Bruce Bastian, a pioneer for gay rights and a driving force behind advancements in word processing technology, passed away on June 16 at his residence in Palm Springs, California.
Originally from Utah, Bastian co-founded WordPerfect, a groundbreaking word processing system, during his graduate studies at Brigham Young University (BYU). Together with Alan C. Ashton, his business partner, they revolutionized computer productivity in daily tasks. Bastian’s journey took a significant turn when he publicly came out as gay, leading him to sever ties with the Mormon Church. This pivotal moment marked the beginning of his lifelong advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. He played a key role in founding Equality Utah, a prominent LGBTQ+ advocacy organization in the state. Troy Williams, the current executive director of Equality Utah, credited Bastian with laying the foundation for decades of community achievements. Throughout his life, Bastian remained dedicated to supporting the causes he believed in. He established the B.W. Bastian Foundation, which focused exclusively on organizations promoting equality. His philanthropy extended beyond LGBTQ+ rights to include substantial contributions to arts organizations like Ballet West and the Utah Symphony. In addition to his professional and advocacy work, Bastian cherished his family. He was married to Melanie Laycock, with whom he had four sons, and later to Clint Ford, whom he married in 2018. Survived by his husband, sons, siblings, and grandchildren, Bastian leaves behind a legacy of profound impact on both the LGBTQ+ community and the fields of technology and philanthropy. Tributes poured in following his passing, underscoring his relentless efforts in advancing equality and celebrating the diversity of the community. Kelley Robinson, President of the Human Rights Campaign, described Bastian as a tireless advocate whose legacy will resonate for generations to come. Bastian’s life and contributions stand as a testament to the power of advocacy and philanthropy in shaping a more inclusive world. Photo courtesy of social media
