Bruce N. MacPherson, age 79, former missionary to Argentina and resident of Carol Stream, IL, passed gently into the arms of Jesus in the presence of his family on Wednesday, October 31, 2018, at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, IL. He was born August 19, 1939, in New York.

"He's the lucky one," said one of his grandkids, feeling devastated by the loss of not only a wonderful grandfather but a true friend. "I'm happy for Grandpa. It doesn't feel like he's gone - he's home, and I'm happy for him."

We are in tears, grieving our loss. Bruce understood the need to express that grief, having conducted hundreds of funerals during his life and having gone through times of grief himself. He knew how to weep with those who wept. And he was excited for the day he would finally see Jesus. He loved Philippians 1:21: "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

Bruce's primary aim in life was to be an expert at knowing Jesus and helping others to know him as well. And that is exactly how he lived his life. Not out of a sense of duty, but with pleasure and delight. He also delighted in God's creation, collecting and discovering butterflies, trying to get exotic plants to grow where they shouldn't, giving roses to his four ladies, exploring unmapped roads, and hiking new trails.

He knew the Bible inside and out, a testament to his careful and constant study, as well as to his deep love for the One who breathed its words. All those who knew him were inspired to do the same; as he would often say, "Live well—tethered to Jesus."

Bruce began life in New York, where his father pastored in Otego. Later, they moved to Long Beach, CA, following a call to establish an evangelical presence there. He later met Nancy Miller of Springfield, OH at Wheaton College, IL, fulfilling Nancy's mom's prediction that she'd marry a man from California and never be seen again! He earned a BA in Christian Education in 1961.

After college, Bruce and Nancy began attending Denver Seminary, where he earned an MA in Missions and she a "PHT" while teaching school. Bruce thus followed in the footsteps of his father and grandfather, becoming a pastor. His first pastorate was in Bountiful, UT where they served before being appointed in 1966 to WorldVenture as church planters in Argentina. Arriving as a family in 1968, they ministered many years in church planting and leadership training. Their last years included field leadership. During his retirement Bruce cherished those memories and relationships, corresponding faithfully with many of those he ministered among.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Nancy Miller MacPherson; a sister, Alice Benson; a brother, David MacPherson; three daughters, Suzie (Tom) Goering, Sara (Paul) Thomas, and Debbie (Christof Weber) MacPherson; seven grandchildren, Michelle and Abby Goering, Rachel (David) Garringer, Lauren Thomas, Brandon, Mandy, and Charlie Gove; and one great-grandchild, Pierce Garringer.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Norman MacPherson and Florence Fairbanks MacPherson; and his stepmother, Annette Brandt MacPherson.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2018, from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. at Hultgren Funeral Home, 304 N. Main St., in Wheaton, IL. A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 9, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at Wheaton Bible Church , 27W500 North Ave., West Chicago, IL 60185. Interment will be private.

Memorial gifts may be directed to World Venture , 20 Inverness Pl E, Englewood, CO 80112-5622 or online at: https://give.worldventure.com/ Please designate gifts to: "6406-905-Plan Advance".