Bruce Erle Hampton
Laguna Beach, CA

Bruce Erle Hampton was born on Easter Sunday, April 9, 1939, at Hollywood Hospital in California to Jacqueline Hazel Burrell and Alexander Erle Hampton of New York.

He passed peacefully with family by his side on April 1, 2025, just days before his 86th birthday.

Bruce married the love of his life, Karolee Ursula Kuban of Laguna Beach, CA on June 23,1962.

Bruce was in the Air Force at the time of their marriage and that took them first to Illinois and then Oklahoma where their first two children Kevin and Tori were born.

They returned to Southern California upon his discharge from the Air force and had three more daughters, Kimberley, Nicole and Sydni.

Bruce spent the majority of his professional career in property and project management including senior positions at Leisure World and Lido Shipyard.

His career culminated with what was one of his proudest accomplishments as the project manager for the restoration of Laguna Presbyterian Church in Laguna Beach.

Bruce was a passionate photographer and enjoyed displaying his work at the Laguna Beach Sawdust Festival in his retirement years. There are a treasure trove of photos from a lifetime spent behind the lens.

As an avid outdoorsman he was a true man’s man mentoring family and friends while hunting and fishing. There are many tales from these adventures that will continue to be shared for years to come.

He was storyteller and loved to be surrounded by friends and family. Family gatherings and entertaining friends was a joy for him and he went all out always finding a reason to entertain… and if he invited you to dinner you knew you were in for a treat!

He cherished his Catholic faith after converting in the 1970’s. Along with his wife and children, he was an active member of St. Joachim Catholic Church and then St. Catherine of Siena. He served as a lector and eucharistic minister for many years.

He had a tremendous love for his family and for adventure, sharing and passing along those passions to his children and grandchildren.

His grandchildren and great grandchildren were his pride and joy; he loved being an active part of their lives, teaching, encouraging and supporting them in their many adventures and endeavors.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

He is survived by his children; Kevin Hampton (Ann), Tori Daniels (Timmy), Kimberley Hampton, Nicole Parno (Brian), Sydni Hampton & Marcel Jordan; 13 grandchildren – Brian Marchi (Deidra), Andy Marchi (Katie), Colby Marchi, Taylor Jordan, Zoie Verrall, Ryan Hampton, Lauren Hampton, Hannah Black (Griffin), Zane Erle Campise – Hampton, Sean Hampton, Faith Grady, Emma Andranian & Bo Andranian; 8 great grandchildren, Casey Jones, Jack Jones, Boone Montgomery, Remington Montgomery, Jedidiah Montgomery, Liv Marchi, Ember Marchi & Eden Marchi.

A funeral mass will be held Monday, April 14, 2025 at 10 am at St. Catherine of Siena parish located at 1042 Temple Terrace in Laguna Beach, CA 92651.

Following mass, he will be interred at the Cemetery of the Holy Sepulcher 7845 Santiago Canyon Road, Orange, CA 92869 with his beloved wife Karolee (1934-2016).