Palomar Mountain News

Many of us have such fond memories of Bruce and Lola Graves. They bought land in the 1980’s and started out in a camping trailer while building a cabin. Bruce was a high school shop teacher; he went to work with what he had learned and taught. The cabin was done in no time. Then, Bruce tackled the project of designing and building a big home across the road. He maintained an active basement workshop where he repaired anything and everything, and even built rocking chairs from mountain oak. They sold their home seven years ago and moved near family in El Cajon. Their Mountain home is now owned by Justin Davis and family who put that workshop and land to use with his wood working and carving business. Bruce was so pleased to know how much they enjoy the home he created.

Bruce and his wife Lola were much-loved and very helpful mountain residents. They were so active and devoted to the Palomar Mountain community. For many years, Bruce was a board member and influential chair of the Palomar Mountain Planning Organization and a member of the Palomar Mountain Volunteer Fire Department. He drove the water tender, maintained the firetrucks, and taught others how to drive them. He volunteered with the Mutual Water Company and helped out in so many ways. Lola enjoyed making soap and crafts that she sold at our mountain events. What she was the most famous for were her pies! When we had the school on Palomar we would have fund raisers for their field trips. I remember as the auctioneer, that Lola’s pies sold for over $200.00! Her ‘Bumbleberry’ pie sold for $500.00! The winner of that pie than donated it back and we sold off slices for $20.00 each! Our mountain kid’s field trips were even better because of her time in the kitchen! Lola passed away September of 2020.

In March, Mike Pique met up with Libby Getzoff, Bruce and their families for an outing to the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, they all had a wonderful day. Bruce had 94 great years and passed away peacefully June 22 at his home in El Cajon, after complications following surgery for a fractured femur. He will be missed!

Everyone is invited to Bruce’s Celebration of Life 11AM Friday, July 24, 2026 

Singing Hills Memorial Park
2800 Dehesa Road
El Cajon, CA 92019

Luncheon following the service
Nancy’s & Randy’s home
922 Prescott Ave., El Cajon 92020

Please RSVP (619)504-1762 or reallytimetoplay@yahoo.com