Bryant William Rossiter

Bryant William Rossiter, age 93, passed away of natural causes on December 22, 2024, at Intermountain Health Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah. Born March 10, 1931, in Ogden, Utah, to Bryant Baddley Rossiter and Christine Elaine Peterson, he was the eldest of three children.

Bryant married his beloved wife, Betty Jean Anderson, on April 16, 1951, in the Salt Lake City Temple. Their union was a testament to love and devotion. He was preceded in death by Betty and their son, Bryant Edwin, but leaves behind a remarkable legacy through his family: seven children—Mark (Val), Diane (Chris), Steven (Valli), Linda, Karen, Matthew (Eva), and Gregory —as well as numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, all of whom are a testament to his legacy of love, faith, and family.

A man of unwavering faith, Bryant devoted his life to the principles and teachings of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in numerous capacities, including Cumorah District President (1959–1962), first Cumorah Stake President (1962–1973), Regional Representative of the Twelve Apostles for the Northeast United States and Eastern Canada (1973–1984), and as First Counselor in the San Diego Temple Presidency (1988–2002). He also served as a Sealer in the Newport Beach California Temple and as the Church Director of Public Relations for Orange County, California. His lifelong commitment to service touched countless lives.

A distinguished chemist and visionary leader, Dr. Rossiter’s career was marked by groundbreaking contributions to science. He earned his B.A. in Chemistry (1954) and Ph.D. in Chemistry with a minor in Physics (1957) from the University of Utah. His career took him to prominent roles, including Director of Science and Technology Development at Eastman Kodak Company and Vice President of ICN Pharmaceuticals, Inc., where he played a pivotal role in the development of the antiviral drug "Ribavirin."

Dr. Rossiter was widely recognized for his leadership in national and international scientific organizations, including his role as Chairman of the IUPAC CHEMRAWN program. He authored and edited numerous publications, including the renowned 27-volume treatise Physical Methods of Chemistry. His lifetime of achievements was honored with the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award, Fellowships in the American Association for the Advancement of Science and the American Institute of Chemistry, and the University of Utah’s Distinguished Alumnus and Merit of Honor awards.

Beyond his professional accolades, Bryant was a man of many passions. He was active in Boy Scouting and loved the outdoors, fishing, horseback riding, and traveling. He found immense joy in history, reading, writing, and above all, spending time with his family—especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 2, 2025, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Chapel, 1745 South State Street, Provo, Utah. Family and friends are invited to viewings on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, from 6–8 p.m. at Wheeler & Sundberg Funeral Home, 211 East 200 South, Springville, Utah, and on Thursday, January 2, 2025, from 9:30–10:30 a.m. prior to the services at the church. Interment will follow at the Salt Lake City Cemetery.

Bryant’s life of scientific brilliance, faithful service, and enduring love will be celebrated and cherished by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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