If ever a man lived two lives it was Bruce Groves. The first half was impressive and productive with nearly 50 years of service with the U.S. Forest Service, but it was the second half that really astounded friends and family.

Bruce learned to ski when he was 66 and was ski racing and race walking at 74. He quit at 88 on the advice of his doctor but didn't really slow down. At 90, he received the biggest trophy in his collection, "Oldest Male Participant," following the YMCA Senior Walk.

"My father's enthusiasm and zest for life, his can-do attitude, and his refusal to let age alter his activities or outlook made my father really special. He could be used as a textbook in growing old gracefully," said his daughter, Carol Reagan. "His philosophy of life was to just 'go for it' no matter how old you are or what your limitations might be."

Bruce's journey ended Oct. 17 in Boise. He was 97.

His career began with the Selway National Forest Service in 1929, family said. Bruce was often referred to as a "forester's forester" because of his "consummate professionalism and dedication." Retiring in 1968, he became a timber consultant with Hoff Lumber Co. until 1978.

"I can sum up Bruce's life in two words: 'No problem,' " said Ron Reagan, Bruce's son-in-law. "Whether he was climbing ladders to wash windows, throwing tires with wheels into his car, shoveling snow or looking for exotic fungi, it was, 'no problem'. This bundle of energy was a kind, honest, generous, wonderful person."

Bruce enjoyed tamer activities, too, like hunting for wild mushrooms in McCall.

"Grandpa loved the woods and passed along his passion for hunting morel mushrooms, which has become an annual family tradition in my family today. Well into his 80s, I remember him scaling steep banks to get to the prized fungi," said grandson, Michael Reagan. "He led by example and showed me and my entire family how to live life the right way - demonstrating how to seize the day, every day."

Bruce left lasting impressions on a lot of folks, including his grandson, Scott, who recalled the roofing tar debacle of 1982, when worlds collided: Grandpa's prized Ford Pinto hatchback and Scott's prized Star Wars collection. Scott and his brother, Michael, were playing with Star Wars toys in the back seat.

"The five-gallon drum of liquid roofing tar got to ride shotgun in the passenger seat - a quick stop and the Pinto, along with our Star Wars universe, instantly became a rolling tar pit," Scott said. "He was a bull in a china shop, but had a heart of gold. The bottom line is that Grandpa proved you're never too old to start something new, and if you're a little lucky and take care of yourself, you can get a lot of great miles out of your body. His physical accomplishments frankly pale in comparison to just how great of a person he was on the inside."

Stephanie Eddy: 377-6481