Richard Nicholas Bruckse, 89, died Aug. 1, 2019. He was son of the late Lillian Virginia Thayer and Nicholas Gray Bruckse. He was predeceased by his brother, Thomas Bruckse; sisters, Betty Thompson, Katrina Helwig and Marjorie Bruckse; and grandson, Steven Weight.

Richard was a Class of ’49 graduate of Churchland High School. After graduation, he became a professional photographer. He retired from the Virginia Army National Guard with 38 years of service. After his retirement, he became a member of the Virginia State Guard. He volunteered for the Suffolk Peanut Festival for 20 years and then volunteered at Obici Hospital, where he was affectionately known as “the candy man” for more than 20 years. He continued his love for photography throughout his life by constantly taking pictures of everything that he loved. His greatest joy aside from his love, Phyllis, were his grandchildren and his great-grandchildren.

Richard is survived by his wife of 63 years, Phyllis Carson Bruckse; daughters, Victoria Lee Weight (Jason), of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Becke “Buck” West (Johnny), of Suffolk; grandchildren, Corey Weight, Joshua West (Kriston), and Brittany Howell (Nick); great-grandchildren, Grady West, Blakely West and Harley Howell; sister, Donna Barham, of Glen Allen; and several nieces and nephews.

A funeral will be conducted at 1:45 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2019, in the R.W. Baker & Co. Funeral Home and Crematory, 509 W. Washington St., Suffolk. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. The family will gather at the home of Becke and Johnny West, 333 Sussex Court, Suffolk, after the service. Memorial donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675. Condolences may be registered at RWBakerFH.com.