July 14, 1945 – February 12, 2025
KILL DEVIL HILLS — Bruce Matthew Bortz, age 79, of Kill Devil Hills, NC peacefully passed from this life to rest in heaven on February 12, 2025. Born on July 14, 1945 in Washington, DC, he was a devoted husband to Cynthia and a loving father to Tricia Kerlin and Laura Bortz.
He was a proud Navy veteran, graduated from American University with a Masters Degree in Biology and received his PhD in Fisheries from University of Washington in 1984. He worked for several municipalities and environmental firms, and from 1984 to 1991 taught Biology and Ecology at College of the Albemarle in Manteo. In 1985 Bruce joined the Town of Nags Head Planning Department, retiring as Planning Director in 2009. He then moved to their hilltop home in West Jefferson, NC and returned ‘home’ to the Outer Banks in 2022.
Bruce, AKA ‘Fish Doc’, lived his life by his favorite Mae West quote: “You only live once, but if you do it right, once is enough.” His hobbies and interests helped define who he was. He was an avid fisherman from his pre-teen years, eagerly planned family outings and vacations, exceled at culinary arts, loved nature and gardening, and was skilled in woodworking. He loved his family dogs and enjoyed travel in the U.S – from corner to corner and exploring the world, especially by sea voyages.
Bruce is survived by his wife Cynthia Stebbins Bortz whom he married in 1976, daughters Tricia Kerlin and Laura Bortz of Kitty Hawk, NC, grandsons Taylor Nathaniel Harris and Christian James Kerlin, brother Nelson Markley Bortz Jr, sisters Hettie Elizabeth Bortz Ghidella and Rebecca Jean Bortz Costello, nephew Scott Bortz, nieces Julie Bortz and Kelly Costello Runyon, as well as his extended family, many good friends and ‘Mr. Bill’. He was preceded in death by his parents Nelson and Charlotte Bortz of Southern Shores, NC.
Per his request, cremains will be scattered in the ocean and donated to coral reef restoration in the Florida Keys. A Celebration of Life for Bruce will be held at a later date. If you wish, donations in Bruce’s memory may be made to Outer Banks Community Foundation or Eternal Reefs.
Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories may be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.
