Bruce Fenton Carmichael

Bruce Fenton Carmichael, 63, beloved husband to Linda Degutis, of New Haven, passed away on February 1, 2010. He was born in Waterbury on November 21, 1946 to Betty Porzenheim Cary of Avon and the late Thomas Carmichael. Besides his wife, Bruce leaves his son Ryan B. Carmichael and his wife Mari of Cliffside Park, NJ; sister, Sandi Carmichael and her husband John Faulise of Westerly, RI; brother, Todd Carmichael of Evanston, IL; nephews, Ian and David Carmichael. Predeceased by his mother's husband, Dr. James Cary. Bruce grew up in Watertown, CT and received his Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. He completed a Master's degree in Architecture at the University of Michigan, after which he worked for several firms and became a partner in Atelier Associates in Cheshire, CT. He had an interest in health facilities and in order to learn more intimately what was involved in patient care, completed a Master of Science degree in Nursing at Yale University, after which he worked as a head nurse on the cardiothoracic/ENT unit (6-3) at Yale New Haven Hospital. As an opportunity opened up in the Facilities Planning Department at YNHH, he joined that department. He then took a position at the Yale School of Medicine in Facilities Planning and Operations, becoming Executive Director. During this time, he continued his formal education, earning a Master's degree in Public Administration and a Science Doctorate focusing on management of complex organizations at the University of New Haven. He was committed to, and enjoyed building organizations and structures, and the links between his architecture background, his health background and his business background are clearly evident in his career. His career path at Yale University led him to become Deputy Dean for Administration at the Yale School of Nursing, and later to the roles of Assistant and then Associate Provost for Science and Technology at Yale. Most recently, Bruce was the Deputy Dean for Academic Administration in the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. He was a lifelong learner, and his pursuit of knowledge and understanding of the human condition led him to pursue knowledge through Masonry, becoming a member of the New Haven Hiram #1 lodge, and becoming a 32nd degree Scottish Rite Mason. As part of his desire to give back to others, and to the Masonic tradition he held dearly, he became a member of the Masonicare Board of Directors. This allowed him another opportunity to combine his experience and education in order to help others. He was also a fellow at Berkeley College at Yale University. Bruce was especially linked to his Scottish heritage, having played in the Guernseytown Pipe Band, and exploring Scotland's cities, highlands and islands. He loved to sail Pegasus, with his wife, family and friends, and enjoyed many happy times on the water. In addition to his family, Bruce leaves behind many cherished friends, his colleagues at Yale, his boating friends from Bruce and Johnson's Marina, and his Masonic brothers. His dry sense of humor, his ability to listen and think things through, to solve complex problems, to be creative, and to give of himself will be sorely missed. He joins Kerry in another dimension, where they can walk freely and sail among the stars. 'You deep water sailor, your journey is ended. You're safe in the harbor at last.' A Memorial Service will be held at Battell Chapel, 400 College St., New Haven on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 1:00 p.m. Burial will be at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bruce's memory may be sent to Yale University in care of Harley Pretty, Yale University School of Engineering and Applied Science, P.O. Box 208267, New Haven, CT 06520-8267 or the Masonic Charity Foundation (Masonicare Annual Appeal) c/o the Masonic Charity Foundation of Connecticut, P.O. Box 70, Wallingford, CT 06492. BEECHER & BENNETT, 2300 Whitney Ave., Hamden in care of arrangements.