Bruce Bastian, a co-founder of the WordPerfect Corporation and a prominent advocate for L.G.B.T.Q. rights, passed away on June 16 at the age of 76. An influential figure in the computer industry, Bastian and his partner Alan Ashton played a pivotal role in popularizing word processing during the early days of personal computing.
After leaving the company, Bastian became a philanthropist, supporting various arts and cultural programs as well as L.G.B.T.Q. causes. He also served on the board of the Human Rights Campaign, an advocacy group for L.G.B.T.Q. rights.
Bastian’s personal journey included coming out as gay and renouncing his Mormon faith, a decision that caused him significant turmoil but ultimately led to a sense of liberation. His commitment to living authentically and supporting causes dear to his heart underscored his dedication to equality and justice.
Despite setbacks in his business endeavors and personal challenges, Bastian’s legacy continues through the impact he had on the software industry and the communities he supported. His contributions to society, both through his work and philanthropy, have left a lasting impression on those who knew him.
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