Our mighty oak has fallen.
Bruce Kay Veibell was born at home on his family's farm in Cornish, Cache County, Utah. He passed away on August 21, 2017 in Taylorsville, Salt Lake County, Utah.
He arrived on a hot day on August 29, 1934, to Peter Martin Veibell and Sorine Christine Hansen. He was the ninth of 10 children born to loving Danish parents. His father died when he was only five years old, and his strong, hardworking mother managed all the children and the farm and was successful in getting most of the children college educated. He was smart and dedicated and earned a scholarship to Utah State University. Bruce graduated with a bachelor of science in education and taught band and choral music. He later earned a master's degree in counseling from Idaho State University. During college he was in the ROTC, as well as every musical group that needed a sousaphone player (tuba).
He loved working with the students and making music exciting for them. He expected a lot and got great performances in return. When his marching band hit the street, he wanted "fire and dash." They did a fast high step with halftime-like routines and played catchy music in parades. Blisters, awards, confidence and pride were the by-products.
Bruce served in the U.S. Army for more than 20 years and was Unit Commander of Company C 321st Engineer Battalion in Pocatello, Idaho. He was also appointed to be the liaison officer for West Point Academy for the state of Idaho by the U.S. Pentagon. He retired from the Army with the rank of Major.
He worked hard and always had extra jobs to support his family on his teacher's salary. He married Rosellen Sorensen in the Logan, Utah, temple and they had four children: Kathy (Dallan Purser), Scott (Kaylene Hardy), Michelle (Nathan Jones) and Todd (Nadine Molling). After Rosellen's passing in 2005, he moved to Salt Lake City, Utah, where he later met and married Betty Jarvis Paul. He really enjoyed living in Salt Lake with more access to theatre, concerts and dining. He and Betty traveled and enjoyed the arts together.
He had 14 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Both of his sons and all of his grandsons earned the Eagle Scout Rank.
He served in the community, not only with his award-winning marching band, but also on the board for the Eastern Idaho State Fair, cooking the annual Dutch oven dinner to raise money for scouting, directing school plays and more. He also served in many capacities in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Probably his favorite calling was that of Regional Music Chairman. During that time, he put together several regional choirs over the years that rehearsed for months to present Handel's Messiah to the community.
After his retirement, his passion and drive turned to family history and genealogy. For many years, he worked with his siblings and their spouses to compile their personal stories, and he researched his ancestors' histories. He published more than 25 histories and prepared thousands of names for work in the temple.
Services will be held at the LDS River Ridge 8th Ward Chapel on Saturday, August 26, 2017 at 10 a.m., 1409 W. Shields Lane, South Jordan, UT 84095. Friends may also call on Friday Evening from 6-8 p.m. at the church. Interment will be in the family cemetery in Cornish, Utah at 3 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Broomhead Funeral Home - Riverton.
September 28, 2017
Mark Hawkes
Hail to the leader of the band. Those were some good times. Thank you Mr. Veibell.
August 25, 2017
Russell Hammond
We will miss you Bruce, thanks for all you did for the Blackfoot and Snake River school districts.
August 25, 2017
Penney Backus Gauchay
I was 21 when I moved to Blackfoot to teach school. Bruce and Rosellen took me under their wings and became my "adopted parents". I cherish the memories of being in their home and feeling the love and support they offered. I am grateful for the lessons I learned not just listening to them, but watching them as well. I was blessed to have Michelle was one of my outstanding students. I recently retired from a 40-year teaching career that I truly loved. Words of wisdom from Bruce Veibell in those beginning years blessed my life and hopefully the lives of my students.
August 24, 2017
Connie Thompson
Dear Veiball Family,
I have such fond memories of visiting your home as a youth. Your mother was a spitfire and a very classy lady. Your father was just an awesome band teacher and a wonderful man. I liked visiting because I could feel the love that radiated in your home. Please know I am thinking of you at this hard time. Enjoy visiting with friends and family and hearing the wonderful stories of your dad!
Hugs,
Connie Coffman Thompson
August 24, 2017
Paul Zilk
Bruce Veibell was a wonderful man who gave so many of us precious lifelong gifts: love for music, teamwork, standards of excellence, discipline and rigor, importance of practice, diversity, community pride and so much more during his years of service at Blackfoot High School in Blackfoot, Idaho. The award-winning BHS Marching Band was thanks to Mr. Veibell's leadership, passion and enthusiasm. Many of his former students send our condolences and love to Bruce's family.
-- Paul Zilk, BHS Class of 1975
August 23, 2017
Brent Hatch
Mr. Veibell was my band director through high school. He pushed me to be better than I thought was possible. Sometimes it worked sometimes it didn't. most important I learned to love music! It has enriched my life and the lives of our family. Bruce and Rosellen and their family were friends. Thanks Bruce
August 23, 2017
Bruce has been a friend throughout my life. He was less than two months younger than I. Our homes in Cornish were only a block or two apart. We were classmates in the Cornish Elementary School, and so we frequently walked to and from the school together. Whenever we had time to do so, we often played together, along with my brother, Howard, who passed away just three weeks ago. Between the two of them, they were my best friends for many years.
On one occasion, we were asked at a Church meeting to invite our non-member friends and neighbors to Church. At that time, Bruce was not a member, and so I invited him to come to Church. I was so pleased when, some years later, he was baptized. Our homes are just a few feet from one another's across a fence in Reunion Village. I am sorry that I cannot attend his funeral, but my wife and I have been serving a mission in Hong Kong for the past 16 months. Love and best wishes to one and all. Bruce will be missed.
August 23, 2017
Kim Christensen
He was my one and only band leader from 5th grade to high school graduation in Blackfoot. I will always remember and respect his love for music.
August 23, 2017
Daniel Huff
I loved this man dearly. He was able to expand on my love of music greatly. I have a fond memory of him telling me when I was 11 years old that I was talented enough to play any musical instrument. Since that time I learned percussion, continued piano, played french horn and am now learning the ukulele. I was sad to hear of his passing, but I can almost see him with a baton in hand now directing the best concert band in heaven.
August 22, 2017
Lorraine Holfeltz
Uncle Bruce you will be missed . Lee and I always loved visiting with you and Aunt Betty ,we loved our Alaska cruise with you and Shari and Jerry . I will always remember your smile and laugh ,Lee had the same beautiful smile and laughter , , love Lorraine
August 22, 2017
Sherrie Jacobson
Mr.Veibell was a great teacher and will be missed. Condolences to the family.
August 22, 2017
Clenna Walton Smith
He will be missed by many. He was a great band teacher.
August 22, 2017
Mike and Rae Ann Barrett
Our dear friend Bruce Veibell passed away after a long and hard battle. By his side during his illness was his dear wife Betty. She saw to his every need and made his life the best it could be under the circumstances. Bruce also became a father figure to Betty's daughters and offered many hours of counsel and love to them. He was a great friend and example to those around him. He was kind, compassionate and very understanding. His children, step children and grandchildren were his pride and joy and he always wanted everyone he knew to be ok. He made life better for everyone he knew by his kindness. It was a honor to know and associate with him. He will be sorely missed by many. He was generous to anyone in need. We loved our dear friend.
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