Bruce Greenwood

Bruce was born on December 11, 1946 to Myrtle (Baker) and Verden (Red) Greenwood in Milwaukee, WI. He grew up with 2 sisters in Ishpeming and graduated from Ishpeming High School in 1965.

Bruce graduated from Michigan Technological University in 1969 with a degree in Metallurgical Engineering and joined Cleveland-Cliffs Iron Company at the Research Laboratory in Ishpeming. He transferred to the Empire Mine in 1972 and worked in the concentrator as a Operating Engineer until 1988 when he relocated back to the Research Lab. During his career he spent time in Michigan, Canada and Minnesota on various projects at Cliffs properties. Bruce was a member of the Society of Metallurgical Engineering (SME) for over 30 years. Bruce retired in 1998 after 30 years with CCI. He was also a 50 year Life Member of Ishpeming Elks Lodge #447.

In 1975 Bruce married Norma (Leiviska-Whitford) in Negaunee, MI and became an instant father to her two sons (Alan Whitford, age 7 and Michael Whitford, age 4). In 1978 daughter Cindy was born in Ishpeming.

Bruce was always interested in sports. In his youth he enjoyed baseball, football, basketball, bowling and golf. As an adult he played city league softball and basketball and bowled and played in golf leagues for over 50 years. He belonged to Wawonowin Country Club for over 60 years and served on the Board of Directors for two terms. He had four holes-in-one in his lifetime. In later years he spent much of his free time with cribbage and crossword puzzles. He was a member of the Ishpeming cribbage league for over 30 years.

Bruce and Norma enjoyed traveling mostly around the Midwest and especially the UP. They visited their favorite places (Pictured Rocks, Tahquamenon Falls, Fayette, Brockway Mountain, Big Springs and the Porcupine Mountains) several times over the years. They went to Hawaii on their honeymoon and returned 25 years later on their anniversary. Many favorite times over the years were golf trips with friends to various states and bowling tournaments with teammates in the UP, Wisconsin and Illinois.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 50 years: Norma, step-son: Alan (Nikki) Whitford of Negaunee, step-son: Michael (Jen) Whitford of Colorado Springs, Co, daughter: Cindy Greenwood of Catonsville, MD, two grandchildren: Rylee (Marc) Sorrell and Quinn (Chandler Bates) Whitford, great grandson: Langston, sisters: Sandra Smetana and Katherine Thibeault, sisters-in-law: Nancy (Stan) Kallioinen, Marsha Larmour and Barb Besola.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents: Myrt and Red, father-in-law and mother-in-law: Einar and Vivien Leiviska, brothers-in-law: Dick, Ron and Bob Leiviska, Thomas (Slim) Larmour, Ron Smetana and Ron Thibeault.

A celebration of Bruce’s life will be held at the River Rock Lanes & Banquet Center on Monday January 12, 2026 from 1:00pm until 3:00pm with food being served throughout.

Bruce’s obituary may also be viewed at bjorkandzhulkie.com where relatives and friends may leave a note of remembrance.