Robert J. "Bob" Sabin
1926 - 2023
VETERAN
A life that has touched ours for good, Robert J. Sabin entered the next step of his eternal progression on June 25, 2023, coming close to his goal of living to 100. He leaves a legacy of pioneer spirit, optimism, speaking no guile, and finding good in everyone. Every day was a good day, and he could find a positive spin to any situation. Life was always interesting, and he liked to remind his family that only boring people get bored. He was never bored. He adopted the moniker "Happy Rattlesnake" for a rattlesnake always greets with a happy rattle. Even in his last days, he greeted anyone who came into his room with a "hi". His legacy lives on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bob, as he was known by family and friends, was born April 17, 1926, in Deming, New Mexico, to Robert Leslie and Irene Fenn Sabin. The oldest of four, much of his early life was spent in remote areas of New Mexico, even living at times in a railroad car. He delighted in teasing his sisters, such as educating them on the feel of electricity. A trip to the World's Fair in San Francisco where he saw a lightning making machine was the beginning of his fascination with electricity.
He graduated from Deming High School at the age of 17, second in his class. He scored high on a test administered by the United States Navy which garnered an invitation to study engineering at Rice University as part of the V-12 program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in less than three years and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy. His service began just as World War II was ending. He participated in a training cruise on the USS Denver for six months and then was released to inactive duty and was part of the Naval Reserve until 1956.
Bob served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico after his active military service. There he met Kathleen Nelson, also serving as missionary from Canada. Immediately following their release from missionary service, Bob proposed in an unconventional manner by asking if Kathleen would chew his leather, a line taken from a movie they had just seen. They were married on August 8, 1952, in the Cardston Alberta Temple. Bob never seemed to do things in a normal or conventional way. And for Kathleen, life with Bob was an adventure.
Bob was hired by the Physical Science Laboratory at New Mexico State University which was devoted to applied research for the Naval Research Laboratory, where he worked for 35 years. He was involved at the very beginning of the space race and became skilled in telemetry. Because of his skill, he was loaned to Princeton University to work on telemetry projects for Werhner von Braun's V-2 rockets. He especially enjoyed knowing Einstein was also at Princeton at the same time. He felt honored that he was needed when the smartest man in the world was already there. He had many experiences over the years with rockets at White Sands Missile Range, including developing a simulated target, for which he received a patent.
He was involved with the beginning of GPS systems used today. He and a fellow engineer assembled a Doppler GPS station, with graduate students around the world sending in data from Sputnik's orbit so that GPS coordinates could be calculated. He enjoyed knowing his early work has greatly benefited our world today. His career highlights also included sending an experiment on the Space Shuttle Endeavor and research involving solar energy.
Inventing was a passion and hobby outside his career as well. He always had an idea to work on. He was pleased when granted his second patent for his Fire Ice invention.
Bob's service as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints included serving four missions (Mexico, and three with Kathleen in Spain, Guatemala and at the NMSU Institute) and serving as bishop twice. However, his favorite calling which spanned many decades involved Boy Scouts. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for his many years of Scouting. Hundreds of young men were influenced by his patient teaching, his example, his problem-solving skills, and love of the outdoors.
As part of his work with young men, including his four sons, he was always interested in adventures. When Brian came home with a story about floating a river that runs through the Gila Wilderness, his interest was piqued. That was the beginning of over four decades of river trips down the Gila River. Bob claimed that the magic of the Gila River turns boys into men and allows men to be boys again. These river trips needed specially designed rafts to navigate the shallow rocky riverbed in portions of the river. The wet mule was the result and hundreds of young men, leaders, a few girls, and a few women experienced the five-day river trip. First to make the trip was his own family as the experimental trip. Again, Kathleen was pulled into an adventure. Every member of the family lost weight on that trip except for Bob who drank all the Carnation Instant Breakfasts filtered through clean portions of his shirt as his family refused to drink them.
Bob loved the Organ Mountains and hiked them numerous times with his Scouts and other groups. On one trip, the infamous jet engine was carried down the mountain. When his knees no longer allowed him to make the climb, he dreamed of using balloons to lift him to the summit.
