Bruce Wainwright's Obituary
Bruce B. Wainwright, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother, and friend, died in Salt Lake City, Utah, on October 26, 2024. He was 92. Bruce was born to John Harrison Wainwright and Venetta Rosetta Beckstrom on April 24, 1932, in Springville, Utah, the youngest of five children. From a young age, Bruce helped his mother in her dry goods store and assisted his father in his bakery, developing a lifelong dedication to hard work and service.
After graduating from Spanish Fork High School, Bruce moved with his family to Salt Lake City to help his parents open a bakery, where he met Juanita Martin Barclay, the love of his life. Bruce joined the U.S. Army and faithfully served his country during the Korean War. He survived his military assignments and earned a battlefield commission to second lieutenant for his bravery and dedication.
A lifelong learner, Bruce earned a doctorate in education from UCLA, and he started his career as a consultant and educational evaluator. His commitment to behavioral growth and learning was reflected in the books he wrote and the many books he collected and cherished.
Bruce and Juanita were married in the Salt Lake Temple on June 4, 1954. They raised seven children who, along with their families, were Bruce’s greatest pride and joy. He and Juanita started family traditions that continue to create good memories and strengthen family relationships.
Bruce also enjoyed building. Among his many construction projects were the family home in West Jordan and the cabin in Midway, Utah. They provided a gathering place for his family and friends. He found joy in nature and loved traveling with his family, often welcoming friends and neighbors to join in on the adventures.
After retiring, Bruce and Juanita moved to St. George, Utah, where they lived until Juanita’s passing in 2023. Bruce’s life was defined by dedication to his family and his faith. Among his many church callings, Bruce served as bishop in the West Jordan 2nd Ward and as a high councilor. His life has left a legacy of love and deep devotion.
Bruce is survived by children William (Christine), Janet (Greg) Reed, Steve, Anne (Kent) Harrison, Doug (Rebekah), Julie (Greg) Earl, and 22 grandchildren and 35 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, John and Venetta Wainwright; his siblings, Jane, Dorothy, Jack, and Kathy; his wife, Juanita; his daughter, Jeanne (Mark) Peterson; his grandson, William Jared Wainwright, and his son-in-law, William Steven Sproul.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at 12 noon at the LDS chapel at 8176 S 5140 W, West Jordan. A viewing will be held at the same chapel on Friday, November 1, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and again before the funeral service 10:00-11:30. Interment at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 E 10600 S, Sandy).
The services will be recorded. The zoom link is: https://zoom.us/j/93175217906#success
If you would like to watch the recorded service for Bruce Wainwright's funeral service https://youtu.be/_y0ePM6N6jU .
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