BEDFORD - R. Bruce Hale, 71, died quickly and peacefully at the Elliot Hospital in Manchester after courageously battling a lengthy series of illnesses.He was born in Boston, Mass., on March 13, 1943, to the late Roland and Jean (Gifford) Hale. He spent his childhood in Lexington, Mass., before moving to Goffstown, where he resided until 2006 when he moved to Bedford. He graduated from Goffstown High School in 1961 and then from Keene State College in 1965 with a teaching degree. He taught seventh and eighth grade science in Goffstown and was a member of the Goffstown Police Department for 20 years, attaining the rank of captain of special forces.In 1973, he went to work for Granite State Stamps, Inc. in Manchester and achieved his dream when he purchased the company along with his wife Lynn in 1984. He spent 41 years at Granite State Stamps - doing exactly what he loved and as a result, he never worked a day in his life. He never grew tired of the daily challenge of running a small business. His dream will live on through his wife and daughter.He loved to laugh and to make those around him laugh - a sense of humor and intelligence were traits he truly valued.He adored and is survived by his wife Lynn and daughter Kelly, both of Bedford. His mother-in-law Hazel Merchant of Severna Park, Md., his brother and sister-in-law Steve and Georgia Merchant of Crofton, Md., his nephew Brad Merchant, nieces Meredith Merchant and Courtney Merchant, additional family members and many friends. . SERVICES: Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 22, at French & Rising Funeral Home, 17 South Mast St. in Goffstown. A memorial service will follow at 1:00pm in the funeral home. For more information or to sign an online guestbook go to www.frenchandrising.com