Bob read of an Alaskan explorer who had traveled the world and declared that the area of Shuswap Lake in British Columbia was the most beautiful in the world. The family subsequently traveled to British Columbia. He bought a plot of land on the lake, sight unseen. The family spent several summers enjoying the undeveloped property until Kathleen's brother bought property on another section of the lake. The first property was sold so that the family could build a cabin. The cabin was built without power tools except for a gas circular saw. It was a long labor over many years and Bob dreamed of living there year-round, much to Kathleen's dismay. Many family members enjoyed the beauty of the Shuswap and endured the primitive living conditions. His motto was "why do something the easy way when you can learn by doing it the hard way".
Several years after retiring, Bob and Kathleen moved to Colorado after living in Las Cruces for more than 50 years. Wanting to be closer to family, they enjoyed having three of their sons live nearby for a time. When Kathleen became ill, they moved to Utah. After her death and the deaths of Scott and Brian, Bob lived in Mesilla Park and enjoyed reconnecting with those he had known many years previously. He knew when it was time to move closer to family and on his birthday in 2020 (a very memorable pandemic year) he moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah. He loved having family visit, especially enjoying the great-grandchildren. He always had activities and toys to delight them. Nerf guns, a balloon piñata contraption and other gadgets kept them entertained. He was happiest and laughed the most with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For Bob, anytime was a good time to play a game. As his mobility decreased, he moved to the Bennion Veterans Home in Payson, Utah, where he enjoyed the companionship of other veterans and actively participated in the many activities offered there. He also made sure he completed seven miles on his exercise bike six days a week. Bob never had a boring day.
Bob had faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. His life was devoted to serving others, never seeking attention or recognition for his many achievements. He rarely expressed anger, never talked unkindly about anyone, and worked to find the good in everyone. He is a disciple of Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Floyd, Shirley and Anilee; his eternal companion, Kathleen; his sons: Brian and Scott; daughter-in-law, Judy; and three great-grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Layne); sons: Rob (Becky), Greg (Lynette); 23 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.
The family appreciates the love and care given him by the Bennion Veterans Home these last few years.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023. at 2:30 p.m. in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Lehi City Cemetery.
Original obituary published by:
— Olpin Family Mortuary
1926 - 2023
VETERAN
A life that has touched ours for good, Robert J. Sabin entered the next step of his eternal progression on June 25, 2023, coming close to his goal of living to 100. He leaves a legacy of pioneer spirit, optimism, speaking no guile, and finding good in everyone. Every day was a good day, and he could find a positive spin to any situation. Life was always interesting, and he liked to remind his family that only boring people get bored. He was never bored. He adopted the moniker "Happy Rattlesnake" for a rattlesnake always greets with a happy rattle. Even in his last days, he greeted anyone who came into his room with a "hi". His legacy lives on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bob, as he was known by family and friends, was born April 17, 1926, in Deming, New Mexico, to Robert Leslie and Irene Fenn Sabin. The oldest of four, much of his early life was spent in remote areas of New Mexico, even living at times in a railroad car. He delighted in teasing his sisters, such as educating them on the feel of electricity. A trip to the World's Fair in San Francisco where he saw a lightning making machine was the beginning of his fascination with electricity.
He graduated from Deming High School at the age of 17, second in his class. He scored high on a test administered by the United States Navy which garnered an invitation to study engineering at Rice University as part of the V-12 program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in less than three years and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy. His service began just as World War II was ending. He participated in a training cruise on the USS Denver for six months and then was released to inactive duty and was part of the Naval Reserve until 1956.
Bob served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico after his active military service. There he met Kathleen Nelson, also serving as missionary from Canada. Immediately following their release from missionary service, Bob proposed in an unconventional manner by asking if Kathleen would chew his leather, a line taken from a movie they had just seen. They were married on August 8, 1952, in the Cardston Alberta Temple. Bob never seemed to do things in a normal or conventional way. And for Kathleen, life with Bob was an adventure.
Bob was hired by the Physical Science Laboratory at New Mexico State University which was devoted to applied research for the Naval Research Laboratory, where he worked for 35 years. He was involved at the very beginning of the space race and became skilled in telemetry. Because of his skill, he was loaned to Princeton University to work on telemetry projects for Werhner von Braun's V-2 rockets. He especially enjoyed knowing Einstein was also at Princeton at the same time. He felt honored that he was needed when the smartest man in the world was already there. He had many experiences over the years with rockets at White Sands Missile Range, including developing a simulated target, for which he received a patent.
