Bruce Penland

Dr. Bruce Raymond Penland, 75, of North Ogden, passed away September 22, 2024, after a brief but intense battle with Stage 4 cancer. He was surrounded by his wife, four children, and daughter-in-law when he passed.

Bruce grew up and graduated from a private high school in Virginia. His early hobbies included being an equestrian (riding horses) and sailing. He spent the next decade earning various degrees across the country. He earned his Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Utah, where he met his future bride, Anne. They were later married and sealed in the temple. Bruce also earned a PhD in Education from the University of Alabama. After spending several years in Maine, where his wife grew up, the couple and four teenagers returned to Utah in 1994.

Bruce was a High School Principal at Washburn High School (Maine), as well as Washington and Ben Lomond High Schools in Ogden City School District. He was promoted to Executive Director in Ogden City School District, where, in total, he worked for more than 25 years. He wrote and secured many national grants to increase funding in his district and was awarded Administrator of the Year in 2008.

After Bruce retired, he found additional ways to spend time with his family. He attended countless baseball, basketball, and soccer games to support his grandchildren. He loved traveling with his wife; they were frequent visitors to National Parks. He was an excellent cook, often hosting large family dinners. He enjoyed playing golf, especially with his sons and grandsons. Along with his wife and family, Bruce’s mini golden doodle, Abbey, was a faithful companion for the past five years.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 51 years, Anne; and their four children, Andrew (Shannalee), Jennifer, Aimee and Chris. He is also survived by five grandsons and one granddaughter, Jace, Logan, Luke, Brady, Boston, and Laney, ranging in age from 8 to 21 years old. He is also survived by several siblings and their spouses, Paul (Virginia), Hugh, Darlene (wife of brother Dick), Joan Bolliger (Randy) and his brother-in-law, Fred Glazier.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ted and Mildred Penland; his brother, Dick; and his infant grandson, Lincoln.

Bruce was as steady as a rock in his family. He was always willing to support and help his wife, children, and grandchildren. He had a huge soft spot for his grandchildren, even sharing his birthday (March 3) with his first grandchild, Jace. He was independent and self-sufficient, buying groceries and cooking dinner nightly until his Stage 4 cancer diagnosis in July 2024. The family has been given a measure of peace, knowing that Bruce’s pain, cancer, and cancer treatments are finally over now. He fought valiantly until the day he died.

Bruce was a blessing to those around him for 75 years. He will be incredibly missed by all those who knew him, even moreso by those who were fortunate enough to love him.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the North Ogden 20th Ward, 575 East 3100 North. Friends may visit with family on Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Saturday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment, West Haven Cemetery.

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