Bruce Watt - aka Shrek

My name is Stefanie, and I'm writing on behalf of the most wonderful and kind lady and artist, Samantha - Sam - who has lost the love of her life. Suddenly, inexplicably, without warning. Fiona lost her Shrek.

Friday evening December 30 Sam and Bruce went to bed anticipating an adventure they'd have together the next day. They did that quite often. Go on an adventure.

Sam woke up early, and saw that Bruce was still asleep, his CPAP still grinding away. She was thankful, as he'd been having trouble sleeping recently.

Like all good ogres, Bruce was a big man, at least 6'3", and climbing over 300lbs, complete with a genuine Scottish brogue. He also wasn't the healthiest of ogres, with a heart that needed attention, and diabetes on the march. But at 55 years his doctor expected him to live, if not forever, a good number more ogre-years.

So Sam went about her morning, as Princesses often do, sending texts and memes and making tea. When she went to kiss Bruce lightly on his ear, she pulled back - it was cold. The CPAP humming grimly away, she realized in horror that her ogre had left her.

The Princess is truly alone. Sam has no family save a troubled son who sees her rarely. Her parents are gone, no siblings. Bruce leaves no family other than the brotherhood of bikers, to whom we are reaching out to support Sam, and one much loved and recently reconnected daughter.

How did Fiona meet Shrek?

“We met in 2014 at Sturgis, in the Buffalo Chip camp ground. I got his info. We decided to meet again the next year, in 2015. We rode, we laughed. I decided that year to just throw everything into the back of his truck. Went home to 'Bama on my bike… sold property, loaded My stuff and went to MN, where we stayed for 2 years before coming to Texas. Been here ever since.

That man took me on rides that were unbelievable! The Black Hills, Needles Hwy and even Devils Tower. And the rides never stopped. What a time….

I was so lucky to have him as my husband. It was more than that though. We were bonded and I have no clue how to exist without him. He leaves behind his precious daughter who he absolutely loved. We both are grateful for your well wishes, love and support. Hold your people a little closer will ya? Every.Damn.Second.Counts.”

Bruce had no life insurance, no savings, he and Sam do not own their home. Sam is in danger right now in so many ways…. mental, emotional, financial, you name it. She can barely afford to cremate Bruce - did you know they charge by the pound? Bruce was a whole lot of ogre.

We’re trying raise funds to help not only with Bruce’s final expenses, but also to get Sam on her feet, and make her living situation a little more secure. Ideally we’d like to get her rent paid for a year with a little extra. Anything you can contribute is appreciated more than you know.

Sam is a metalsmith, artist, jewelry maker, biker, animal lover, mom, and someone who takes care of everyone around her. She says that, “I’m the one who takes care of people - not the one who gets taken care of.”

Bruce has been described (by so many people) as the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back - then teach you how to make yourself another shirt.

These are the best among us. If you knew and loved Bruce, please, help us support Sam in this moment of unimaginable loss.