Bruce Sweeney

Bruce Sweeney grew up in Lewiston where he has been a businessman ever since returning home from flying jets as a captain in the Air Force. He graduated from the University of Idaho with a B.S. in Business. Serving in the Idaho Legislature for 20 years, Bruce earned an enviable reputation as a pragmatic problem solver. As an Assistant Democratic Leader in the House, and then as Democratic Leader in the Senate, he found ways to work across the aisle to advance the interests of all Idahoans. Since retiring from the legislature in 1998, he has served on the Idaho Transportation Board.

Bruce has been very active in community service, including serving in the Boy Scouts and Little League Baseball and serving as President of the Trinity Lutheran Church. He has been a board member of the University of Idaho Foundation, the Idaho Community Foundation, the Lutherhaven Church Camp, and the Youth Endowment for Activities Foundation for Idaho high schools.

A stand out athlete in track and field, he held school records for the University of Idaho in two events, had the best marks in the Air Force in 7 events, and competed in the 1956 U.S. Olympic Team tryouts in the 400 meter hurdles. Bruce is also a fine tenor who sings with a barbershop quartette and who served as choir director for the Trinity Lutheran Church. Bruce married Marilyn Evans in 1955. They are the proud parents of Mark, Emily, and Paul, and the proud grandparents of Chivonne, Ian, Anthony, and Austin.

Bruce Sweeney passed away on August 18, 2009.