Salt Lake City – Bruce Arthur Sigvardt passed away peacefully on April 14, 2017 surrounded by his family. A Memorial service was held April 22, 2017 at Zion Lutheran Church, Salt Lake City, Utah. An interment service will be held May 6, 2017 at 2 p.m. at Highland Cemetery, with Pastor Ken Waag officiating, for both Bruce and his wife, Dorothy.

Bruce was born on January 17, 1926 in Glendive, MT, to Viggo Johannes and Ida (Swensen) Sigvardt.  He was the youngest of six children. Bruce graduated from Great Falls High School in 1944. He received his Bachelor of Arts from the College of Great Falls in 1951. Bruce married Dorothy (Dort) Enochson on April 25, 1953. They moved to Salt Lake City, UT in 1962 to further their education. Bruce received his Master of Social Work at the University of Utah in 1963 and his Social Worker and Behavior Disordered Teacher certificate in 1983.  Bruce was licensed in the State of Utah as a Professional and Clinical Social Worker and a Marriage and Family Counselor.

Bruce’s caring for those in need began with the Cascade County Welfare Department in Montana as a caseworker. This is where he met his beautiful, young bride, who was his secretary. After they wed he became the administrator, along with Dort, of the Cascade County Convalescent Hospital in Montana. He then worked as an agent for Metropolitan Life Insurance Company. After moving to Utah, Bruce was hired by Davis County School District as an Itinerant Social Worker for Elementary and Secondary Schools (1963-1987). While he continued with Davis County School District he also owned a Private Practice as a family and marriage therapist (1963-1967), was a presenter for Adult Education (1963-1987) and a Counselor for Adult Basic Education (1965-1980) for Davis County Schools, was a Clinical Instructor for the Graduate School of Social Work at the University of Utah (1965-1983), and was the Director of the Grand Mesa Easter Seals Camp for children with disabilities in Grand Mesa, Colorado (1970-1977). Bruce also co-authored “School and Home Economy” with Robert Larson, a handbook for parents to work with behavior modification. Bruce retired in 1987.

Bruce served in the US Navy during WWII, 1944-1946, Seaman First Class, Cooks and Bakers, on the USS Clark DD-361. He was also stationed at NAS Guantanamo Bay Cuba, PSC USNB Bremerton, Washington and was Honorably Discharged.

Bruce loved and adored his lovely wife of 63 years, and was deeply devoted to his family. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, family trips, cruises, and visiting with family and friends.

Bruce is survived by his son, Brendt A. Sigvardt of Tooele, UT; daughters, Brenda J. Friedley (Mark) of Taylorsville, UT; Deanna S. Outsen (Matt) of Nibley, UT; Linda J. Sigvardt of Murray, UT; his 7 granddaughters, Mary Wiberg (Kirk); Lindsey Thompson; Chandler Johnson; Lauren Sigvardt; AshleyGrae, Sydney and McKinley Outsen; and 2 great-grandchildren, Ross and Lirael Wiberg. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews.

Bruce was preceded in death by his parents, Viggo J. and Ida Swensen; wife, Dorothy (Dort) Enochson Sigvardt; brothers, Victor, Charles (Carmen), and Donald; and sisters, Josephine M., and Marie Burke (Bill).

The family encourages gifts to Faith Lutheran Church, 1601 2nd Avenue North, Suite 300 West Great Falls, MT, 59401, in lieu of flowers.

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