He was involved with the beginning of GPS systems used today. He and a fellow engineer assembled a Doppler GPS station, with graduate students around the world sending in data from Sputnik's orbit so that GPS coordinates could be calculated. He enjoyed knowing his early work has greatly benefited our world today. His career highlights also included sending an experiment on the Space Shuttle Endeavor and research involving solar energy.
Inventing was a passion and hobby outside his career as well. He always had an idea to work on. He was pleased when granted his second patent for his Fire Ice invention.
Bob's service as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints included serving four missions (Mexico, and three with Kathleen in Spain, Guatemala and at the NMSU Institute) and serving as bishop twice. However, his favorite calling which spanned many decades involved Boy Scouts. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for his many years of Scouting. Hundreds of young men were influenced by his patient teaching, his example, his problem-solving skills, and love of the outdoors.
As part of his work with young men, including his four sons, he was always interested in adventures. When Brian came home with a story about floating a river that runs through the Gila Wilderness, his interest was piqued. That was the beginning of over four decades of river trips down the Gila River. Bob claimed that the magic of the Gila River turns boys into men and allows men to be boys again. These river trips needed specially designed rafts to navigate the shallow rocky riverbed in portions of the river. The wet mule was the result and hundreds of young men, leaders, a few girls, and a few women experienced the five-day river trip. First to make the trip was his own family as the experimental trip. Again, Kathleen was pulled into an adventure. Every member of the family lost weight on that trip except for Bob who drank all the Carnation Instant Breakfasts filtered through clean portions of his shirt as his family refused to drink them.
Bob loved the Organ Mountains and hiked them numerous times with his Scouts and other groups. On one trip, the infamous jet engine was carried down the mountain. When his knees no longer allowed him to make the climb, he dreamed of using balloons to lift him to the summit.
Bob read of an Alaskan explorer who had traveled the world and declared that the area of Shuswap Lake in British Columbia was the most beautiful in the world. The family subsequently traveled to British Columbia. He bought a plot of land on the lake, sight unseen. The family spent several summers enjoying the undeveloped property until Kathleen's brother bought property on another section of the lake. The first property was sold so that the family could build a cabin. The cabin was built without power tools except for a gas circular saw. It was a long labor over many years and Bob dreamed of living there year-round, much to Kathleen's dismay. Many family members enjoyed the beauty of the Shuswap and endured the primitive living conditions. His motto was "why do something the easy way when you can learn by doing it the hard way".
Several years after retiring, Bob and Kathleen moved to Colorado after living in Las Cruces for more than 50 years. Wanting to be closer to family, they enjoyed having three of their sons live nearby for a time. When Kathleen became ill, they moved to Utah. After her death and the deaths of Scott and Brian, Bob lived in Mesilla Park and enjoyed reconnecting with those he had known many years previously. He knew when it was time to move closer to family and on his birthday in 2020 (a very memorable pandemic year) he moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah. He loved having family visit, especially enjoying the great-grandchildren. He always had activities and toys to delight them. Nerf guns, a balloon piñata contraption and other gadgets kept them entertained. He was happiest and laughed the most with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For Bob, anytime was a good time to play a game. As his mobility decreased, he moved to the Bennion Veterans Home in Payson, Utah, where he enjoyed the companionship of other veterans and actively participated in the many activities offered there. He also made sure he completed seven miles on his exercise bike six days a week. Bob never had a boring day.
Bob had faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. His life was devoted to serving others, never seeking attention or recognition for his many achievements. He rarely expressed anger, never talked unkindly about anyone, and worked to find the good in everyone. He is a disciple of Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Floyd, Shirley and Anilee; his eternal companion, Kathleen; his sons: Brian and Scott; daughter-in-law, Judy; and three great-grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Layne); sons: Rob (Becky), Greg (Lynette); 23 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.
The family appreciates the love and care given him by the Bennion Veterans Home these last few years.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023. at 2:30 p.m. in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Lehi City Cemetery.
