Obituary for Robert Lefler Gwilliam
January 3, 1947 – May 2, 2015
On the evening of May 2, 2015, Robert (Bob) Lefler Gwilliam left this mortal existence at his home surrounded by his loving wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob was born on January 3, 1947 in Logan, Utah to James Llewellyn and Alice Lefler Gwilliam. He was the fourth of five children.
Bob gained his love of the Boy Scouts of America program and the outdoors from his father, who was a professional scouter, and his quiet disposition from his mother. Bob lived in many places because of his father’s career in scouting such as Logan, Ogden, Saint George, Utah; and Ely and Carson City, Nevada. Bob loved to share stories about his younger years while living on scout camps and exploring with his younger brother in tow. Bob and his brothers, Jim and Steve, often worked at the scout camps.
Bob graduated from high school in St. George, Utah, and loved to reminisce about his football adventures. His love for the sport continued as he thoroughly enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons play football. After Bob graduated from high school he liked to say, “I successfully avoided the draft by enlisting in the United States Marine Corp.” He served from 1967-1971, and later enlisted in the Air National Guard where he served until 2003. One of his favorite stories from his military service included a hair-raising and unbelievable landing in the Azores on a KC-135.
After graduating from Utah State University he worked for Sperry Univac and Northwest Pipeline. He then enjoyed a career of 34 years of service with the LDS Church, a majority of those in the Temple Department. Both his military and church career provided him the opportunity to travel the world extensively. Bob once was working late into the night wiring computers in the bride’s room in the Samoa Temple. He lay on a couch to rest a moment and later awoke to find himself covered in blankets provided by the temple workers.
During the early years of his adult life, Bob married Sandra Smith and together they had six children. They were later divorced. On January 25, 1992 Bob married his eternal companion, Junetta Ann Easton, in the Salt Lake City Temple. He immediately gained five more children and 12 grandchildren. Bob and Junetta’s marriage was a perfect example of selfless love and devotion. They worked, played, and served together. Their 11 children and many grandchildren loved him deeply and are very grateful he was a part of their lives. They are honored to call him Dad and Grandpa.
Their home was a gathering place for their children and their families. Their backyard, “Gwilly Park”, was and is a place of fun times and happy memories with rich traditions that will continue throughout generations. They always made every family holiday a fun family event, such as Thanksgiving where no one will forget his amazing mashed potatoes—all 40 pounds! At annual family campouts, Bob’s scouting skills were evident with his fire starting methods, Dutch oven potatoes, and the hot breakfast he and grandma would cook each morning.
Bob loved KFC, circus peanut candy, jelly beans and movies. He was a true patriot and loved military and American history especially WWII. He was well known in the community for his impressive and extensive flag collection, and his presentation on the evolution of the American Flag.
Bob’s influence over 50 years in the scouting community is immeasurable. He helped countless boys earn their Eagle Award, including fourteen sons and grandsons, with three more preparing to do their projects. Bob also had a solid reputation as a handyman. If something needed repaired or remodeled, friends and family called Bob. If he didn’t have the tool he needed for the job, he would gladly buy it!
After Bob and Junetta retired they were excited to finally serve the mission they had dreamed of for years. They were called to serve in the Salt Lake Inner City Mission. After serving three months, however, his health required they be released. During his lifetime, Bob served faithfully in every calling including scoutmaster, primary teacher, first counselor in a bishopric, and as a High Councilman.
Bob leaves behind his loving wife Junetta and his 11 children, Kirsten Gwilliam, Cindy Wagstaff (Galen), Mitch Gwilliam (Crisanta), Jeff Gwilliam, Ben Gwilliam (Jen), and Ann Marie Pilkington (Kent), Leslie Clark (Jeff), Michelle Hock (Steve), Annette Carter (Dave), Kimberly Martin (Cary) and Robert Easton (Melanie). Bob also leaves behind 35 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and three more on the way. He also leaves behind two brothers, James Gwilliam (Judy), Steve Gwilliam (Cliveen) and a sister, Carolyn Gwilliam. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Alice.
Throughout his battle with cancer Bob was always sweet and kind to the many doctors, nurses and aids that cared for him. He was so brave and never complained. He is our hero.
January 3, 1947 – May 2, 2015
On the evening of May 2, 2015, Robert (Bob) Lefler Gwilliam left this mortal existence at his home surrounded by his loving wife, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Bob was born on January 3, 1947 in Logan, Utah to James Llewellyn and Alice Lefler Gwilliam. He was the fourth of five children.
Bob gained his love of the Boy Scouts of America program and the outdoors from his father, who was a professional scouter, and his quiet disposition from his mother. Bob lived in many places because of his father’s career in scouting such as Logan, Ogden, Saint George, Utah; and Ely and Carson City, Nevada. Bob loved to share stories about his younger years while living on scout camps and exploring with his younger brother in tow. Bob and his brothers, Jim and Steve, often worked at the scout camps.
