Bruce Kirry

Bruce James Kirry, 74, of Layton, UT, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family on December 15, 2020.

Bruce was born in Seattle, Washington in November of 1946 to Lois Mae and Robert H. Kirry. He lived with his parents and two brothers in the house his father built in the Pinehurst neighborhood of North Seattle. He and his family enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing in the Pacific Northwest. Bruce’s father passed away unexpectedly when Bruce was only ten years old. Five years later, Lois married Robert Lemke, and a little sister, Janet, was born into the family.

Bruce attended Ingraham High School in Seattle, where he lettered in football. He continued to play football at Wenatchee Valley College and then Central Washington University, where he was named an All-American.

In 1968, Bruce married Leota V. Merkley of Moses Lake, Washington in the Oakland, California temple of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Over the years, they welcomed six children and eighteen grandchildren to their family.

Bruce joined the United States Marine Corps Officer training after graduating from CWU in 1969. He served as an officer and played on the Corps’ football team until the end of 1973, and was discharged with the rank of Captain. He was hired almost immediately by IBM, and moved back to Seattle with Leota and his growing family to begin what became a 37-year career with the company. That job took him and Leota to Round Rock, Texas, Grapevine, Texas, and after twenty years, he was eventually transferred back to Seattle, Washington, where he retired.

Bruce was a mentor and friend to hundreds of colleagues and friends over his career at IBM and in his church and community activities. His family will always remember his generosity, his fierce independence, his boundless sense of humor, and his deep love for us.

Bruce is preceded in death by his brother, Michael Kirry. He is survived by his wife, Leota; their children, Julianne, Clinton (Melissa), Kristin, Dale (Michelle), Melanie Gardner (Skyler), and Alexander (Collyn); his eighteen grandchildren; his brother, John Kirry (Sharon) and his sister, Janet Herrard (Alfredo).

Due to pandemic conditions, no public service will be held. Bruce will be interred privately in the Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton Cemetery, Layton, Utah. A livestream will be available starting on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. by scrolling to the bottom of this obituary page.

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Road.

Order Video