Bruce Allen Holt

1961 ~ 2022

Obituary Photo for Bruce Allen Holt < >

Bruce Allen Holt left this world suddenly on Wednesday, April 27. He was an accomplished guitarist and song writer, barista (and proprietor), a brother, an uncle, and a devoted friend to so many people.

Bruce was born on October 5, 1961 in Salt Lake City to Hedy and Kenneth Holt, and to the joy of his sisters, Janet and Susan. Bruce was inquisitive, resourceful, mischievous, and fun loving from the beginning. He grew up in the Sugar House area, and attended Granite and Highland High Schools. Before he was even in his teens, the Beatles had made an indelible impression on him and music became his life’s focus. He began playing drums at age ten, and guitar shortly thereafter—a pursuit he continued to perfect for the next 50 years.

He worked for DOD Electronics, and later for Harmon Music Group in Sandy. In 2001, he opened Jitterbug Coffee Hop in Sugar House, where he fostered so many meaningful relationships with all who visited. He made a point of learning and remembering everyone’s names and favorite drinks, provided a shoulder to cry on, and the sage advice of a bar-tender. Bruce played lead guitar in many bands, most recently the Bone Band. These last few years were some of his happiest. Not a bad note to leave on.

He had a great sense of humor and could fix or build anything. He loved dogs, the Brighton Resort area, and sunny, hot weather. He found time for people and listened with an open heart, and never forgot a birthday. He also found love with Phoebe Bui, with whom he shared the last six years of his life.

He is survived by his sisters, Janet (Mike) Pepper and Susan (Chris) McCandless, both of Sandy, and six nieces and nephews: Stephen Pepper, David (Crystal) Pepper, Jenny (Byram) Beckstead, Ryan Pepper, Meagan McCandless, and Sean (Cassie) McCandless. And especially his best friend and “brother,” Richard Bettinson. He was preceded in death by his parents.

He will be celebrated this Friday, May 6 at the Larkin Cemetery, in Sandy (1950 East 10600 South). The viewing will begin at noon, with a graveside service following at 2 p.m. There will also be a Celebration of Life at Jitterbug, on Saturday afternoon, May 14.

Rock on, brother.

To view the Completed services via Zoom click the "Watch Services" button or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/HhG94Dvo6BDQTtjElEyIFBp--NrIIVjh5BD7LJZhzx8sZKaYCrZBeLNSy37iCUS_.x5DMvlWKHClKr77z?startTime=1651867472000


Guestbook/Condolences

Bruce was a kind, sensitive, and warm person. For over 13 years he made me a latte every day and I told him it was much more than a beverage from him, it was like a warm embrace because it was made with love. He was a truly good person to the core. I happy to have known him. Hugs forever my friend.❤️


- Bonnie Wolff

I was so saddened to learn of Bruce’s passing, I worked with Bruce at Harman and always enjoyed interacting with him. He may have been on the quiet side but he was so intuitive and kind. Bruce created the absolute best a Halloween costumes (the axe in his head probably my favorite!). Bruce left us all too soon but not without fond memories. Rest In Peace my friend.


- Sharon Howard

My friend Bruce, I am going to miss your great coffee and the fantastic Reuben sandwiches you prepared for me. I am especially going to miss you, your smiling face and the warmth I felt every time I entered the front door of Jitterbug Coffee Hop. Bruce, rest in peace.


- Pierre Carlson

Bruce and I became great friends working at Harman Music Group. He could always make me laugh while we were taking technical support calls from clients. We had great times waterskiing, camping and at his annual F.O.F. parties at his house. He will be sorely missed.


- Bill Clayton

May God Bless His Soul!


- Ginger Morris

It broke my heart when I heard of Bruce's passing. He was such a delightful man he will be greatly missed. I had many fun times with bruce and the old days working at DOD electronics and Harmon music group.


- kathy Bonner-Johnson

I'm really sorry to hear about this. I have visited Salt Lake City a lot over the years to see friends and relatives, and my sister Cat and I always made a point of stopping at Jitterbug every time we could while we were in town. It was a great place with a great vibe, and I always enjoyed getting to talk to Bruce about music and guitars for a few minutes. Even though we were only there a handful of times each year, he always remembered us and treated us as friends.

The world seems just a little less bright without him.


- Mike

I am so sorry for the loss of dear Bruce. He and I had become friends during the pandemic, talking and laughing as I went through the Jitterbug drive through on my way to a weekly meeting in the park. Bruce was gracious enough to open Jitterbug to my SLC Super 60s + Meetup group each Sunday, and everyone loved him. We will miss this gentle, sweet man.


- Marion Nadeau

To Bruce's Family:. We weep with you, and our hearts ache with yours.
Our family has spent many years driving up to the window at Jitterbug, to be greeted with a smiling face and a warm, "Hello Kids". Oh how we


- Jarred Losser

I am terribly sorry this happened. My condolences to all who knew and loved Bruce.


- Steve Walrath

Bruce was one of my dearest friends. He saved my life on more than one occasion and taught me that not all people are out to harm me. I seriously would not have survived my teen years with out his friendship and love. He was fun, funny, and had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known. He patiently taught me how to play Stairway to Heaven. I am certain that he is up there shredding for all of us. Rest in music Bruce. You are always & forever loved.


- Tilia Sue

I am very sad to here that one of my modern day hero's has passed. Bruce was a kind loving person with a heart that touched everyone he came in contact with. I have known Bruce since I was 10 years old and I to knew that I was going to be a Rock Star the rest of my life when Bruce and Richard recruted me into their band. We truly played until our fingers bled and practiced in Bruce's basement until his mom would turn the lights on and off we knew that was the end of practice for that day. Bruce taught me everything I know about guitars and I had no experiance and had never touched a guitar in my life. Bruce was very patient with me teaching me basic bar cords. I remeber smashing my guitar on stage at Central Junior High after they had just refinished the stage a week before our performance. (oops). A couple years ago I was visting one of my long time friends that shortly died from cancer and his sister told me she still has a part of that guitar that just about took her head off after I tossed it into the audiance. So many stories to tell we truely were on our way. After smashing my last guitar on stage I looked at Bruce and Richard and thought now what? I had no guitar left to play in the band. Thanks to my brother inlaw who let me use his Limited Edition Gibson Les Paul, I was able to do a few more gigs with the guys including the Kiss concert. We had the shoes the hair and the makeup artist's (our sisters). This was it after playing Detroit Rock City We were amazed of all the people that had lighters in the auditorium and the screeming fans yelling out for us to play more. I left the band when I was 14 and recently caught up with Bruce after 45 years It was a great reunion and I was so busy with life and work I never got to hook up with Bruce again. I want to personaly thank Richard for being there every day of Bruce's life espescially after his stroke taking care of him and making sure he had everything he needed. He expressed to me of the unconditional love he had for you and if it wasn't for you he truely would not have been able to go on with life the way he did. Life is so short and this gental giant left us all way to early. Thanks for the ride Bruce I will never forget you my brother.


- Roger Bennett

So sorry. He will be missed…


- Gail L. Daley Helmer

We will miss you very much. We love you!


- Bernie and Patti Stoppi

I only knew Bruce about a year, stopping by The Jitter Bug on my way to work. He was a delight to chat with & always gave me a happy start to my day. I'm only sorry I didn't see him play his music. Blue skies Bruce, you will be missed!


- Aimee