Bruce Sydow's Portrait
(Painting by Danella Sydow)

Profile

Bruce Sydow lives in a seaside village on the Case Inlet in Washington State with his best friend, the award-winning artist, professor, and extraordinary wife, Danella Sydow.

They celebrated 25 years of love in 2024.

Danella Sydow on 25th Anniversary
(Photo by Bruce Sydow)

Danella and Bruce on 5th Anniversary
(Painting by Danella Sydow)

Published Works

His poem, "Surviving Christmas," was nominated for the 2024 Pushcart Prize. It is published in an anthology with a cover featuring Danella's painting of Bruce as a 19-year-old Marine. The book is edited by Mary Senter of Milltown Press.

Bruce Sydow's Portrait on Cover
(Painting by Danella Sydow)

Bruce's short stories and poetry have been published in literary journals, magazines, and anthologies. His written works appear in several editions of Proud to be: Writing by American Warriors (winner of the Stars and Flags Book Award Gold Medal). 

Combat-Decorated Marine

Bruce Sydow was a helicopter door gunner in Vietnam. In the span of 27 months, 33 members of his unit were killed in action. Cited for his courage in combat at the age of 19, Bruce was one of the youngest Marines in his Huey gunship squadron to be awarded the Combat Aircrew Wings, Cross of Gallantry and United States Air Medal.

Award-Winning Therapist

After graduating college Magna Cum Laude, Bruce received an assistantship from the National Institute of Mental Health for his master's degree in social sciences at the University of Washington. He served as a therapist in treatment centers where he counseled over 1,000 clients. Rebuilding Hope! (the Sexual Assault Prevention Center of Tacoma and Pierce County) elected Bruce to their Board of Directors and honored him with the Gold Star Award.

Award-Winning Professor

Over 10,000 students, at two universities and five community colleges, have enrolled in Bruce's courses. Elected President of the Faculty, Professor of the Year, and Chair of the Behavioral Sciences, Bruce is the recipient of the Board of Trustees' Exceptional Faculty / Teaching Award.

Bruce and Danella's Home

The Sydow family moved into their craftsman-style house after negotiating an all-cash purchase without the use of realtors or agents. They live rent-free and mortgage-free.

The Sydow's Lakeland Village Home

Located near a seaside village on the Case Inlet in Mason County, their home is an hour drive from Danella's extended family. Their one-third acre backyard has become a sanctuary for migratory birds, deer and other wildlife. 

Backyard

The redesign of their property (which features two large porches, three skylights and a 17-foot cathedral ceiling) involved removing and repurposing 1,000 square feet of decking. View their > renovations <

20-Year Anniversary Photo

10-Year Anniversary Photo

1-Year Anniversary Photo