Bruce Donald Gould

Bruce Donald Gould suffered a severe stroke on Thursday, October 5th, and passed away on Wednesday, October 11, 2023 surrounded by his loved ones at Utah Valley Hospital at 84 years of age.

He was born on August 16, 1939 in Iowa City, Iowa. He married Julia Perez Perez Gonzalez Rodriguez on October 25, 1961 and was blessed with three daughters, Irminia Perez, Susan Perez, and adopted niece, Luisa Perez at the age of 12.

He was married to his caring wife, Julia for 62 years. They had a strong bond and a loving relationship that his wife will truly miss.

Bruce joined the military at the age of 17. He bravely served in the Vietnam War Armed Forces. He was on active duty in the Air Force for 20 years and retired honorably. He loved to play chess and was an unbeatable member of the chess team in the United States Air Force.

He enjoyed swimming, ping pong, and loved reading. He could get lost for hours in a book. He had a passion for cars and owned his first vehicle at the age of 15. 

Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family. His daughters fondly remember him taking them to the Brigham Young University swimming pool at 6 AM, before school began, to swim. He continued this practice with his grandchildren, taking them swimming in the afternoon on Saturdays at the Provo Recreation Center. 

His family will always remember him as patient, giving, determined to help others focus on the positive, and be builders of character. His favorite poem is called, The Builder, author Unknown. 

Preceding him in death are his parents, Irma Roskelly and Joseph Henry Gould, and his step-father Willis O. Hall; his siblings Helen D. Marie Gould Jackson and Errol Joe Gould. 

Surviving him are his sister, Sharon Hedgcock; his three daughters, Irminia Perez Barker (deceased spouse Jon Harris Barker), and Susan Perez Montgomery, and spouse Robert Scott Montgomery, Luisa Perez Gould, and spouse Feli Extremera Extremera; 9 grandchildren Amber Moon and spouse, Eric Moon, Julia Weathers, Jason Cardwell and spouse, Kari Cardwell, Joseph Cardwell and spouse, Ingrid Cardwell, Aubrey Montgomery and spouse, Morgan Bartholomew, Jacob Montgomery, Amie Montgomery, Monica Perez Wayman, Daniel Porras Perez ; and 11 great grandchildren.

We would like to acknowledge Utah Valley Intensive Care Center for their caring support during Bruce’s last days.