Robert Earl Crandall enjoyed amazing health allowing him 98 years of work and service before passing away on February 22, 2016. He was born November 14, 1917 in Salt Lake City, Utah as the oldest of five children of Tasy Elizabeth Grace and Earl Metcalf Crandall. Robert attended East High School and the University of Utah prior to serving as an LDS Missionary in New Zealand from 1938 to 1940. Serving under President Matthew Cowley, witnessing his great faith and gift of healing, made a profound influence in Roberts's life. While completing his MBA at Harvard University, he vividly recalled the announcement of the attack at Pearl Harbor. He rushed to complete his degree and immediately joined the Navy as a 1st Lieutenant. During World War II he served throughout the South Pacific as an armament specialist.
On May 26, 1949, Robert and Evelyn Irene Cockrell were married in the Salt Lake Temple, thus began a lifelong working relationship. They became the parents of seven children; all living except Robert Earl Crandall Jr., who passed away in 1961 at age five. Robert was proud of his hard work ethic. With his MBA, CFP, and CLU credentials, his career included Life Insurance and Commercial Real Estate management. For more than sixty years (and to within months of his death), he continued to manage the Crandall Building located in downtown Salt Lake City.
An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, a highlight for Robert was serving as Mission President in the Hawaii Honolulu Mission from 1972 to 1975. He encouraged missionary work and 25 grandchildren have served full time missions. Robert also enjoyed serving with the Cub Scouts, the Stake Farm, in Bishoprics, as a Stake Seventy, a Stake High Councilman, Church Service Missionary, Area Welfare Representative, and as a High Priests Quorum instructor. Robert valued education and encouraged Evelyn to graduate from the University of Utah, after their family was raised.
Robert enjoyed work, at home or at the office. He liked automobiles, boating, family dinners on the patio and any activity with his family. He was active in politics and served in many capacities with the Republican Party.
Preceded in death by his siblings; Richard, Howard and Calvin; brothers and sisters- in law: Darrell Tullis, Margaret and Neff Taylor, Dorothy and Albert Madsen, and Stanley Cockrell.
Survived by his wife Evelyn, children; Linda and Thom Harrison, Diane and David Epperson, Sandra and Mike Tanner, Mary and Scott Naegle, Nancy and Perry Thomas, John and Leslie Crandall; 34 grandchildren, 66 great grandchildren. Survived also by his sister Nancy C. Tullis, and sisters-in-law Maurene and Dore Crandall and June Okland Cockrell. His family is his greatest legacy.
Funeral services will be February 26, 2016 at 12:00 Noon at the Yalecrest 1st Ward, 1035 South 1800 East, Salt Lake City. Friends may call Thursday evening at the Ward from 6-8 p.m. and Friday morning from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the ward. Interment at Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online condolences are welcome at larkincares.com.
