On May 19, 2016, Mark Thomas of the Lieutenant Governor’s office and UServeUtah presented the Power of Service Award to Bruce Draper at the Utah State Capitol. Though Bruce passed away earlier that year on February 7, his legacy of service lives on, and his wife, Kayelene, accepted the award on his behalf.
For the past decade, Bruce Draper had been a dedicated volunteer to numerous organizations across Cache County, including Community Nursing Services, Bridgerland Literacy, Cache County Jail, the English Language Center, and the American West Center. His efforts made a lasting impact on the lives of countless individuals, from inmates learning math and job skills, to refugees mastering English, to hospice patients receiving comfort and companionship.
Those who worked alongside Bruce were consistently impressed by his humble, focused approach to service. He didn’t seek recognition—his goal was to help each organization fulfill its mission within the community.
As a hospice volunteer, Bruce’s dependability stood out. He regularly visited patients, some of whom had no other visitors, offering them quiet company or conversation, whatever they needed most. A staff member at Community Nursing Services recalled how Bruce would spend time with patients who simply wanted someone there, even if it meant sitting in silence.
Bruce Draper’s selfless work has left an enduring legacy. Thanks to his efforts, many citizens and refugees in Cache County can now read, write, and do basic math—skills that have empowered them to build brighter futures. His impact is still felt today, with Kayelene continuing to volunteer at the organizations he supported, keeping the spirit of service alive.
Bruce’s story reminds us that true service comes from the heart. His unwavering dedication has left a lasting mark on the community, and we honor him for the countless lives he touched.