Robert D. "Bob" Etherington passed peacefully from this life at home on January 3, 2017, after a long and valiant struggle with complications related to cardiovascular disease.
Bob was born on November 24, 1940 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Lawrence "Bud" and Marianne Arlt Etherington. After graduating as a "Beetdigger" from Jordan High School, he served in the Army Reserve in the Northwest, served an LDS mission in the Northwestern States Mission, and returned to attend the University of Utah. While attending school, he was set up with a young beauty from Kennewick, Washington (where he had served his mission) to "entertain and host" her during a brief Salt Lake visit. A courtship with Sherrie Ann Martin immediately ensued, and they were soon married in March of 1964 in the Salt Lake City Temple.
Bob and Sherrie were blessed with six children—Robert Jr "Rob" (Linda) Etherington, Scott (Jessica) Etherington, Christopher (Mary) Etherington, Jeffrey (Sharstin) Etherington, Tiffany (Scott) Bowden, Tawni (David) Shipley—along with 19 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren, and 3 grand-dogs. Grandpa Bob took great delight in each. In later years, he was often surrounded by grandchildren at his feet or in his lap, who enjoyed his stories and songs. He and Sherrie were also blessed to be foster parents to many over the years.
Bob worked hard from an early age: at the age of 12, he began work on the mink ranch on the Butler hill, a half mile east of his home in Butlerville (now Cottonwood Heights). Money earned from these and other jobs enabled him and his older brother to own mid-50s Chevrolets (they've wished they'd retained until now!). He instilled the same work ethic in his children who started paper routes or babysitting also at age 12. For years, he taught early-morning seminary in San Diego, and was particularly beloved by the students.
Bob\s professional career took him across a range of businesses, from real estate developments to Solitude Ski Resort management to Winnebago Industries to architectural design. However his true love was his last 25 years employment with Welfare Services of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, where he managed Deseret Industries in San Diego as well as Southern California and Utah employment services (boy!, did Bob love the D.I.). He was an enthusiastic Scout leader for many years, and took particular pride in his Wood Badge achievement, where his patrol was "Bobwhite", a nickname he loved. Bob encouraged his four sons to each achieve the Eagle rank.
He cherished most of all his church service, serving as Bishop and in a Stake Presidency, but perhaps most beloved, his and Sherrie's 14 years in the Salt Lake inner city mission. He excelled at helping those who needed his particular skills in self-reliance and self-improvement. He also loved the young missionaries with whom he served in the Sandy Granite South Stake during recent MLS full-time missionary service.
Bob cherished family activities, encouraging and celebrating his children's talents, and thrilling in their victories. Family reunions on an annual basis were always a particular treat.
Since Sherrie spent a later-years' decade working for Continental Airlines, Bob was particularly thrilled to enjoy some free airlines tickets available to airline employees to experience global travel. He was able to visit London, Paris, Switzerland, and Israel.
Ever resilient, Bob endured much pain these past 20 years, but rarely complained, and continued pressing onward.
His father, Lawrence, and mother, Marianne, both preceded Bob in death.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Sherrie; his six siblings, Larry (Carol), Carol (Paul), Anita (Fred), Rendell (Yvonne), Susan (David), Marla; and his six children, 19 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren.
The Etherington family, and Bob particularly, are grateful to the fine people of Inspiration Home Health and Hospice, especially Deborah Larkin, who daily attended to Bob's legs and other needs during the past four months, as well as the staff of St Mark's Hospital. In addition, Bob and his family are so grateful for the kind service and loving friendship of many, including the dear people of the Ashley Park Ward.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 10312 East Ashley Park Drive in Sandy, with a viewing, from 9:30-10:30 a.m. prior to services. Friends may meet the family on Friday evening January 6, 2017 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (106th South) in Sandy.
