Bruce Allen Holt left this world suddenly on Wednesday, April 27. He was an accomplished guitarist and song writer, barista (and proprietor), a brother, an uncle, and a devoted friend to so many people.
Bruce was born on October 5, 1961 in Salt Lake City to Hedy and Kenneth Holt, and to the joy of his sisters, Janet and Susan. Bruce was inquisitive, resourceful, mischievous, and fun loving from the beginning. He grew up in the Sugar House area, and attended Granite and Highland High Schools. Before he was even in his teens, the Beatles had made an indelible impression on him and music became his life’s focus. He began playing drums at age ten, and guitar shortly thereafter—a pursuit he continued to perfect for the next 50 years.
He worked for DOD Electronics, and later for Harmon Music Group in Sandy. In 2001, he opened Jitterbug Coffee Hop in Sugar House, where he fostered so many meaningful relationships with all who visited. He made a point of learning and remembering everyone’s names and favorite drinks, provided a shoulder to cry on, and the sage advice of a bar-tender. Bruce played lead guitar in many bands, most recently the Bone Band. These last few years were some of his happiest. Not a bad note to leave on.
He had a great sense of humor and could fix or build anything. He loved dogs, the Brighton Resort area, and sunny, hot weather. He found time for people and listened with an open heart, and never forgot a birthday. He also found love with Phoebe Bui, with whom he shared the last six years of his life.
He is survived by his sisters, Janet (Mike) Pepper and Susan (Chris) McCandless, both of Sandy, and six nieces and nephews: Stephen Pepper, David (Crystal) Pepper, Jenny (Byram) Beckstead, Ryan Pepper, Meagan McCandless, and Sean (Cassie) McCandless. And especially his best friend and “brother,” Richard Bettinson. He was preceded in death by his parents.
He will be celebrated this Friday, May 6 at the Larkin Cemetery, in Sandy (1950 East 10600 South). The viewing will begin at noon, with a graveside service following at 2 p.m. There will also be a Celebration of Life at Jitterbug, on Saturday afternoon, May 14.
Rock on, brother.
Bruce Holt, performing with Gina Osmond and Bone Band:
Gina Osmond with Bruce Holt, both members of Bone Band. Gina posted this photo in tribute to Bruce Holt's passing.
