Bruce John Roberts
August 20, 1948 - March 13, 2010
Bruce John Roberts
1949 – 2010
Bruce John Roberts, age 61, died on March 13th due to complications of melanoma, family at his side.
Best known for his role in Cosmic Aeroplane Books and Records, he remained in the book business until his death, most recently employed by the University of Utah Press as director of marketing and sales.
Graduated from Skyline High School where he managed the football team, earned several journalism awards and an academic scholarship. Attended the University of Utah where he served as sports editor for The Daily Utah Chronicle, presented several significant bonds in the Union Ballroom including The Grateful Dead, and was active in the political dissent of the times.
Bruce was fiercely dedicated to his work but managed always to keep it entertaining. He loved being on the road, exploring new territory and eating great food. His priorities changed somewhat with the arrival of Andrew, Sam and Hannah. He has instilled in them his same love of travel, food, adventure and of course reading.
Bruce has affected many lives and leaves a huge void. His family, now in great sadness, includes children Andrew, Sam and Hannah; their mother, Julie Howell; sister Becky Sue Roberts; brother Dan of the Utah Jazz and wife Jane Ann; nephew Jeremy Roberts and wife Aimee; niece Amy Bolton and husband Brad; multiple grand nieces and one grand nephew.
Great thanks to the staff of the melanoma clinic at the Huntsman Center, particularly Leann, and to the multitude of physicians and nurses involved in his care at the University of Utah Medical Center.
Melanoma is a preventable disease. Protect yourself from sun exposure, and avoid tanning booths.
Family recommends donations to the Huntsman Cancer Center.
An open house celebration in Bruce’s honor will be held on April Fool’s Day at Red Butte Gardens from 5 to 8 PM, 300 Wakara Way, above the University of Utah Research Park research area. An intimate gathering for family and close friends will follow.
In Loving Memory
Dear Roberts Family-I'm saddened to hear about Bruce's passing. I was unaware of his medical status. He courageously carried on with his everyday life in the same style he always lived. I remember seeing Bruce at Skyline H.S. wearing the letterman's jacket. Then the next time was at the University of Utah's Union bldg. You can tell he had fun and commitment with what he was involved in. Most recently was at the U Press again promoting books and knowledge. Good guy-we'll miss him.
Laura Horiuchi Gaddie
Salt Lake City, ut
I am so very sorry to hear you've lost Bruce. He was just such an amazing person...he was my boss at Cosmic for several years, and I'll always remember his generosity and absolute tenderness.,,my heart goes out to you guys. Bruce brought a whole lot of energy and joy to this planet-- I remember him introducing me to the Inkspots, the 20's barbershop quartet; and telling me how to grow Foxglove, and the way he would give each Cosmic employee a week's pay as a Christmas bonus, which was a HUGE amount of money for me at the time. Ah, Bruce. You were so good. I'll miss you.
Nicole Stansbury
salt lake city, UT
I was shocked to learn of Bruce's passing. It's sad when the good ones leave the party early. He will be missed.
Richard Montague
Albany, OR
I've had the pleasure of knowing and working with Bruce since the late 90s and am so glad I got to know him even better over the past 5 years. I'm a Denver based sales rep and we tried to meet as often as possible on the road. He was always extremely generous in sharing information about bookstores and booksellers; always willing to give me tips and info to make my life easier. But I had the most fun with Bruce at Jazz or Rockies games, and at Squatters. We loved talking baseball and everything related to the book industry. Opening Day just won't be the same without him. We were fellow road warriors and I shall miss him terribly. We often felt like we were the only 2 reps who visited stores well off the beaten path. Those of us in the Denver book community are sad we'll miss the SLC celebration of his life. We send our condolences to the family. We are putting together a tribute to Bruce to be held in Denver in the near future and our spirits will be present in Salt Lake the evening of April 1st.
David Quinn
Denver, Co