Bruce Conrad Crabtree

Bruce Conrad Crabtree, 82, returned peacefully to his Heavenly Father on November 8, 2025, in his beloved home in Federal Way, WA, surrounded by the people he loved most. After two difficult months of illness, it was a profound blessing for his wife and children to fulfill his final wish—to be home, wrapped in their love, during his last moments on earth.                                                                                                                                     

Bruce was born June 25, 1943, in Seattle, WA, to Roland Alder Crabtree and Dora Mae Poulter Crabtree. From the beginning, he was a joyful, bright, and loving child who brought great happiness to his parents. Growing up on Magnolia Bluff, he formed an early bond with his father through building projects and long days spent working side by side. Hard work became a part of Bruce’s soul. As a boy he delivered newspapers, and by fourteen he was working in construction, developing the hands-on skills that would stay with him throughout his life.                                                                                                                                                                         

He attended local Seattle schools and graduated from Highline High School in 1961 before attending Brigham Young University. There he excelled academically, eventually earning his degree in Accounting and Business Management. During his college years, Bruce served a Building Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, helping to construct sacred spaces where others could worship. When faced with the draft, he joined the Marine Corps Reserves, completed his training, and returned to finish his mission. His dedication to both service and faith earned him deep respect, and his love for the Marine Corps remained with him always.   

In 1966 Bruce met the love of his life, Tamzan (Tammy) Chabot Malmberg, at a church activity—and from the moment he saw her, his heart knew she was the one. Their courtship was filled with joy, faith, and certainty. They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple in February 1969 and spent 56 beautiful years devoted to one another. Bruce often said there would be no Bruce without his Tammy, and Tammy feels the same—two hearts perfectly matched.                                                                                                                                              

They welcomed their daughter, Cari, in 1970, and their son, Brent, in 1973. Together they built a life full of love, laughter, and purpose. Bruce worked for Weyerhaeuser for 40 years, serving in several leadership roles, admired for his integrity, intelligence, and ability to lift those he worked with. During this time, he earned his MBA while working full-time and supporting his young family.                                                                                      

Bruce devoted much of his life to Scouting and to helping youth grow into capable, confident adults. Whether serving as a scoutmaster, supporting his son toward Eagle Scout, or building elaborate camp props for his daughter’s Cub Scout programs, he gave his time and talents freely. His service at Fire Mountain Scout Camp—where he was honored as a “Friend of Fire Mountain”—blessed countless young lives.                                        

A man of deep faith, Bruce served wholeheartedly in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He held many callings, including Bishop of the Young Single Adult Ward—a role that left a lifelong impact on him and on the many young adults who looked to him for counsel, comfort, and Christlike love. Later, he and Tammy served joyfully as housing missionaries in the Washington Federal Way Mission, supporting missionaries with love, humor, and unwavering dedication.                                                                                                                  

Bruce was endlessly talented. He could fix anything, build anything, and improve almost anything. He was a gifted storyteller whose words could transport listeners to another world. He memorized poetry, danced ballroom with Tammy, invented clever gadgets, polished rocks, scuba-dived with his son, and created tree houses and dollhouses that became treasured childhood memories. His sense of humor, gentle wisdom, and generous heart blessed everyone who knew him.                                                                                                                

But above all—Bruce loved. He loved deeply, fiercely, and without reservation. His family, especially his Tammy, were the joy of his life. His legacy is not only in the things he built, but in the people he lifted, the youth he guided, the faith he lived, and the love he poured into every relationship.                                                        

Bruce is preceded in death by his parents, Roland and Dora Mae, and brothers Roland Jr. and Kay. He is survived by his beloved devoted wife of 56 years Tammy; his children Cari (Jacob) Burdette and Brent (Nicole) Crabtree; his adopted daughter, Katia Ionitsa; sisters Jeane (Roy) Holt and Lorene (David) Fulmer; and his cherished grandchildren Emma, Hannah, Evelyn, Aiden, Anya, and Alisa.                                                  

Services for Bruce will be held on Tuesday, November 25, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Federal Way Stake Center, 34815 Weyerhaeuser Way S, Federal Way, WA 98001. Viewing and visiting with family from 9:45–10:50 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Graveside services will follow at Masonic Memorial Park, 455 N St SE, Tumwater, WA 98501.