Bruce Wayne Bastian

Bruce Wayne Bastian, beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend, passed the morning of Sunday, June 16th in Palm Springs, California. Bruce died peacefully in his sleep, succumbing to the complications associated with Pulmonary Fibrosis, a disease he battled valiantly for several years. He spent the closing days of his life in an environment of love, visiting with family and friends.

Bruce was born on March 23, 1948 to Arlon and Una Bastian in Twin Falls, Idaho. He was the 5th of 6 children, having 2 older brothers (Lewis, Reese) 2 older sisters (Connie, Camille) and 1 younger sister (Marieta). From a young age, Bruce’s parents instilled in him the significance of giving, as he often observed his father donating groceries from their family-owned store to families in need. The Bastian children were resolutely taught the importance of being honest, giving a good effort, and treating others with fairness and respect, characteristics Bruce would develop and ultimately exemplify throughout his life.

Upon completing high school, Bruce served as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Italy. Following his mission, Bruce made his way to Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. Originally planning to major in Mathematics, Bruce’s passion for music eventually earned him a B.A. Degree in Music Education and provided him the distinct opportunity of directing the BYU Cougar Marching Band. It was during this time Bruce met computer science instructor Alan Ashton, with whom he began writing software to choreograph marching band performances. Bastian later went on to earn an M.A. in Computer Science from BYU and more recently received an honorary Doctor of Humanities Degree from Westminster University. In 1976, Bruce married Melanie Laycock and together they had four sons. The couple divorced in 1993 but remained close until her death in 2016.

In 1978, Bruce and Alan introduced a word processing product they had created for the emerging Personal Computer industry. The product was eventually named WordPerfect, and soon the two men were helming a fast-growing enterprise based in Orem, Utah. By 1990, WordPerfect Corporation employed over 7,000 people and had become a leading software application globally. In 1994, WordPerfect merged with Novell, and Bruce stepped away from his position as Chairman of the company. Bruce continued to call Utah home for the rest of his life but also spent many years at his flat in London. Later on, Bruce lived in Palm Springs, California for a good part of each year.

In 2018, Bruce married Clint Ford, with whom he spent the remainder of his life. The couple epitomized all that a loving relationship should be, with Bruce becoming the fortunate recipient of Clint’s unfailing adoration as his health declined in recent years.

Bruce cared deeply about people, placing great value on human dignity, civility, individuality and compassion. An effective communicator and natural leader, Bruce was often called upon to be a resounding voice on behalf of important causes dear to him, including equal rights for members of the LGBTQ+ community, humanitarian aid, and meaningful philanthropy. Bruce had a big heart, and he allowed his empathy and appreciation for others to govern many years of service in various areas. In 2003 Bruce was asked to join the Board of Directors for the national Human Rights Campaign based in Washington D.C. and was appointed to the Presidential Advisory Committee of the Arts by President Barack Obama in 2010. In addition, key organizations including Equality Utah, the Utah Pride Center, and the Utah AIDS Foundation found their footing thanks to Bruce’s generosity and unwavering commitment. Furthermore, Bruce had an affinity for the arts. He was credited with transforming the music program at the University of Utah by way of gifting the school 55 Steinway pianos, and was a devoted contributor to such performance groups and centers as Ballet West, the Utah Symphony, Kingsbury Hall, Plan-B Theater, Utah Valley University’s Bastian Theater, and so many others. Though frequently honored over several decades, Bruce never allowed himself a moment of complacency, as he felt privileged to help perpetuate meaningful progress in any way he could.

Bruce had a capacity for making those closest to him feel truly special. Ever ready with an attentive ear, Bruce was an engaged listener and a deep well of life experience. He was willing to share his opinion when solicited, typically delivering it with a quick wit and expressive smile that were uniquely his. Moreover, though he struggled to be the recipient of gifts, Bruce was wonderful at giving them and enjoyed watching the excited reactions that usually transpired. Bruce made even the smallest gatherings with loved ones feel like momentous occasions, ensuring everyone felt welcome, well-fed, and content.

Bruce is preceded in death by his father, Arlon Bastian; his mother, Una Bastian; his brother, Lewis Bastian; his sister Connie Embree; and his furry 4-legged friends, Max, Lukas and Pauper. He is survived by his husband, Clint Ford and their dog, Archie; three of his siblings; and his four sons Rick (Heather), Darren (Lisa), Jeff (Cristi), and Robert (Amy). Bruce also adored his 14 grandchildren, spoiling them on their birthdays, attending their many activities, and hosting them all for pizza and hot chocolate each Christmas season when his Orem home was always spectacularly lit and decorated.

To encapsulate everything Bruce accomplished and everyone he inspired is an impossible task. Undoubtedly, his wish would be for all to carry on with kindness towards others and the courage to be genuine. The void we now feel is immense. Yet, we remain forever grateful for the indelible mark Bruce left on the community, the world, and most profoundly, our hearts.

Clint and the Bastian family wish to thank Bruce’s caretaker, as well as the doctors, nurses, and all others involved in his treatment and care during his final years in Utah and California.

A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, July 5, 2024 at 11:00 AM at the Libby Gardner Concert Hall, 1375 Presidents Circle, Salt Lake City, where viewing and reception will follow until 4:00 PM. In accordance with his wishes, Bruce will be cremated.

In place of flowers or gifts, Bruce’s family encourages donations to Human Rights Campaign hrc.org, Equality Utah equalityutah.org, Utah Pride Center utahpridecenter.org , Ballet West balletwest.org or Best Friends bestfriends.org, UAF Legacy Health uafhealth.org, or any local LGBTQ+ or arts organization in Bruce’s name.