April 3, 1945 – August 11, 2026
Matthew “Hap” Bruce lived a life of adventure, family, friendship and an abiding love of the mountains. He died peacefully surrounded by the people he loved most: his wife, Cindy, and his daughters, Whitney and Jenna, after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer.
Hap was born in Omaha, Nebraska, on April 3, 1945, to Marguerite and Matthew Holzapfel. He graduated from Bishop-Ryan High School and attended the University of Southern California through Navy ROTC where he graduated in 1968. He went on to serve in the U.S. Navy as a P-3 navigator, flying missions in the North Atlantic searching for Russian submarines off the coast of Iceland. His Navy service took him far from home and gave him an opportunity to see the world. But of all the places Hap traveled, it was the mountains of Colorado that captured his heart.
Hap moved to Aspen in 1972, at a time when the town was still small enough for newcomers to become part of its fabric. In 1973, he and his best Navy friend, Joe “Swany” Schwanebeck, opened Marvin Gardens. Hap operated the business for the next 20 years, building friendships and becoming a beloved presence in the Aspen community. Hap met Cindy Strobel in 1976, and they were married on April 15, 1978. Their daughters, Whitney and Jenna, were born in Aspen in 1981 and 1985.
After selling Marvin Gardens, Hap worked with Cindy at Aspen Mountain Christmas before joining Aspen Ski Tours, which eventually became Ski.com. That work allowed him to travel and ski all over the West. After more than four decades in Basalt, Hap and Cindy moved to Evergreen in 2022. While their address changed, the mountains remained an important part of their lives.
Family, however, was always at the center of Hap’s life. He was a devoted husband, the very best girl dad and the most loving pops to his four grandsons. Those who knew him best will remember his warmth, his stories, his smile and his ability to make people feel at ease.
Hap is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia Bruce, his daughter Whitney Floersch, son-in-law Mark and grandsons Hudson and Bode; his daughter Jenna Meilach, son-in-law Jake and grandsons Roman and Asher; and his sister, Kim Nabity, her husband David and their children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his brother Mark.
A celebration of Hap’s life will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, 11am at St. Peter’s of the Valley Episcopal Church at 200 Elk Run Drive, Basalt. Please wear happy colors for Hap!
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Hap’s memory may make a donation to the extraordinary team at Mount Evans Home Healthcare and Hospice in Evergreen, who provided compassionate care to Hap and his family during his final days. Donations may be made online through mtevans.org