Bruce Bastian
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Bruce Bastian | |
|---|---|
 Bastian in 2011 | |
| Born | Bruce Wayne Bastian March 23, 1948 |
| Died | June 16, 2024 Palm Springs, CA |
| Alma mater | Brigham Young University |
| Occupations |
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| Known for | Co-founding WordPerfect |
| Spouse |
Melanie Laycock-Bastian
(m. 1976; div. 1993) |
Bruce Wayne Bastian (March 23, 1948 - June 16, 2024) was an American computer programmer, and businessperson, and philanthropist.[2] He co-founded the WordPerfect Software Company (originally known as Satellite Software International) with Alan Ashton in 1978.
Early life and education
Bastian was born on March 23, 1948, in Twin Falls, Idaho.[3] He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Music and a Master's degree in Computer Science from Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah.[3] As an undergraduate, he served as the director of the BYU Cougar Marching Band and developed a software program to help choreograph marching band performances together with Alan Ashton.[3]
Career
Bastian briefly worked for Ashton and another partner, developing word processing software. Bastian later worked for the Eyring Research Institute (ERI), where he briefly worked on a language translation program.[citation needed] Soon after Bastian became employed at ERI, the company signed a contract with Orem, Utah, to create a word processor for the city's new DEC PDP-11/34 mini computer. Since Bastian was the only employee at ERI who had a development experience with word processing, the company contracted with Bastian and Ashton to develop the software, which later became WordPerfect.[4]
Philanthropy
A philanthropist, Bastian supported the LGBT community and the performing arts in Utah.[2] He was a donor to Encircle, the Utah Pride Center, and Equality Utah, whose executive director noted, "No individual has had a greater impact on the lives of LGBTQ Utahns."[2] He also provided financial assistance to the Plan-B Theatre Company, the Utah Symphony and Utah Opera, Ballet West, the University of Utah.[2]
In 2010, President Barack Obama appointed Bastian to the Presidential Advisory Committee of the Arts in honor of Bastian's long-term commitment to the arts.[5]
Personal life and death
Bastian had a husband, Clint.[2] He died on June 16, 2024.[2]
References
- ^ "Melanie Laycock-Bastian". Deseret News. 2016. Retrieved August 16, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f Burt, Spencer; Tencer, Emily (June 16, 2024). "Bruce Bastian, co-founder of WordPerfect and longtime LGBTQ+ philanthropist, dies at age 76". Fox 13. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
- ^ a b c Funk, Mason. "Bruce Bastian". The OUTWORDS Archive. Retrieved June 17, 2024.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
deseretwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ "President Obama Announces More Key Administration Posts, 2/26/10 | The White House". whitehouse.gov (Press release). February 26, 2010. Retrieved November 1, 2013 – via National Archives.
External links
- B.W. Bastian Foundation
- Philanthropist and WordPerfect Co-Founder Bruce Bastian, Interview on Mormon Stories
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