Bob graduated from high school in St. George, Utah, and loved to reminisce about his football adventures. His love for the sport continued as he thoroughly enjoyed watching his sons and grandsons play football. After Bob graduated from high school he liked to say, “I successfully avoided the draft by enlisting in the United States Marine Corp.” He served from 1967-1971, and later enlisted in the Air National Guard where he served until 2003. One of his favorite stories from his military service included a hair-raising and unbelievable landing in the Azores on a KC-135.
After graduating from Utah State University he worked for Sperry Univac and Northwest Pipeline. He then enjoyed a career of 34 years of service with the LDS Church, a majority of those in the Temple Department. Both his military and church career provided him the opportunity to travel the world extensively. Bob once was working late into the night wiring computers in the bride’s room in the Samoa Temple. He lay on a couch to rest a moment and later awoke to find himself covered in blankets provided by the temple workers.
During the early years of his adult life, Bob married Sandra Smith and together they had six children. They were later divorced. On January 25, 1992 Bob married his eternal companion, Junetta Ann Easton, in the Salt Lake City Temple. He immediately gained five more children and 12 grandchildren. Bob and Junetta’s marriage was a perfect example of selfless love and devotion. They worked, played, and served together. Their 11 children and many grandchildren loved him deeply and are very grateful he was a part of their lives. They are honored to call him Dad and Grandpa.
Their home was a gathering place for their children and their families. Their backyard, “Gwilly Park”, was and is a place of fun times and happy memories with rich traditions that will continue throughout generations. They always made every family holiday a fun family event, such as Thanksgiving where no one will forget his amazing mashed potatoes—all 40 pounds! At annual family campouts, Bob’s scouting skills were evident with his fire starting methods, Dutch oven potatoes, and the hot breakfast he and grandma would cook each morning.
Bob loved KFC, circus peanut candy, jelly beans and movies. He was a true patriot and loved military and American history especially WWII. He was well known in the community for his impressive and extensive flag collection, and his presentation on the evolution of the American Flag.
Bob’s influence over 50 years in the scouting community is immeasurable. He helped countless boys earn their Eagle Award, including fourteen sons and grandsons, with three more preparing to do their projects. Bob also had a solid reputation as a handyman. If something needed repaired or remodeled, friends and family called Bob. If he didn’t have the tool he needed for the job, he would gladly buy it!
After Bob and Junetta retired they were excited to finally serve the mission they had dreamed of for years. They were called to serve in the Salt Lake Inner City Mission. After serving three months, however, his health required they be released. During his lifetime, Bob served faithfully in every calling including scoutmaster, primary teacher, first counselor in a bishopric, and as a High Councilman.
Bob leaves behind his loving wife Junetta and his 11 children, Kirsten Gwilliam, Cindy Wagstaff (Galen), Mitch Gwilliam (Crisanta), Jeff Gwilliam, Ben Gwilliam (Jen), and Ann Marie Pilkington (Kent), Leslie Clark (Jeff), Michelle Hock (Steve), Annette Carter (Dave), Kimberly Martin (Cary) and Robert Easton (Melanie). Bob also leaves behind 35 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren and three more on the way. He also leaves behind two brothers, James Gwilliam (Judy), Steve Gwilliam (Cliveen) and a sister, Carolyn Gwilliam. He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Alice.
Throughout his battle with cancer Bob was always sweet and kind to the many doctors, nurses and aids that cared for him. He was so brave and never complained. He is our hero.
We will miss your stories, Dutch oven potatoes, tractor rides, smile, and most of all, your unconditional love. God be with you till we meet again.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, May 7th at 11:00 am at the Val Verda 9th Ward chapel, 3317 South 800 West, Bountiful, Utah 84010.
Viewings will be held Wednesday, May 6th from 6-8pm at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main St., Bountiful, Utah 84010 and Thursday May 7th from 9:30-10:30 am at the church. He will be buried in the Bountiful City Cemetery.
At the cemetry Benji found a grasshopper that he enjoyed playing with and chasing around.
The whole crew at Gwilly Park
Despite the lack of pictures to document it, we had a great time being with all of our family we miss. It was especially fun to have all of the out of state family in town at the same time. My kids especially loved all the time they got to spend playing with their cousins.
Beautiful rest stop for lunch in southern Utah
We were driving home on Mother's Day and these two sweet girlies picked me a bouquet of flowers! I got a bouquet, a nap (sort of), and I got to spend all day not more than 5 feet from my favorite people on earth that made me a mom. Maybe it wasn't the exact day I would have chosen, but it was a very happy Mother's Day nonetheless! And it was great to get home and sleep in my own bed that night!
An entertaining bonus was the funny orange cone animals we saw in all the construction as we were getting into the metroplex.
After we got home sweet Grace cut up the program from Grandpa's funeral so it would fit in her special frame that she keeps in her room.
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