VINALHAVEN — Bruce H. Arey, 78, died peacefully Sept. 16, 2014, following a period of declining health, at Pen Bay Medical Center in Rockport.

Born July 13, 1936, on Vinalhaven, he was the son of Leon H. and Ethelyn V. Carlson Arey. Educated on the island, Bruce was a 1954 graduate of Vinalhaven High School. Following graduation he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force, serving four years, and then was a member of the Air Force Reserve until his honorable discharge in December of 1962.

For many years Bruce worked in Washington, D.C., and in northern Virginia. Although he had several jobs, his passion was music. He returned to Vinalhaven in the 1990s and played steel guitar with various groups of island musicians.

Since December of 2012, Bruce has resided at Windward Gardens Assisted Living Facility in Camden. It didn't take long for his secret to get out, and other residents quickly realized he was “an amazing steel guitar player.” He often teamed up with Rose and the Wayfaring Strangers, a local band that often performed there. He was a delight to the residence and staff alike.

Mr. Arey is survived by his son, Bruce Leon Arey of New Smyrna Beach, Fla.; his former wife and the mother of his son, Bobbie Sue Materioli; his second cousin, Larry Hopkins of Vinalhaven; as well as many friends and extended family members.

A committal service at Cummings Cemetery, Vinalhaven will be announced at a later date.

Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home.