Bob's adventurous life came to a crawl in 2013 when diagnosed with Alzheimer's. However, he continued to sing and dance with a smile on his face (although few words were ever uttered) until his death at the age of 81. Bob passed away at his caregiver's residence on Wednesday, September 19, 2018, due to complications from Alzheimer's and a broken hip.
Life began for Bob on September 29, 1936, when he was born to Charles Ray and Kendall Nevada (Connie) Lee. He grew up on a farm in Tabiona, Utah with five other siblings, he being the eldest of the bunch (his older brother drowned at age 2). After completing high school Bob headed for the city, making his home in the Salt Lake area. It was there he met and married Gale Ann Poulsen, and began his career with the airlines.
Working hard and playing hard seemed to be Bob's mantra. He served in the Air Force, and was employed with Western Airlines, JC Penney's, Delta Airlines, and Sports Authority. In addition to that he acted and sang at the Silver Wheel Theatre in Park City and participated in a number of movies, commercials and modeling engagements. For a short time he owned and operated his own river running company called Wild West Outfitters, which afforded him some great opportunities and experiences.
Bob served faithfully in many church callings, but his favorite was definitely Scout Master. He loved the boys and the boys loved him! Later in life he was privileged to serve as a part-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the Conference Center with his fifth wife, Sue Buckley. This was one of Bob's greatest achievements as he had always felt badly for not serving a mission when younger. He served in this capacity for 13 years.
Working with his hands and building was second nature to Bob. . . . wood working, masonry, carpentry, leather work, he loved them all. He never did anything half way; he was thorough as can be with all of his projects. When it came to playing, Bob loved being active and learning new skills. His hobbies and interests included photography, leather work, reading, singing, traveling, landscaping, mountain men rendezvous, river running, shooting, horseback riding, cross country skiing, camping, and fishing.
Marriages: 1st wife: Gale Ann Poulsen, 2nd wife: Kathryn Vane, 3rd wife: Reba Redding, 4th wife: Anne Jewett, 5th wife: Sue Buckley, 6th wife: Julia Dawn, 7th wife: Jeanne Cross Scott.
Bob will be greatly missed by his three daughters, Janet (Jeff) Moulton, Kathie (Paul) Johnston, Daisy (Paul) Richardson; his siblings, Linda Gibbs, Jerry (Jill) Lee, Brent (Michele) Lee, and Cindy (Don) Curfew, who cherished the time they had to spend with him. He left behind 10 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Connie Lee, brother, Kenneth Lee, sister, Marilyn Murphy, second wife, Kathy Vane Lee, his seventh wife, Jeanne Cross Scott Lee.
The family would like to personally thank Latu and Pita Fonua for taking such good care of their father for over a year. They treated him like family and we love them for that! In the end, dad received excellent care from the Hospice staff employed through Signature, especially from Mandy, his nurse.
A viewing will be held at Larkin Mortuary Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 So.) on Saturday, September 22, 2018 from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. with a funeral service following at 10:30 a.m. A graveside service will be held the same day at approximately 1:30 p.m. in Tabiona, Utah, the place he called "home".
In Lieu of flowers please donate to the Alzheimer\s Association Utah Chapter or the LDS Humanitarian Center.
