Bastiaan Karel Coebergh
August 1, 1968 - January 27, 2024
Bastiaan Karel Coebergh
Dedicated father, loyal friend, and respected member of the legal community, Bastiaan K. Coebergh passed, unexpectedly, in the comfort of his home in Sandy on Saturday, January 27th, 2024, aged 55.
Born August 1st, 1968, in Tilburg, the Netherlands, mother, Regina Coebergh, a school teacher, and father, Hans Coebergh, a music lover, deeply influenced Bastiaan who became an excellent student and a talented cellist. While pursuing his Dutch law degree, he mixed his love of adventure and learning by studying abroad in Leuven, Belgium, then in Laramie, Wyoming, USA. Bastiaan studied hard, and took the opportunity to explore and enjoy the beauty of the American West.
Bastiaan returned to the Netherlands to complete his Dutch law degree, perform his military service, and enjoy time with his family and friends. Taking a leap of faith, he returned to the United States to marry Colleen, become a step-father to her children, Drew Ann, and Issac White, and to study law at the University of Wyoming.
While studying at UW, he distinguished himself by entering the Manfred Lachs Space Law Moot Court Competition. Bastiaan’s excellence in the face of this challenge led to him and his partner winning the National Competition. There he received the accolade of “Best Brief” submitted in 1996. The pair barely missed conquering the world, finishing second in the International Competition in Beijing, China.
Following the birth of his son Bastiaan J. K. H. Coebergh in 1996 and his graduation from UW in 1997, he and his young family moved to Salt Lake City, Utah. There he built an excellent career spanning nearly 30 years, first working with Richards, Brandt, Miller, and Nelson, then with Wrona Law Firm, and most recently with Rosing, Davidson, and Frost. Bastiaan’s compassion, dedication, and expertise made him a steadfast and loyal advocate for his clients, many of whom grew to be friends. He had a remarkable ability of achieving his client’s aims without alienating or offending colleagues, earning him the respect and admiration of fellow lawyers, judges, and clients alike. His intellect and wisdom led him to be a mentor for countless young members of the profession. He was a lawyer’s lawyer, and his passing leaves a void in the Utah legal community.
Bastiaan’s proudest accomplishment was his son, who he was unconditionally dedicated to. As a young father, he supported Little Bas academically and athletically. He coached rec-league soccer, enlarging his circle of friends, and endearing him to a whole new community. Following Bastiaan and Colleen’s divorce, his relationship with his son grew ever stronger as they enjoyed many hobbies and adventures, most notably camping trips, vacations to the Netherlands, concerts, comedy shows, and gardening. Bastiaan remained active in the lives of his step-children, sharing in their personal and professional accomplishments, and delighting in his grandchildren.
Bastiaan life was enriched in 2011 when he met Julia Blair, his love and companion of over a decade. Her devotion, affection, and support elevated his existence. Her skill and love of gardening and home-improvement would come to be shared hobbies, strengthening their bond.
Bastiaan maintained a close and loving relationship with his parents and his sister despite the enormous physical distance between them. They communicated frequently, and made international trips to visit each other whenever possible. Bastiaan was very close with his sister, Claudia Coebergh, with whom he shared an unspoken bond and an ability to understand each other and make each other laugh.
Bastiaan’s passing is proceeded by his father, Hans Coebergh (2018), and dear friend Merlin Taylor (2023). Bastiaan leaves behind his son Bastiaan J. K. H. Coebergh, partner, Julia Blair, mother, Regina Coebergh, sister Claudia Coebergh and her husband, Roel Van Driel and their daughters, Valerie and Juliette Van Aartsen, step-daughter, Drew Ann White-Jacobson, her husband, Casey Jacobson, grandchildren Martin and Evelyn Jacobson, step-son, Issac, his wife, Claire Grandy, and granddaughter Genevieve. Bastiaan also leaves behind countless colleagues and friends, many within the legal community, all of whom he loved dearly.
All are welcome to join the family in a celebration of this exceptional life on February 8th, 2024, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Millcreek, Utah. Food and drinks will be served. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on February 9 at 12:30 p.m. at the Cathedral of the Madeleine, 331 East South Temple Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 p.m. at Olivet Cemetery, 1342 East 500 South, Salt Lake City. Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Road Home Shelter, a cause loyally supported by Bastiaan.
In Loving Memory
Dear aunt Giny, dear Claudia, dear Bas jr, dear family, Our heartfelt condolences on the unexpected death of Bas. He has passed away in the prime of his life and we are truly sad for him, his son, and family. We wish you wonderful memories and all the courage to accept this loss. Love, Jacqui, Chris, Berthe en Fay
Dear Family, How incredibly difficult it must be for you to miss Bastiaan so suddenly. When I heard the news, I was completely speechless for a moment. Lots of strength in grieving. Lots of love Pascalle and Marcel Commu
We are deeply saddened that Bastiaan passed away last Saturday. We cherish valuable memories of our visit to Bastiaan, Bas and Julia in August last year. We were in contact about the visit to the Netherlands this year. Bastiaan you are forever in our hearts. Lots of love, Jeroen, Sandra, Floor and Saar, the Netherlands
Dear Bastiaan junior. I have already extended my condolences to your grandmother Giny and aunt Claudia. Of course, I am also saying "sorry for your loss" to the American side of your family. But this one is especially for you. We only met in person once briefly. What I recall vividly is the wonderful bond you had with your father. Partly father and son, partly best friends. Exactly as the bond my dad and I used to have. I can therefore feel your loss intimately, maybe more so than some others. I wish you extra strength during this most difficult period. Find comfort in the knowledge that your father was a special man, liked and loved by many, and that his untimely passing has shocked and touched us all. Go well my friend and nephew
Dear family, My sincere condolences for the passing of Bas. We were roommates during his University studies in Tilburg. May you find strength and comfort in the love and support of those around you.
I worked with Bas at the end of 2007 at Wrona Law Offices. I had just graduated from law school and that job was very difficult for me. Bas was kind to me and offered me welcome guidance. We didn't stay in close touch after I left in early 2008, but I saw him regularly in court and he was always quick to offer encouragement and warmth. He blessed my life with his kindness and showed me how to practice law with kindness. I will miss him. Condolonces to your family at this difficult time.
I've been trying to reach him for a few weeks. Sent emails, texts etc. He was my attorney for my divorece and I needed some help. I didn't hear from him so I searched the web. Absoulutley GUTTED to find he had passed!! He was so very kind and thoughtful through my difficult situation. I didn't know him personally but absolutley wept. And I don't do that. I'm so very sorry to you all for your loss. I feel it even though I wasn't part of his life outside of his job. So very sad. Not fair. He helpd me a lot and I'm sue he did for many others. Prayers have been sent and I hope you can all feel great knowing some random person sincerely appreciated his kind demenor and profisionall care he applied toward me when I really needed it. He made a big difference in my life for sure.
In Loving Memory
