Bruce Bastian, co-founder of WordPerfect Corporation and a prominent figure in the early days of personal computing, passed away at the age of 76 at his home in Palm Springs, California. Bastian, who renounced his Mormon faith and became a leading supporter of L.G.B.T.Q. causes after coming out as gay, played a key role in the success of WordPerfect, which became a popular word processing tool in the 1980s and ’90s.
Bastian’s partnership with Alan Ashton led to the creation of WordPerfect, which quickly gained popularity for its user-friendly interface and functionality. The company grew rapidly, employing over 4,000 people and dominating the word processing market. However, the company faced challenges from competitors like Microsoft, who eventually overtook WordPerfect’s market share.
After selling WordPerfect to Novell in 1994, Bastian focused on philanthropy, supporting arts and culture programs, as well as L.G.B.T.Q. causes. He publicly opposed the Mormon Church’s support for Proposition 8, a measure that sought to ban same-sex marriage in California. The episode strained his relationship with his co-founder, Alan Ashton.
Bastian’s decision to come out publicly and leave the Mormon Church was a freeing experience for him, despite facing backlash from some individuals. He later reflected on the internal struggle he faced and the relief he felt after embracing his identity.
Bruce Bastian, who was born in Idaho, had a successful career in music education before transitioning into the computer science field. He is survived by his husband, Clint Ford, his children, and grandchildren. His legacy includes not only the success of WordPerfect but also his advocacy for L.G.B.T.Q. rights and his commitment to philanthropy.
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