Bruce Grant Parry

Bruce Grant Parry 

Sept. 18, 1939 – Aug. 27, 2025 

Bruce Grant Parry, husband, father, grandfather, educator, and respected Native American leader, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2025. A man of service, humor, and compassion, Bruce dedicated his life to uplifting his family, his people, and his community. Bruce was born on September 18, 1939, at the Malad Hospital in Idaho to Grant and Mae Timbimboo Parry. Bruce was the oldest of six children. As one local resident fondly remembered, people lined up around the block to glimpse the new baby – half Shoshone, half white – a symbol of two worlds he would learn to walk in with grace. 

Bruce spent his earliest years in Washakie, Utah, before his family moved to Clearfield when he was four. He attended Clearfield Elementary, North Davis Junior High, and Davis High School, where he excelled in all sports and was awarded the Standard Examiner Gold Watch as the most outstanding athlete. Though shy in his youth, joking once that “the girls scared me” – he loved school and developed a lifelong passion for reading and learning. 

He attended Weber State College, where he played quarterback for the football team, and later transferred to the University of Utah, where he pitched for the baseball team. 

During the summer before his junior year of high school, Bruce met Darlene Sessions, the love of his life. Together they build a family and a legacy of faith, love, and service. 

Bruce began his teaching career at Union High School in Roosevelt, Utah, and later taught and coached at Kaysville Junior High and the newly opened Layton High School, where he shared his love of sports and mentorship with countless students. Coaching and working with young people brought him great joy throughout his life. 

In 1971, Bruce was appointed Director of the Utah Division of Indian Affairs, where he served with distinction for 14 years under three governors. In that role, he became a strong and trusted advocate for Native peoples across the state. A member of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, Bruce carried forward the leadership legacy of his ancestors – his great-great grandfather Chief Sagwitch, his grandfather Moroni Timbimboo, and his mother, Mae Timbimboo Parry. 

Following his years in public service, Bruce returned to education, teaching at Clearfield High School until his retirement. He also served as Vice President of the Davis County Board of Education, sat on numerous advisory committees and boards, and lectured across the country on Native American issues. He was a tireless voice for Indigenous rights and a bridge-builder between cultures. 

Bruce was a man of faith who loved to study the gospel. He was a devoted member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, where he served faithfully in many callings. Above all, he cherished his family. Bruce and Darlene were blessed with four children: Darren (Melody) Parry, Kelly (Kelly) Ross, Cheryl (Brad) Muir, and Jeff (Kara) Parry, as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren. 

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Darlene, his parents, and five siblings: Myron, Brian, Jean, Janet, and Ann. 

After Darlene’s passing, Bruce was blessed to meet and marry Pam Gomm. She and her family were loved and cherished by Bruce as if they were his own. Bruce is survived by Pam, his children, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren who will remember him for his humor, wisdom, and unwavering kindness. 

Bruce’s life was a testament to service. He often said that leadership was not about position but about living a life of giving. To the end, he embodied that truth. 

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at the Lindquist Mortuary in Syracuse, 869 S. 2000 W. Friends may visit with family at the mortuary prior to the service from 9:00 -10:30 a.m. Interment, Syracuse City Cemetery. 

The family wishes to express thanks to Aimee and the wonderful staff at Beehive Homes of Syracuse. We are grateful for your kind service to our dad and Pam. A special thank you to Flora, the hospice aid, and Heather, Dad’s hospice nurse. We know he loves each one of you. 

Thank you, as well, to all who have reached out in love and remembrance. May we honor Bruce’s memory by living with the same generosity, humility, and service that defined his life.

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