Original obituary published by:
— Olpin Family Mortuary
Robert J. "Bob" Sabin
1926 - 2023
VETERAN
A life that has touched ours for good, Robert J. Sabin entered the next step of his eternal progression on June 25, 2023, coming close to his goal of living to 100. He leaves a legacy of pioneer spirit, optimism, speaking no guile, and finding good in everyone. Every day was a good day, and he could find a positive spin to any situation. Life was always interesting, and he liked to remind his family that only boring people get bored. He was never bored. He adopted the moniker "Happy Rattlesnake" for a rattlesnake always greets with a happy rattle. Even in his last days, he greeted anyone who came into his room with a "hi". His legacy lives on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bob, as he was known by family and friends, was born April 17, 1926, in Deming, New Mexico, to Robert Leslie and Irene Fenn Sabin. The oldest of four, much of his early life was spent in remote areas of New Mexico, even living at times in a railroad car. He delighted in teasing his sisters, such as educating them on the feel of electricity. A trip to the World's Fair in San Francisco where he saw a lightning making machine was the beginning of his fascination with electricity.
He graduated from Deming High School at the age of 17, second in his class. He scored high on a test administered by the United States Navy which garnered an invitation to study engineering at Rice University as part of the V-12 program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in less than three years and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy. His service began just as World War II was ending. He participated in a training cruise on the USS Denver for six months and then was released to inactive duty and was part of the Naval Reserve until 1956.
Bob served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico after his active military service. There he met Kathleen Nelson, also serving as missionary from Canada. Immediately following their release from missionary service, Bob proposed in an unconventional manner by asking if Kathleen would chew his leather, a line taken from a movie they had just seen. They were married on August 8, 1952, in the Cardston Alberta Temple. Bob never seemed to do things in a normal or conventional way. And for Kathleen, life with Bob was an adventure.
Bob was hired by the Physical Science Laboratory at New Mexico State University which was devoted to applied research for the Naval Research Laboratory, where he worked for 35 years. He was involved at the very beginning of the space race and became skilled in telemetry. Because of his skill, he was loaned to Princeton University to work on telemetry projects for Werhner von Braun's V-2 rockets. He especially enjoyed knowing Einstein was also at Princeton at the same time. He felt honored that he was needed when the smartest man in the world was already there. He had many experiences over the years with rockets at White Sands Missile Range, including developing a simulated target, for which he received a patent.
He was involved with the beginning of GPS systems used today. He and a fellow engineer assembled a Doppler GPS station, with graduate students around the world sending in data from Sputnik's orbit so that GPS coordinates could be calculated. He enjoyed knowing his early work has greatly benefited our world today. His career highlights also included sending an experiment on the Space Shuttle Endeavor and research involving solar energy.
Inventing was a passion and hobby outside his career as well. He always had an idea to work on. He was pleased when granted his second patent for his Fire Ice invention.
Bob's service as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints included serving four missions (Mexico, and three with Kathleen in Spain, Guatemala and at the NMSU Institute) and serving as bishop twice. However, his favorite calling which spanned many decades involved Boy Scouts. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for his many years of Scouting. Hundreds of young men were influenced by his patient teaching, his example, his problem-solving skills, and love of the outdoors.
As part of his work with young men, including his four sons, he was always interested in adventures. When Brian came home with a story about floating a river that runs through the Gila Wilderness, his interest was piqued. That was the beginning of over four decades of river trips down the Gila River. Bob claimed that the magic of the Gila River turns boys into men and allows men to be boys again. These river trips needed specially designed rafts to navigate the shallow rocky riverbed in portions of the river. The wet mule was the result and hundreds of young men, leaders, a few girls, and a few women experienced the five-day river trip. First to make the trip was his own family as the experimental trip. Again, Kathleen was pulled into an adventure. Every member of the family lost weight on that trip except for Bob who drank all the Carnation Instant Breakfasts filtered through clean portions of his shirt as his family refused to drink them.
Bob loved the Organ Mountains and hiked them numerous times with his Scouts and other groups. On one trip, the infamous jet engine was carried down the mountain. When his knees no longer allowed him to make the climb, he dreamed of using balloons to lift him to the summit.
Bob read of an Alaskan explorer who had traveled the world and declared that the area of Shuswap Lake in British Columbia was the most beautiful in the world. The family subsequently traveled to British Columbia. He bought a plot of land on the lake, sight unseen. The family spent several summers enjoying the undeveloped property until Kathleen's brother bought property on another section of the lake. The first property was sold so that the family could build a cabin. The cabin was built without power tools except for a gas circular saw. It was a long labor over many years and Bob dreamed of living there year-round, much to Kathleen's dismay. Many family members enjoyed the beauty of the Shuswap and endured the primitive living conditions. His motto was "why do something the easy way when you can learn by doing it the hard way".
