# Bruce Bastian

> American computer scientist

**Wikidata**: [Q4977119](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q4977119)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bruce_Bastian)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/bruce-bastian

## Summary
Bruce Bastian was an American computer scientist and entrepreneur who co-founded WordPerfect, becoming a pioneer in the software industry. He later transitioned to philanthropy, becoming a significant supporter of LGBTQ+ causes after leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1990.

## Biography
- Born: March 23, 1948 in Twin Falls
- Nationality: United States
- Education: Master's degree in Computer Science from Brigham Young University; attended Twin Falls High School
- Known for: Co-founding WordPerfect software company
- Employer(s): Eyring Research Institute, Satellite Software International
- Field(s): Computer science, software development, entrepreneurship

## Contributions
Bruce Bastian co-founded WordPerfect, which became one of the most popular word processing software programs of the 1980s and 1990s. The software revolutionized document creation and editing for personal and business users worldwide. After selling WordPerfect, Bastian focused on philanthropy, establishing himself as a major donor to LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and educational institutions. His charitable work included significant contributions to marriage equality efforts and LGBTQ+ youth support programs. Beyond his software achievements, Bastian's transition from tech entrepreneur to social philanthropist demonstrated a commitment to using his wealth and influence to advance civil rights and social justice causes.

## FAQs
### Q: What was Bruce Bastian's role in the development of WordPerfect?
A: Bruce Bastian co-founded WordPerfect, serving as the technical visionary while his business partner handled marketing and sales. The software became the dominant word processing program in the 1980s and early 1990s before being acquired by Novell.

### Q: How did Bruce Bastian accumulate his wealth?
A: Bastian amassed his fortune through his co-founding and leadership role at WordPerfect. His net worth was estimated at $475 million by 1990, primarily derived from the success of the word processing software company he helped build.

### Q: What philanthropic causes did Bruce Bastian support?
A: After leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1990, Bastian became a prominent supporter of LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality. He donated millions to LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, educational institutions, and social justice initiatives.

### Q: What was Bruce Bastian's educational background?
A: Bastian earned a master's degree in Computer Science from Brigham Young University. He previously attended Twin Falls High School in his hometown of Twin Falls, Idaho.

## Why They Matter
Bruce Bastian's impact extends beyond his technological contributions to the software industry. As co-creator of WordPerfect, he helped democratize document processing for millions of users during the personal computing revolution. More significantly, his transformation from successful tech entrepreneur to dedicated LGBTQ+ philanthropist represents a powerful example of using personal wealth and influence to advance social justice. His support for marriage equality and LGBTQ+ youth programs helped advance these causes during critical periods. Without Bastian's philanthropic contributions, many LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations and educational initiatives would have lacked crucial funding during formative years of the marriage equality movement.

## Notable For
- Co-founder of WordPerfect, one of the most successful word processing software companies of the 1980s-1990s
- Estimated net worth of $475 million as of 1990, accumulated through software entrepreneurship
- Significant philanthropist to LGBTQ+ causes after leaving The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in 1990
- Master's degree in Computer Science from Brigham Young University
- Employed at both Eyring Research Institute and Satellite Software International during his career

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Bruce Wayne Bastian was born on March 23, 1948, in Twin Falls, Idaho. He attended Twin Falls High School before pursuing higher education at Brigham Young University, where he earned a master's degree in Computer Science. This educational foundation would later prove instrumental in his technological innovations.

### Career in Technology
Bastian's professional career included positions at both the Eyring Research Institute and Satellite Software International. The Eyring Research Institute, a non-profit organization based in Utah founded in 1972, provided an early environment for Bastian to develop his technical skills. His work at these institutions laid the groundwork for his future entrepreneurial success.

### WordPerfect and Entrepreneurial Success
Bastian achieved his greatest fame as co-founder of WordPerfect, a word processing software that became industry standard during the 1980s and early 1990s. The software's success led to substantial financial rewards for Bastian, with his net worth reaching an estimated $475 million by 1990. This wealth positioned him for a significant transition into philanthropy later in life.

### Personal Life and Philanthropy
Bastian was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints until 1990, when he left the church. This departure coincided with his emergence as a major philanthropist, particularly in support of LGBTQ+ rights and marriage equality. His philanthropic efforts focused on advocacy organizations, educational institutions, and social justice initiatives that advanced LGBTQ+ causes.

### Later Years and Death
Bruce Bastian passed away on June 16, 2024, in Palm Springs, California, at the age of 76. His death was attributed to pulmonary fibrosis, with the manner of death recorded as natural causes. Throughout his later years, he remained committed to philanthropy and social justice causes, leaving a legacy that extended beyond his technological innovations.

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps
2. [Source](https://www.wsj.com/tech/bruce-bastian-wordperfect-lgbtq-activist-dies-at-76-6da293f4)
3. Find a Grave
4. [Bruce Bastian, co-founder of WordPerfect and longtime LGBTQ+ philanthropist, dies at age 76. WTVT](https://www.fox13now.com/news/local-news/bruce-bastian-co-founder-of-wordperfect-and-lgbtq-supporter-dies-at-age-76)
5. Quora