Robert Milton Cundick passed away peacefully in the early morning of January 7, 2016. Born November 26, 1926 to Milton and Florence Pierson Cundick, he married Charlotte Clark (Cholly) in the Manti Temple on June 9th, 1949. Since his call to play Sandy 2nd Ward's new Hammond organ at age 12 Bob has been a force in LDS Church music. During the depression, when family resources were scare, Alexander Schreiner kindly offered to mentor him as a scholarship student. Under the tutelage of LeRoy J. Robertson he received a Ph.D. in Music Composition from the University of Utah in 1950. After years of teaching first at his alma mater and later at BYU he was called by President David O. McKay to serve a mission at Hyde Park Chapel in London. Here he played daily recitals and performed as guest organist at venues such as St. Paul's Cathedral, Kings College Cambridge, and the BBC Radio Concert Series. Thus was he able to serve the mission he missed due to his WWII Merchant Marine service. The year following his return from England he was called as Tabernacle Organist, enjoying nearly twenty-seven inspiring years of service on Temple Square. He especially cherished his close association with fellow organists and the staff of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. Service to family, church, and community was his lifelong passion. His greatest musical legacy is his masterpiece, The Redeemer, A Sacred Service of Music. And yet he was hesitant to claim credit, feeling that his part was more as scribe for inspiration from above. He is survived by Cholly; children Robb (Laurel), Tom (Betsy), Ann Adams (Rob), Ruth Jackman (Dave), and Dave (Kim); brother Bert and sister Carol Hoopes (Grover); 23 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by brothers Royce and Glenn. Services will be held at noon, Wednesday, January 13, at Wilford Stake Center, 1765 E 3080 S, SLC. Viewing at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 E 1300 S, SLC on Tuesday, January 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and at the stake center from 10:30 to 11:45 am. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to The Performing Arts Endowment Fund, C/O Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, SLC, UT 84150.
