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Bruce Parsons Obituary
1945 - 2017
Bruce Victor Parsons, Jr, age 72, passed away unexpectedly July 30, 2017. Bruce was born in Erie, Pennsylvania on March 3, 1945 to Bruce Victor and Arlene Evelyn Parsons. Bruce graduated from the University of the Pacific with a Bachelor's degree and a Master's degree in 1968, and obtained his PhD in Clinical Psychology from the University of Utah in 1972.
Bruce was married to Joanne Simpio Hinson on March 13, 2015. Together they traveled the world and had many more amazing plans.
Bruce was a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Salt Lake City for many years.
Bruce was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife Joanne; daughter Molly (Tom) Shook; two grandchildren, Allie and John Shook; step-son Philip Hinson; two brothers Craig and Ken Parsons; and many life-long friends and colleagues too numerous to mention.
Services will be announced at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, Bruce would certainly ask you to brighten someone's day. Bruce was the founder of Optimizing Autism where donations may be made at 24 South 1100 East #210, Salt Lake City, Utah 84102.
The family thanks you for your continued respect.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Bruce Parsons
Susan Racki Pell
June 4, 2022
Bruce, like my big brother, helping me (and many others) through trial and tribulations. In my heart forever.
Rest easy my friend
Jefferey Payne
August 24, 2019
Jefferey Payne
August 24, 2019
I am so sad to hear about this. He was and still to this day a great man. Thank you Sir. I am in tears as I write this..
Andromeda Abushady
October 26, 2017
Requiem aeternam dona ei, Domine. Requiescat in pace. (Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. May he rest in peace.)
October 16, 2017
Held always in our highest respect ! A sad loss forevery one
who was lucky enough to have known Bruce.
So very sorry to his family.
Steve and Nancy (Porta) Frankoni
Suzanne Friedman
October 16, 2017
Admired in high school as an athlete, leader, and all around great guy. So sorry to hear this. Peace be with all family and friends. Suzanne (Pope) Friedman
Craig Rogers
September 14, 2017
Love comes in many glorious ways, and there is no better way to experience the grandest forms of love but from a heart filled with compassion, empathy, and self-sacrifice. In my limited time with Bruce I experienced all three - compassion - empathy - self-sacrifice. I considered my self as being blessed to have known Bruce. Heaven has gained one of the best. Bruce, you are already missed and your legacy will live on forever!
Michael DeCaria
September 13, 2017
Bruce was two years ahead of me in graduate school and his repeated kindnesses to me made a huge impact on my life.
The one kindness I remember the most resulted from the fact that my masters thesis required an enormous analysis of variance (ANOVA) calculation. Without my even asking, Bruce presented me with an ANOVA software program consisting of about 1500 IBM cards that allowed me to run the data. Needless to say my gratitude remains to this day.
My deep condolences for the myriads of people of feel who feel the hole left in our existence by Dr. Parsons passing.
Daniel Alix
August 16, 2017
Bruce was an amazing man that I loved to be around. He helped so many people to appreciate life. Goodbye my friend, you will always be remembered.
Mikelle
August 13, 2017
I loved your smile, laugh and nod. You always made me feel at peace no matter what. I'm so thankful I met you, and that you helped me navigate through some tough times. I am forever thankful for you and our commonalities. Be well my friend. :)
Bill McMahon, MD
August 9, 2017
Bruce and I met 4 years ago and have had wonderful times bringing his vision of Optimizing Autism into being. As former Chairman of Psychiatry, I was happy that we could appoint him in 2015, as Adjunct Associate Professor. It was an honor to be part of his adventurous life. He was a warrior on the path of the heart. I will miss his smile, imagination and gentle power.
Here are professional achievements: He earned an additional M.A. in Clinical Psychology (1969) and his Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (1972) at The University of Utah. He completed his post-doctoral psychology teaching and research fellowship residency in Community Psychology developing a needs assessment for comprehensive mental health service for Salt Lake County and development of the Salt Lake City Community Mental Health Services (1972). Since 1970, he worked as a licensed clinical psychologist in California and Utah. He held an appointment as Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Utah Medical Center from 1972 until 1975. More recently, he served as an Associate Research Professor in the Graduate School of Social Work at The University of Utah (1997-2009). He is an author on 7 peer-reviewed articles (with 1 first author publication) and two books and has overseen randomized clinical trials. He is the progenitor of Functional Family Therapy, a great tool for helping families.
Bruce was an expert in family therapy and child development, and alcohol and drug abuse treatment and prevention. Since 1995, he worked with adults on the autism spectrum. He wrote a book chapter on his approach to therapy for The Challenge and Promise of Autism Spectrum Disorders in Mid and Later Life and has been instrumental in coordinating and convening four successful Optimizing Autism conferences for adults on the autism spectrum at the University Neuropsychiatric Institute. He also gave a talk at the International Society for Autism Research Pre-Conference event held in Salt Lake City in May 2015.
Bruce the happy fisherman- 2007
Bo & Ken Kolb
August 8, 2017
Richard and Susan Thomas
August 6, 2017
Oh Bruce. We will miss your clear thinking and your cheerful reassurance when the dark clouds gather and the way forward seems impassable. You've helped us hack our way through the forests and trees so many times these past years. Now when the clouds burst we'll rely on the steady compass and gentle wisdom you showed to us when we felt so lost. We will make our way now without you, but with the skills you shared. We will always remember your insight and teaching with gratitude and love.
Christy Voss Koles
August 6, 2017
Bruce's life, love and accomplishments will forever be remembered by all of us who loved him deeply. It was apparent how much he valued and treasured his work, relationships, friendships and family through his words, actions and humor. I will always picture Bruce laughing and smiling. My thoughts are with Joanne and his family.
August 6, 2017
I am very saddened by this. Bruce was a great man, and a dear friend. He will be missed. David H. Cannon DDS
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