Bruce Elwood Simmons

Bruce Elwood Simmons
Bruce Elwood Simmons passed away peacefully in his sleep on the morning of February 14th, 2023 in Provo, Utah at the age of 74. Bruce was born September 10th, 1948, in Heber, Utah to Ernest Leroy and Addie Nielson Simmons. He was the last of their 8 children and was the only surviving boy.
After Bruce graduated from Wasatch High School, Class of ’68, he met the only woman he would ever love…right up to his dying day, Rosemarie ‘Rosie’ Simonson. They married September 9th, 1974 and celebrated their first anniversary the same week that the first of their five children was born. After nearly twenty years of a marriage which had endured some of the roughest life events; including the 1988 loss of their oldest son, Jason, due to Leukemia Cancer; they were divorced in 1994.
Bruce held many different jobs in life. Early in life, while raising a young growing family, he worked as a union heavy duty diesel mechanic which included many years for Wheeler Machinery. His oldest daughter still remembers him excitedly dragging her and her oldest brother through the Snap-on store for him to pick out the latest tool to be added to his growing collection. He also enjoyed working for Browns Canyon Rock Quarry, Bear Creek Soups and at Lowe’s before retiring.
Bruce really enjoyed his genealogy and had filled binders upon binders full of multiple family lines. He could watch TV for hours. If your visit was unfortunately timed and he was in the middle of an episode of his favorite series, Heartland, you’d be subjected to the one-sided conversation about the episodes story line and which actors we were “related” to because he had memorized all of their names and made sure to catch you up. He loved all things Hallmark channel and was usually found sitting as close as possible to the TV with the volume blaring, watching the sappiest of movies. His visiting grandchildren never left a visit without him gifting them a few dollars or coins he collected in a recycled prescription bottle. The years before his health really took a toll and required him to becoming tethered to an oxygen cord 24/7, he had enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting.
Bruce was a unique individual and if you knew him, you knew of his corky personality. Yet, somehow he seemed to find a way to grow on people. He was a simple man with few earthly possessions, his greatest possessions were those of his genealogy collection and his assortment of dvd’s. His daughter, Heather, would often reference his likeness to the character Carl Fredricksen from Disney Pixar’s Up. That grouchy, glasses-wearing old man who wandered around the world hunched over his cane refusing to accept the ever changing world around him. Just like Mr. Fredricksen, Bruce had a way of seeing the world as he wanted to, not necessarily how it was.
The Family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sheldon Nelson, a true friend. Sheldon has spent countless hours in these past years, helping Bruce explore his passion for genealogy. Sheldon would often stop by his house and later hospital or assisted living center Bruce may be at, just to visit, chat and check-in on whatever Bruce or his family might need. We would also like to thank the staff, fellow residents at RMC – River Pointe Provo, where he resided this past year. An extra thank you to his unbeknownst tribe of friends that he seemingly acquired while at the assisted living center. We did not expect to find so much comfort in your stories along with the kindness showed toward Heather as she sat in his room trying to taking care of everything and keep family looped in. But with each visitor who stopped at his door to share a quick story, offer a condolence or a simple hug as she processed the events of that morning, revealed just how loved Bruce was. It has truly been comforting knowing he made some friends and wasn’t drinking all those cans of Coke, himself.
Bruce is preceded in death by his son, Jason Bruce Simmons. Both his parents, Ernest & Addie Simmons. His sisters and brother; Itha Murdock, Elva Ludlow, Rosalena ‘Rose’ Paxton Smith, Enerst Leroy Simmons Jr., and Reva Haling.
Bruce is survived by his ex-wife, their children and 10 grandchildren; Heather and Brandon Squire (Brayden, Bailey and Kampbelle), Heidi and Luke Leonard (Jaina, Raquel and Amelia), Misty and Jeff Mabbutt (Jaylee), Anthony and RaeLyn Simmons (Carter, Paisley and Kade). His sisters; Murial Laughter, Roberta Simmons.
Close family and friends may visit on Thursday, February 23, 2023 from 1:00 to 2:00 pm at the Memorial Redwood Mortuary & Cemetery located at 6500 S Redwood Rd West Jordan UT. A small non-traditional family service will be held from 2:00 to 3:00pm with graveside services immediately following at the adjacent cemetery.
Service Information
Viewing February 23, 2023 at 1:00 PM
Redwood Memorial Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123





Funeral Service
February 23, 2023 at 2:00 PM
Redwood Memorial Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 SRedwood Memorial Mortuary and Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84123outh Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah 84118