Bruce Dixon Woodbury

Bruce Dixon Woodbury passed away peacefully on January 20, 2019, after a valiant battle against a variety of health problems. 

Bruce was born on February 7, 1948 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Dixon Miles and Donna Budge Woodbury. He grew up in Bountiful, Utah, and was a member of the first graduating class of Viewmont High School in 1966. 

In 1971, he married his eternal companion, Nancy Spencer, in the Salt Lake Temple. Bruce and Nancy raised their family of five children in North Salt Lake, where they have lived in the same house since 1978. 

Bruce attended the University of Utah, graduating in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in communication. He worked for the Daily Utah Chronicle and KTVX-Channel 4 before becoming the Sports Information Director for the University of Utah Athletics Department in 1973. Bruce loved his job and everyone loved “Woody.” He had many memorable experiences in his career working with the media, athletes, coaches, and staff before retiring in 2007. He loved the U so much he even put the school logo on his prosthetic leg!

Bruce was a passionate supporter, board member and served as President of the Utah Sports Hall of Fame Foundation.

He was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served a mission as a young man to Southern California and in 2011-2012 he and Nancy served a mission together to the Mormon Battalion Historic Site in San Diego, an experience they both treasured. He loved serving throughout his life with the young men and on the High Council at the University of Utah. They also enjoyed serving as hosting missionaries in the Joseph Smith Memorial Building. Bruce was a man of quiet faith, but had a deep testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ and the doctrine of the resurrection. 

Bruce was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis when he was 17 years old, but refused to let the disease stop him. He faced kidney failure, diabetes, cancer, and amputation with determination and resilience and rarely complained. In 2009, he was grateful to receive a kidney from his son Cleadus and the transplant gave him a new lease on life. He kept his sense of humor to the end and was an example of endurance to all who knew him.

Bruce’s favorite role was as husband, father, and grandfather. He taught his family the importance of education, the love of travel, and that there is always room for dessert. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Nancy, and children Kim, Jon (Lori), Scot (Kirsten), David “Cleadus” (Lisa), and Jessica (David) Plowman. He has left a legacy of love and courage for his 15 grandchildren: Emma, Jenna, Benjamin, Luke, Grace, Lucy, Hannah, Kira, Spencer, Jane, Olivia, Jacob, Peter, Max, and Sarah. He is also survived by his sister, Marcia (Bruce) Covington, and brother, Mark. Bruce’s family is happy that he is now free from pain and reunited with his parents, grandparents, and many other beloved ancestors. We know we will see him again and be together forever. 

A viewing will be held on Friday, January 25 from 6:00 pm – 8:00 pm at Russon Mortuary, 295 N Main Street, Bountiful, Utah 84010. Funeral Services will be on Saturday, January 26 at 11:00 am with a viewing from 9:30 am – 10:30 am, at the Orchard Utah Stake Center at 3599 Orchard Drive, Bountiful Utah 84010. Interment will be at the Bountiful City Cemetery.

The family would like to thank all the doctors and medical professionals who provided excellent care throughout his life, particularly the past few years as he has fought his courageous battle.

We would appreciate hearing your memories of Bruce. Feel free to text or leave a voicemail at 801-560-8659 or email brucewoodburymemories@gmail.com. To donate to the Bruce Woodbury Memorial Scholarship Fund at the University of Utah contact the Crimson Club at 801-581-8519 https://auxiliary.apps.utah.edu/ugive/designation/305