Kirby Pines Retirement Community | The Pinecone

Returning to Canada, Bruce’s first professional position was as the resident biologist of the Delta Waterfowl Research Station in Manitoba. Liz worked professionally as an Executive Secretary until their two daughters, Carolynn and Alison, were adopted. After a few years with the Delta Station, Bruce took a leave of absence and enrolled in Michigan State University. He graduated with a Ph.D in 1976 with a major in Fisheries and Wildlife. He resumed his position with the Delta Station and was promoted to Science Director. In addition to being involved with graduate students, Bruce initiated studies that contributed to the development of improved conservation practices on the breeding grounds of waterfowl. In 2004, Bruce was honored by MSU with the Distinguished Alumni and Outstanding Alumnus Awards. However, others also recognized Bruce as an authority in his field. He was recruited for and accepted the position as Director of Research Evaluation and Planning at Ducks Unlimited (DU) with headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee. DU is now the world’s largest and most effective waterfowl and wetland conservation organization, restoring one million acres in 2024. Bruce says this about his opportunities with DU, “I was able to be more fully involved in research and management of waterfowl that breed in the Arctic.” Bruce has been published widely in scientific journals, and he has authored and co-authored three books. One is, The Marsh Keepers Journey, a textbook with references which is a compilation of all the research he and others have done on waterfowl conservation. In announcing Bruce’s retirement after 41 years, DU issued the following statement: “Dr. Bruce Batt was involved in a greater diversity of issues and a broader number of landscapes important to North American waterfowl than any biologist of his generation.” Bruce says, “I am lucky to have had the perfect series of positions–ones that many would volunteer to experience.” Family and friends have also been an important part of Bruce’s life. Extensivetravelinhisprofessional role has been a welcomed bonus. Prior to her illness and death from cancer three years ago, Liz and Bruce traveled extensively and visited many countries. They made several trips to England and summered every year at their cottage in Canada. Bruce plans another trip soon to explore Europe with daughter Alison and her two children. Bruce is happy to be located close to members of his family. Sadly, his daughter, Carolynn passed away from complications of diabetes. She also had two children for Grandpa Bruce. With Liz gone, Bruce found their home to be too large and lonely. He sought an alternate life style and chose Kirby Pines for himself and his black Labrador Retriever, Riley. Bruce quickly became involved in activities at Kirby. He is frequently seen at the puzzle table, plays bridge and initiated a group playing the game of Cribbage. In addition, he visits with other friends locally as well as having monthly Zoom calls with professional contacts. Bruce says, “I am enjoying life here, and I appreciate the variety of opportunities that Kirby Pines provides to brighten up the days.” Written by Joan Dodson, Resident, Kirby Pines The Pinecone | April 2026 • 7 • Kirby Pines is home to individuals who, together, provide a variety of professions, religions, talents, interests and places of birth. Resident Bruce Batt was born in England, is a citizen of Canada and has lived in the United States for several years. Since his youth and until his retirement in 2007, Bruce’s passion, education and professional life have been focused on maintaining and protecting the habitats for waterfowl of North America, Canada and the Arctic. In 1945, Bruce was born in Bournemouth, England. WWII had brought his father, who was in the Canadian Air Force, to the southern coast of England to prepare for bombing raids on Germany. He met Bruce’s mother-to-be at a community dance, and they soon married. Bruce was 16 months old when the war ended, and he and his mother sailed to Canada on the Queen Mary. With the assistance of other passengers, Bruce’s mother was able to prevent the very active toddler, Bruce, from “disappearing into the ocean!” Bruce and his parents settled in Brandon, Manitoba, Canada, his father’s hometown. Three daughters were added to the family, and they continue to live in that area. Bruce, as a young boy, developed an interest in the Arctic, especially the explorers, reading every book he could find on the subject. He believes this along with the “hunting” culture of his environment created an early fascination for waterfowl and their habitats. In 1963, Bruce enrolled in Brandon University, graduating with a B.S. in Zoology and a minor in Botany in 1967. Of this, Bruce says, “These studies provided the basic underpinnings for the more specialized natural resources I would later follow.” Bruce also excelled in the sports of football, track and field, setting several records in track and field which held for some time! However, Bruce did not devote his entire time in college to study or sports; parties and dating were part of his college life. On a double date, Bruce became better acquainted with a friend, Elizabeth Ann (Liz) Lacquement. After breaking up with his girlfriend, Bruce invited Liz to a fraternity dance; they became inseparable and were married in 1967. Following graduation, Bruce and Liz moved to Gainesville, Florida, where Bruce enrolled in graduate school at the University of Florida. He graduated in 1970 with an M.S. in Forestry, which allowed him to fine- tune his studies to his main area of interest–waterfowl. Bruce says he is proud to be a “Gator!” A MARSH KEEPERS JOURNEY Resident Spotlight: Bruce Batt Bruce with his Family