Bruce Nelson passed peacefully with his family and lifelong friend by his side Wednesday, Jan. 16 in Santa Rosa.He was born to Charles and Lucille Nelson in Mt. Airy, NC. The family, which included his brother, Joe, and sister, Margie, settled in Florida where Bruce grew up. After joining the Army, he moved his family to San Francisco in 1975. During his service as a Chaplain's Assistant, he met Joan Hamilton, and they married on Dec. 29, 1978. Bruce and Joan moved to Vacaville in 1991. Together they started Bruce's vending service, Ahh....Sweet Things Vending and several years later started their Alpaca Ranch, Ahh.....Sweet Alpacas. Bruce was a pillar in the world of Alpaca Ranching and a member of the California Alpaca Association. Bruce and Joan celebrated 40 years of marriage this past December.He is preceded in death by his father, Charles Nelson; his brother, Joe Nelson; and his father-in-law, John Hamilton. He is survived by his wife, Joan; daughters, Kyrie (Chris) Delgado, and Michelle (Bebe) DeLaTorre; mother, Lucille Nelson Husband; sister, Margie (John) Criswell; mother-in-law, Kathryn Hamilton; grandchildren, Marcus,Elijah, Mikayla, Raquelle, Matthew and Layla.In his lifetime, Bruce never met a stranger. He was a true gentleman, a loyal friend and a blessing to all who knew him. Simply put, he was a great man.Services will be held on Wednesday, Jan. 23 from 2:30 to 3 p.m., at Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon with a Celebration of Life to follow.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Community Action North Bay, 416 Union St., Fairfield CA 94533.