Salt Lake City, Utah – The community and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints are mourning the loss of Bruce Douglas Porter, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and a respected leader who passed away surrounded by his family on December 28th. His life was a testament to his unwavering faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ, his profound scholarship, and his commitment to serving humanity both locally and globally.
Born in Albuquerque, New Mexico, on September 18, 1952, to Lyle Kay Porter and Wilma Holmes, Bruce was the eldest of five siblings. From a young age, Bruce was steeped in the scriptures and stories of the gospel, which kindled a lifelong passion for religious scholarship and service. His formative years were also marked by a wide array of interests, thanks to his mother’s encouragement, from basketball and music to participating in school plays.
Bruce’s academic journey began at Brigham Young University (BYU) on a David O. McKay scholarship, a precursor to his distinguished academic and professional career. It was here that Bruce met Susan Elizabeth Holland, the woman who would become his wife, partner, and support through nearly four decades of marriage. Their union was solemnized in the Washington D.C. Temple on February 2, 1977.
The call to serve a mission for the LDS Church took Bruce to Dusseldorf, Germany, igniting a deep love for the people of Eastern Europe and setting the stage for his future contributions to international relations and global peace. Upon his return, Bruce pursued further education, earning a Master’s degree in Soviet studies and a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University, specializing in the politics of the Soviet Union – a field that would define much of his professional life.
Bruce’s career was as varied as it was impactful. From teaching at BYU to working in the defense industry, serving on the Senate Armed Services Committee, and contributing to the governance of the Board for International Broadcasting, Bruce’s expertise in political science was widely recognized. He was also a prolific writer, authoring significant works on political and gospel topics.
In April 1995, Bruce’s life took a pivotal turn when he was called to serve as a member of the Quorum of the Seventy for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This calling would see him and his family serve in various parts of the world, including Eastern Europe and the Middle East, fostering relationships, and building bridges of understanding across cultures and religions. His leadership roles in the church’s administrative bodies were marked by wisdom, compassion, and a visionary approach to global missionary work.
Bruce’s personal life was rich with the love of his family. He and Susan were blessed with four children, who, along with their eleven grandchildren, were the center of Bruce’s world. His commitment to his family was unwavering, and his role as a patriarch was imbued with love, humor, and the wisdom of the gospel.
The legacy Bruce leaves behind is immeasurable. His scholarly contributions to political science and religious thought, his dedication to service in the church, and his role as a family man combine to paint a picture of a life well-lived. His efforts in fostering understanding and peace, particularly in areas of the world marred by conflict, reflect his deep conviction in the teachings of Christ.
As the community, his family, and friends mourn his passing, they also celebrate the life of a man who was a beacon of faith, scholarship, and unwavering dedication to the betterment of humanity. Bruce’s impact will be felt for generations to come, in the lives of those he touched and in the ongoing work of the institutions and people he influenced.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations be made to LDS Charities or the Church’s General Missionary Fund, reflecting Bruce’s lifelong commitment to serving others. As the final preparations are made for his funeral service, to be held at the Bountiful Utah Central Stake Center, those who knew Bruce prepare to bid farewell to a man who was, in every sense, a servant of the Lord.
His journey from the deserts of New Mexico to the corridors of power and academia, and into the hearts of people across the globe, is a testament to the profound impact one life can have. Bruce Douglas Porter’s story is one of faith, love, and an unwavering commitment to the gospel of Jesus Christ, a story that will continue to inspire and guide those who seek to make the world a better place.
