Bruce Charles Gould, 85, of Woodstock, passed away peacefully on March 29, 2026, after a long and courageous battle with multiple system atrophy, surrounded by the family he loved so deeply.
To the world, he was Bruce Gould. But to his family — and especially to his grandchildren — he was simply “Bubba,” a name that captured the warmth, love, and steady presence he brought to their lives.
Bruce was born on Nov. 9, 1940, in Claremont, N.H., to Howard and Alice Gould. He was raised in Woodstock alongside his brother, Howard (“Toppy”), who predeceased him, and his sister, Nancy (Gould) Bebo. Together, they shared a close-knit upbringing that extended into a lifetime of strong family ties across generations.
The extended Bebo family remained an important and lasting part of Bruce’s life, including Nancy and Nelson’s children — Nel, Todd, Stacy, and Deanna — and their families, all of whom shared in the close bonds and memories that defined those years.
A 1958 graduate of Woodstock Union High School, Bruce went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Navy. Following his service, he worked for New England Telephone before entering the life insurance business and eventually building a long and successful career in insurance and real estate. In 1972, he established his own business, which continued for decades under Gould & Quinn, LTD, doing business as Gould Realtors.
Bruce and his wife, Patricia Ann Gould (Quinn), built a life grounded in hard work, respect, and deep commitment to family. Together, they became well known throughout the Woodstock area not only for their professional success, but for the way they carried themselves — with integrity, professionalism, and quiet pride.
Bruce was widely respected in his field. He was named Realtor of the Year and went on to serve as President of the Vermont Association of Realtors, along with leadership roles at the county and national levels. His career was not just about business — it was about relationships, trust, and doing things the right way.
His impact on the Woodstock community was lasting and significant. Over the years, Bruce dedicated himself to public service, contributing his time and leadership to numerous organizations, including the Woodstock Town School Board, Planning Commission, Rotary Club, Woodstock Foundation, and many others. He served as Town Moderator for decades, guiding meetings with fairness, calm authority, and respect for all voices.
He was, at his core, a quiet man. It is hard to recall a time he ever raised his voice. But when he did speak, people listened. He led not by volume, but by consistency, thoughtfulness, and example.
Bruce was a worker in every sense — often in a suit and tie throughout his career — but just as often found on weekends cutting firewood, working around the house, and staying busy. He believed in
responsibility, in showing up, and in taking care of what mattered.
His generation knew how to do things the right way, and Bruce lived that every day. He did absolutely everything for his family. He sacrificed without hesitation and always put his family — both immediate and extended — before himself. That was simply who he was.
Some of the most meaningful moments of his life were spent at Robert’s Roost on Highland Lake in New Hampshire, where his family gathered alongside the Bebos and the Doubledays. Even as recently as last year, Bruce was able to return to the camp and sit peacefully by the lake with his family. Though his voice had been taken from him, his presence spoke volumes.
He also cherished time spent in Florida with his lifelong best friend, Jack Henderson, and Jack’s wife, Barb. Their friendship spanned decades—riding motorcycles and simply enjoying time together whenever they could. Beyond Jack, Bruce was fortunate to have a circle of lifelong friends — men he considered brothers — whose shared history, loyalty, and time together meant a great deal to him throughout his life.
Later in life, especially around retirement, Bruce found a deep appreciation for golf. He often said he never played enough and always wished he had more time for it. Some of his most meaningful moments were simple Sunday afternoons spent on the course with his son Tim. He also looked forward every single week to family dinners at his daughter Leanne’s home, where she brought everyone together whenever possible. Bruce and Patricia truly lived for those moments — having their family together as often as they could.
Above all, Bruce was a devoted husband and a deeply loving father. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Ann Gould (Quinn); his children, Christine, Tim and partner Rose, and Leanne and her husband Emo Chynoweth; grandchildren Ailene Faller, partner Nick, Tyler and his wife Haleigh, Ely and his partner Natalie, and Riley. He was able to experience being a great-grandfather to Bentley, born to Ailene and Nick, and Greyson, born to Tyler and Haleigh.
Bruce will be remembered not just for what he accomplished, but for how he lived. For decades — through the 1970s, ‘80s, ‘90s, and beyond — he helped shape the Woodstock community simply by being steady, dependable, and kind. He did not seek recognition — he earned respect.
He was an exceptional husband, a steady and guiding father, a proud grandfather, and above all, an incredible human being. The kind of man who set an example without ever needing to say a word.
A private burial will be held on Saturday, April 11. A celebration of Bruce’s life will follow that same day from 1-5 p.m. at the Thompson Senior Center in Woodstock. All who knew Bruce are warmly invited to come and celebrate his life. An online guestbook can be found at cabotfh.com.
Fly high, Bubba. We all love you!
