Ballman, wife, Victoria, and brother in Laws: Todd Darling, wife, Linda, niece Lauren, nephew, Erin, and Jim Darling, wife, Nona, nieces: Danielle, Alexandra, and Grey.

The interment will be in the Placerville Union Cemetery in his family's ancestral plot. Donations can be sent in lieu of flowers to the Bakersfield Museum of Art or to the Placerville Historical Society.