Bruce Robert Nash, 79, passed away peacefully at his home in Carpinteria on April 24, 2026, with his sons Brandon and Evan Nash by his side.
Bruce was born on Oct. 3, 1946, in Santa Monica, California, to Gertrude and Robert Nash.
During his childhood, he moved frequently and spent several formative years in Indonesia, helping to shape his broad world view.
He later graduated from UCLA in 1969 with a degree in mathematics, which led to a lifelong career as a teacher with the Los Angeles Unified School District.
Bruce was a multi-faceted man who loved the outdoors, surfing, mountain biking with his boys, and his ocean swims; he was even the “Polar Bear King” of San Pedro once.
He spent many summers at the Nash compound in the Black Hills of South Dakota near Hill City, where he enjoyed fishing and swimming with family at Horse Thief Lake and Sheridan Lake.
Fiercely independent, Bruce was guided by his strong sense of morality and compassionate spirit. Above all, he cherished his sons Dennis, Brandon and Evan, and cared deeply for the well-being of his grandchildren.
He is survived by his children Brandon Nash (Melissa) and Evan Nash (Kira); his younger brother Brian Nash (Antoinette); niece Francesca Nash; and grandchildren Dakota, Drake, Liam and Luke Nash. His beloved dog Gromit is now cared for by Brian and Antoinette.
Bruce’s oldest son, Dennis Nash (Heather), passed away on June 16, 2016, a loss that profoundly affected him. Bruce was married to Christy Williams, with whom he shared Dennis.
He later married Lorin O’Donnell, and together they raised Brandon and Evan. Bruce and Lorin remained close throughout his life.
His family circle expanded again when he married Lucinda Winters, with whom he shared six years of marriage. They, too, maintained a deep and lasting closeness even after parting.
Bruce was an attentive and empathetic listener, serving as a steadfast presence in the lives of those he loved. His family will forever feel the weight of his absence.
A celebration of life will be at 10 a.m. Sunday, June 7 at Rincon Beach Park in Carpinteria. Friends and family are invited to bring surfboards for a paddle out honoring Bruce.