Several years after retiring, Bob and Kathleen moved to Colorado after living in Las Cruces for more than 50 years. Wanting to be closer to family, they enjoyed having three of their sons live nearby for a time. When Kathleen became ill, they moved to Utah. After her death and the deaths of Scott and Brian, Bob lived in Mesilla Park and enjoyed reconnecting with those he had known many years previously. He knew when it was time to move closer to family and on his birthday in 2020 (a very memorable pandemic year) he moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah. He loved having family visit, especially enjoying the great-grandchildren. He always had activities and toys to delight them. Nerf guns, a balloon piñata contraption and other gadgets kept them entertained. He was happiest and laughed the most with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For Bob, anytime was a good time to play a game. As his mobility decreased, he moved to the Bennion Veterans Home in Payson, Utah, where he enjoyed the companionship of other veterans and actively participated in the many activities offered there. He also made sure he completed seven miles on his exercise bike six days a week. Bob never had a boring day.
Bob had faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. His life was devoted to serving others, never seeking attention or recognition for his many achievements. He rarely expressed anger, never talked unkindly about anyone, and worked to find the good in everyone. He is a disciple of Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Floyd, Shirley and Anilee; his eternal companion, Kathleen; his sons: Brian and Scott; daughter-in-law, Judy; and three great-grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Layne); sons: Rob (Becky), Greg (Lynette); 23 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.
The family appreciates the love and care given him by the Bennion Veterans Home these last few years.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023. at 2:30 p.m. in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Lehi City Cemetery.
Original obituary published by:
— Olpin Family Mortuary
1926 - 2023
VETERAN
A life that has touched ours for good, Robert J. Sabin entered the next step of his eternal progression on June 25, 2023, coming close to his goal of living to 100. He leaves a legacy of pioneer spirit, optimism, speaking no guile, and finding good in everyone. Every day was a good day, and he could find a positive spin to any situation. Life was always interesting, and he liked to remind his family that only boring people get bored. He was never bored. He adopted the moniker "Happy Rattlesnake" for a rattlesnake always greets with a happy rattle. Even in his last days, he greeted anyone who came into his room with a "hi". His legacy lives on in the lives of his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Bob, as he was known by family and friends, was born April 17, 1926, in Deming, New Mexico, to Robert Leslie and Irene Fenn Sabin. The oldest of four, much of his early life was spent in remote areas of New Mexico, even living at times in a railroad car. He delighted in teasing his sisters, such as educating them on the feel of electricity. A trip to the World's Fair in San Francisco where he saw a lightning making machine was the beginning of his fascination with electricity.
He graduated from Deming High School at the age of 17, second in his class. He scored high on a test administered by the United States Navy which garnered an invitation to study engineering at Rice University as part of the V-12 program. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in less than three years and was commissioned an Ensign in the Navy. His service began just as World War II was ending. He participated in a training cruise on the USS Denver for six months and then was released to inactive duty and was part of the Naval Reserve until 1956.
Bob served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Mexico after his active military service. There he met Kathleen Nelson, also serving as missionary from Canada. Immediately following their release from missionary service, Bob proposed in an unconventional manner by asking if Kathleen would chew his leather, a line taken from a movie they had just seen. They were married on August 8, 1952, in the Cardston Alberta Temple. Bob never seemed to do things in a normal or conventional way. And for Kathleen, life with Bob was an adventure.
Bob was hired by the Physical Science Laboratory at New Mexico State University which was devoted to applied research for the Naval Research Laboratory, where he worked for 35 years. He was involved at the very beginning of the space race and became skilled in telemetry. Because of his skill, he was loaned to Princeton University to work on telemetry projects for Werhner von Braun's V-2 rockets. He especially enjoyed knowing Einstein was also at Princeton at the same time. He felt honored that he was needed when the smartest man in the world was already there. He had many experiences over the years with rockets at White Sands Missile Range, including developing a simulated target, for which he received a patent.
