Devotion Defined

Longtime Gator uses unique unitrust to continue his mother's practice of helping others.

Bruce McEwan in his cap and gown getting ready to represent UF at the 2016 inauguration of Rollins College's new president.

Bruce McEwan (JD '64), a judge, state representative from Orlando and lifelong Gators fan, simply adored his mother, Marion. Family and friends say Bruce's fierce wit and commitment to his community are traits he learned from her.

When Marion developed a brain aneurysm in the early 1970s, their family turned to the University of Florida's neurological surgery team at Shands Hospital, led by world-renowned surgeon Dr. Al Rhoton. After Marion succumbed to her condition in 1974, shortly after Bruce's marriage to Margaret Lynne "M.L." McEwan, the newlyweds wanted to ensure Marion's legacy of helping others continued.

This is why they created a charitable remainder unitrust (CRUT) and named UF's Neurological Surgery Department and Gator athletics as its beneficiaries. While the remainder of the CRUT will support both Gator athletes and neurological surgery's research, it also sends interest payments to M.L. and their four nieces and nephews for the duration of their lives.

"I think it's a good deal," M.L. says. "That's what Bruce wanted to do. He loved Florida and wanted to do everything he could to help Florida. He was devoted to his state and his community. He also wanted to be remembered as a loyal Gator."

Bruce died last year at age 80. M.L. says his family is deeply proud of him and all he accomplished in his lifetime and career in the Florida legislature. For instance, he passed the Blue Belt amendment that reduced taxes on land that helps recharge Florida's aquifer, helped abolish slush funds that permitted House speakers and Senate presidents to pass lobbyist funds onto favored candidates, and established Gamble Rogers State Park in Flagler Beach.

M.L., who was married to Bruce for 44 years, says making possible advances in neurosurgery through their unitrust meant a great deal to him and offered great options for their family. M.L. says the gift is meaningful in the way it pays tribute to her mother-in-law.

"Marion was from Brooklyn, New York," M.L. says. "She had a fantastic sense of humor. She died young, 64. She was very much a community worker. Her husband was a doctor. They came to Orlando in 1930 to work with an uncle who was also a doctor and needed their help with his practice."

M.L. says she recommends other Gators consider setting up their own charitable remainder unitrust to fulfill their own passions.

"It works really well for us," she says. "It could for other people, too. Bruce always loved the Gators."

Gators know how to make a lasting impact at UF. If you would like to make a gift that supports future students—like Bruce did—please contact UF's Office of Estate & Gift Planning at 352-392-5512, toll free at 866-317-4143 or giftplanning@uff.ufl.edu.