Fógraí bháis: John 'Bruno' Bruen

JOHN BRUEN, or ‘Bruno’ as he was known, died at home in Glasgow on 24 July aged 57. Like many from the west of Scotland, Bruno was of Irish descent (his grandfather was from Sligo), born and brought up in Glasgow but retaining a huge affinity and love for Ireland as well as Scotland.
From an early age Bruno was involved in republican flute bands in Glasgow and was soon going to Belfast frequently. There he formed friendships which lasted 30 years later.
His involvement with the Republican Movement was done in a quiet but very enthusiastic manner. He supported the Movement throughout his life, never wavering during all the difficult times.
We should acknowledge the work that Bruno did and that so many people in the west of Scotland do, especially in Glasgow. It may be as simple as selling An Phoblacht (we still call it “Republican News”), organising marches, helping people with places to stay, raising money, etc, but all these things when put together form the backbone of any movement and Bruno was one of these people.
His funeral coffin was covered with the Irish Tricolour and The Soldier’s Song was played by a lone piper as his coffin was laid to rest.

MOURNERS FROM BELFAST
Many of his friends from Belfast attended the funeral and also visited him in hospital a few weeks before he passed away, such was the strength of the friendships that he formed.
Bruno loved his family and friends very much and they will all miss him and his non-stop talking and the fact that he always had something to do, somewhere to go, someone to see!
He loved his local pub in the Gallowgate, Lynch’s Bar, and they hope to have a picture of John placed there as a mark of respect.
Bruno will be remembered as a true republican, a true family man and a true friend.
There was no sitting on the fence with John and he told you exactly as it was, a character that is sadly lacking in too many people these days. And that is what always made talking to Bruno such great craic. We will all miss him very much.