Bruce Rittel's Obituary

Thanks for sharing.

 

It’s a shame they misspelled Bruce’s name.

I think you are right George.

In 1978 I bought a Trapline Tanning Kit at the JC Penney’s in Anchorage, and tanned a small caribou hide in my dorm room on Elmendorf AFB.

My first exposure to anything to do with taxidermy. It worked great and my Dad still has the skin. Very positive experience.

It’s a sad day.

 

Another one, sad day for taxidermy.

 

George that is so true as what he taught me was better than any school could have.
He showed me the ins and outs about his tanning formula plus so much other knowledge.
We became pretty good friends and had a lot of good times together. He was an amazing man!!

 

Thanks for posting this George. Bruce was a pillar of this business. RIP friend!

 

I started Taxidermy 40 years ago. My 2nd deer head I did was skinned fleshed by hand with a pocket knife, every thing split and turned. Did not salt the cape, did nothing but whipped on RITTLES CREME tan, rolled up in fridge, mounted next day. The deer hung in my shop for near 40 years, nice thin ears and looked ok. Of course over the years detail was much improved. The head fell off the wall while moving it, ears broke. I remounted it and the cape was fine, leather hard no bugs. I have always been amazed in the appearance in the cape/leather after 40 years. I can thank Bruce for a fine product, may he rest in piece.

 

No doubt Bruce knew his business and was a veteran. Most vets I know do a full days work and do things right.

 

I appreciated that he would respond to questions even not related to his products.

 

Bruce Rittel helped in fine tuning my ability to tan hides, with updated and detailed articles through Breakthrough Magazine. Another great guy ... my condolences to his family and friends. Rest in Peace, Bruce ...

 

Damm,, Our herd thins.. RIP Bruce and thank you for all you did for our industry...

 

Been off here for a while, God speed Bruce.

How many taxidermist have we lost over the last 2 years

 

Just seing this thanks for sharing. Bruce sure was one hell of a guy and one of my mentors now and when i started 25+ years ago. Looked forward to hanging out with him and picking his brain for information on tanning at the convention's. Still use his tanning methods today and problably will continue throughout my life.. Rest in piece Bruce..

 

I went thru allot of old papers
Gave several to a dear friend Wally gator, new guy learning and I pray it helps him
Then today found more recipes from Bruce and several hand written letters on tanning.
Bruce was a great help to me
And the blessings he gave us all
Will be missed going forward