He was involved with the beginning of GPS systems used today. He and a fellow engineer assembled a Doppler GPS station, with graduate students around the world sending in data from Sputnik's orbit so that GPS coordinates could be calculated. He enjoyed knowing his early work has greatly benefited our world today. His career highlights also included sending an experiment on the Space Shuttle Endeavor and research involving solar energy.
Inventing was a passion and hobby outside his career as well. He always had an idea to work on. He was pleased when granted his second patent for his Fire Ice invention.
Bob's service as a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- day Saints included serving four missions (Mexico, and three with Kathleen in Spain, Guatemala and at the NMSU Institute) and serving as bishop twice. However, his favorite calling which spanned many decades involved Boy Scouts. He was awarded the Silver Beaver for his many years of Scouting. Hundreds of young men were influenced by his patient teaching, his example, his problem-solving skills, and love of the outdoors.
As part of his work with young men, including his four sons, he was always interested in adventures. When Brian came home with a story about floating a river that runs through the Gila Wilderness, his interest was piqued. That was the beginning of over four decades of river trips down the Gila River. Bob claimed that the magic of the Gila River turns boys into men and allows men to be boys again. These river trips needed specially designed rafts to navigate the shallow rocky riverbed in portions of the river. The wet mule was the result and hundreds of young men, leaders, a few girls, and a few women experienced the five-day river trip. First to make the trip was his own family as the experimental trip. Again, Kathleen was pulled into an adventure. Every member of the family lost weight on that trip except for Bob who drank all the Carnation Instant Breakfasts filtered through clean portions of his shirt as his family refused to drink them.
Bob loved the Organ Mountains and hiked them numerous times with his Scouts and other groups. On one trip, the infamous jet engine was carried down the mountain. When his knees no longer allowed him to make the climb, he dreamed of using balloons to lift him to the summit.
Bob read of an Alaskan explorer who had traveled the world and declared that the area of Shuswap Lake in British Columbia was the most beautiful in the world. The family subsequently traveled to British Columbia. He bought a plot of land on the lake, sight unseen. The family spent several summers enjoying the undeveloped property until Kathleen's brother bought property on another section of the lake. The first property was sold so that the family could build a cabin. The cabin was built without power tools except for a gas circular saw. It was a long labor over many years and Bob dreamed of living there year-round, much to Kathleen's dismay. Many family members enjoyed the beauty of the Shuswap and endured the primitive living conditions. His motto was "why do something the easy way when you can learn by doing it the hard way".
Several years after retiring, Bob and Kathleen moved to Colorado after living in Las Cruces for more than 50 years. Wanting to be closer to family, they enjoyed having three of their sons live nearby for a time. When Kathleen became ill, they moved to Utah. After her death and the deaths of Scott and Brian, Bob lived in Mesilla Park and enjoyed reconnecting with those he had known many years previously. He knew when it was time to move closer to family and on his birthday in 2020 (a very memorable pandemic year) he moved to Pleasant Grove, Utah. He loved having family visit, especially enjoying the great-grandchildren. He always had activities and toys to delight them. Nerf guns, a balloon piñata contraption and other gadgets kept them entertained. He was happiest and laughed the most with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. For Bob, anytime was a good time to play a game. As his mobility decreased, he moved to the Bennion Veterans Home in Payson, Utah, where he enjoyed the companionship of other veterans and actively participated in the many activities offered there. He also made sure he completed seven miles on his exercise bike six days a week. Bob never had a boring day.
Bob had faith in our Savior Jesus Christ. His life was devoted to serving others, never seeking attention or recognition for his many achievements. He rarely expressed anger, never talked unkindly about anyone, and worked to find the good in everyone. He is a disciple of Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings: Floyd, Shirley and Anilee; his eternal companion, Kathleen; his sons: Brian and Scott; daughter-in-law, Judy; and three great-grandchildren. He is survived by his daughter, Debbie (Layne); sons: Rob (Becky), Greg (Lynette); 23 grandchildren and 42 great grandchildren.
The family appreciates the love and care given him by the Bennion Veterans Home these last few years.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 1, 2023. at 2:30 p.m. in the Olpin Family Mortuary Chapel, 494 South 300 East, Pleasant Grove. Family and friends may attend a viewing from 1:00 - 2:15 p.m. prior to the services. Interment will be in the Lehi City Cemetery.
Original obituary published by:
— Olpin Family Mortuary
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