Torrey, Utah - Dale Bruce “Bruce” Phillips, 81, passed away at his home in Torrey, Utah, on September 8, 2026.

Bruce was always up for an adventure. Whether it was somewhere new to go, something that needed to be built, a problem that needed to be solved, or a job that everyone else had decided was impossible, Bruce was ready to take it on. Once he set his mind to something, quitting simply wasn’t part of the plan.

Bruce was born January 18, 1945, in Tooele, Utah, to Donald R. Phillips and Roselyn Stringham Phillips. He grew up in Tooele, where some of his favorite childhood memories included going to the family’s beach house, water skiing on the Great Salt Lake, running around the neighborhood, and, by his family’s own description, participating in various other “hooligan activities.” That sense of adventure stayed with him throughout his life.

He graduated from Tooele High School in 1964 and later served in the National Guard. On July 8, 1966, he married Lorraine Mallet in Tooele, beginning a marriage that would span more than 60 years.

Bruce spent the majority of his working life as a heavy-equipment mechanic. He had a remarkable ability to understand machinery and solve problems, but perhaps even more remarkable was his determination. He believed that when a job needed to be done, you stayed with it until it was finished. There were times he would work through the entire night repairing a machine so it would be ready to go to work the next morning. That was simply who Bruce was, especially when someone was depending on him.

Bruce and Lorraine lived in Fallbrook, California, from 1987 until 1999, when they returned to Utah and made their home in Torrey. Bruce became an active part of the community, serving one term as mayor of Torrey and as a member of Wayne County Search and Rescue. He was also a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

For Bruce, there was always another road to explore and another place worth seeing. He loved hiking, off-roading, boating, rock hounding, and exploring new country. He also genuinely enjoyed working on vehicles and machinery—not only as his profession, but because figuring out how things worked and how to fix them was simply part of his nature.

That same willingness to tackle a difficult job extended to people. Bruce was always willing—and usually eager—to help someone who needed it. If there was something he could do to help, he did it.

Perhaps one of Bruce’s greatest gifts was his ability to make lasting friendships. Everywhere he went, he met people who became friends, and many of those friendships lasted a lifetime. His work and adventures took him many places, but some of the best things he brought home from them were the friendships and stories he collected along the way.

Bruce is survived by his wife, Lorraine; his son, Steve (Teresa) Phillips; and four grandchildren, Collin (Jordyn) Phillips, Erin (Jason) Wolken, Lauren Phillips, and Braydon Phillips.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald R. and Roselyn Phillips; his brother, Jeff Phillips; and his sister, Vicki Jones.

Bruce lived his life with determination, curiosity, generosity, and an enduring sense of adventure.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at the Torrey LDS Chapel, 89 East Main Street. Viewings will be held on Tuesday from 6:00-8:00 PM and Wednesday morning 9:00-10:30 AM, both at the Torrey LDS Chapel.

Burial with military honors accorded by Harold Brown American Legion Post #92 and the Utah Honor Guard will be in the Torrey Cemetery, under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina.