Robert "Bob" Beal Harden

1936 ~ 2023

Obituary Photo for Robert "Bob" Beal Harden < >

Evening Viewing in the Social Hall

Rose Park North Stake Center in Social Hall (1155 North 1200 West)
May 11, 2023 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Viewing Prior in the North Social Hall

Rose Park North Stake Center in the North Social Hall (1155 North 1200 West)
May 12, 2023 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM

Funeral Service in the North Chapel

Rose Park North Stake Center in the North Chapel (1155 North 1200 West)
May 12, 2023 11:00 AM

Robert “Bob” Beal Harden, completed his mortal journey on Saturday, May 6, 2023. Bob was born January 24, 1936, in Salt Lake City, Utah to Margaret Spencer and Robert Henry “Budd” Harden Jr. Known to his friends as “Red”, Bob was proud of his distinctive hair color even when all the red had turned to white.

His childhood years were filled with colorful experiences of time spent with his brothers, Allen, Don, and Larry. His family moved to Rose Park when he was 12. He attended West High School, graduating as valedictorian and played on the baseball, basketball, and football teams. He later attended the University of Utah.

Bob met his eternal companion, Robin Ruth, in Rose Park. They married in 1954 and were sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. He loved living and raising his children in Rose Park and was proud of the life he and Robin created together.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Bob loved to share the story of his baptism in the font at the Salt Lake Tabernacle, as well as his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He enthusiastically committed to serve the best he could in his many callings, including Scout Master, Sunday School Teacher, and Bishop.

Bob was a dedicated Scouter, who was awarded the Silver Beaver award for providing distinguished service within the Great Salt Lake Council. He loved the scouting program and the many youths he had the privilege of teaching and mentoring.

As an avid sports enthusiast, Bob spent many years on the diamond, court, and field, both as a player and later as an umpire and referee. He shared his love of sports with his children and grandchildren. He loved watching them play, as well as taking them to countless games, especially those of the Utes, Golden Eagles, Bees, and Jazz.

Bob loved the outdoors, especially the Uintah mountains and the red rocks of Moab. Many hours were happily spent fishing, hunting, boating, camping, hiking, or exploring. He loved reading, especially the scriptures and Zane Grey novels. He enjoyed playing animal charades with his kids and grandchildren, telling stories, making up songs, whistling, and loved to joke with all he met. It didn’t really matter what the activity was, if his family or friends were there, he loved it.

Bob served in the Utah Air National Guard. About the same time, he began working for Coca-Cola. He worked for Coke for 25 years and loved a cold bottle of Coke. He later worked as a salesman at Arco Packaging for another 23 years. He was a hard worker, committed to providing for his family. He was a business owner of 4 Packaging Stores, enjoying the fact that these stores provided jobs for some of his children and grandchildren.

Bob and Robin served two missions together. The first as service missionaries in their stake for two years. The second as humanitarian missionaries in Sri Lanka. They immediately loved the Sri Lankan people and have many wonderful friends from their time there.

Bob is survived by his wife of 68 years, Robin; his children, John (Tracy), Rouett (Yousef) Abouzelof, Jann, Ron (Cindy), Chris (Chuck) Denny, Susan (Tom) Lynch, Don (Barb), Bob (Diane), David (Jennifer), Aline (Dave) Ashton, Patrick (Charla); foster daughter Bernina Sandoval, brother Larry (Vicki) Davis; 36 grandchildren and 33 great grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his brothers, Allen and Don, his sister Kathryn Shauna, his infant son Richard, three grandsons, and one great granddaughter.

Funeral services: Friday, May 12, 2023, 11:00 a.m. Rose Park North Stake Center, 1155 North 1200 West. Viewings at the church: Thursday, May 11, 6:00 – 8:00 p.m. and Friday at 10:00 a.m. Interment: Salt Lake City Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers please consider contributing to the humanitarian or missionary departments of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

The family wishes to express appreciation to our mom for all the care, love, and support she showed our dad. We love you, Dad. “Let’s Go!”


Guestbook/Condolences

We are so sorry for your loss. Bob sounds like a wonderful husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. It is wonderful to know of the Plan of Happiness and that someday we will all be reunited with those we love. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.


- Steve & Debbie Farrell

I have many fond memories of Brother Harden growing up in the Rose Park 11th ward. My family and his family had many children the same ages. He always had a great testimony and was a leader and example in the ward. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Harden family at this time.


- Julie Wilson LaRocco

We want to send our deepest sympathy to Robin, her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren on the passing of their beloved husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. It is comforting to know that he is reunited with his family who have passed before him. There is much joy in heaven, with their amazing heavenly reunion.


- H. Sami & EllaRae Mansour

Dear Robin and Family,
Know of our Love to you all. Prayers of Comfort and Healing and Love ❤️ Your Eternal Companion and your family will be Together Forever ❤️ Hugs to each of your family and great and grandchildren.
With Friendship and Love,
Don/Mary & Family


- Don and Mary Phillips

We have known Elder and Sister Harden for the love and care that share during their service in Sri Lanka.
He loved the people specially the children and the families.
He was a such a good example for the saviours love and humbleness.
When I was in SLC last time he wanted to meet us and offered to go with us lunch or dinner, he wanted to know about saints in Negambo, how the church was doing in Sri Lanka, he was a great servent and a great example.
Hope his family will be comforted in the Gospel, he will surly continue his work from other side of the Vail.


- Namal Jayaweera

Dear Robin and Family,
Know of our Love to you all. Prayers of Comfort and Healing and Love ❤️ Your Eternal Companion and your family will be Together Forever ❤️ Hugs to each of your family and great and grandchildren.
With Friendship and Love,
Don/Mary & Family


- Don and Mary Phillips

We are sorry to hear about the loss of your husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. There's a joyful heavenly reunion with his family who are in heaven.


- H. Sami & EllaRae Mansour

Bob and family,
Your dad was a good man. Sorry for your loss. Keep his spirit with you by talking anbout all the great moments ❤️. Your friends, Troy and Kristen Lowe


- Troy and Kristen Lowe

Brent, Josette, and the entire Nay family send our love and condolences to you at this time of parting. Bob is a good man! With Love, The Nays;


- Brent Nay

Our condolences to your family! Our prayers are with you!🥰


- Martin & Elida Numbers

So sorry for your loss! Dave and Jen have been our friends for many years. He must have been an incredible dad to have such amazing kids.


- Lance & Judy Spencer

I am so sorry to hear of the passing of Bob.. I wish I had known him netter.
I recently found that my neighborhood friend, Geri Main, knew him and the family very well. She told me she regretted that she couldn't attend the service, but family responsibilities kept her from coming. I enjoyed hearing from children of the lessons he taught them. the exemplary person he was, and his lasting influence for good. He was an amazing person.
I express my love and prayers for comfort, peace, and an outpouring of love in the days to come.
love,
Nancy Woodbury


- Nancy Spencer Woodbury

Ron, so sorry to read about your father’s passing!!! Our condolences, thoughts and prayers!!! Miss you,Cindy and the family and hope you guys are doing well.
The Moffats


- Roy & Jill Moffat

There are many fond memories of scouting with Bob in the Rose Park 6th Ward. He was a great man, his mission is just starting.


- Doug Christenson

Sorry to hear of Bobs passing we send our love and condolences to all the family.


- Keith & Deloris Mclelland

This Was A great man that took me under his wing and taught me even more of how to become a man and a hard worker ! He was my boss at coca cola and showed me how to keep an eye on me as i dated his daughter Jann lol I have reel respect for him and I'm so sorry i didnt get to see him as life flies bye R.I.P. Mr Harden and to the whole family God Bless You All


- Rusty Andersen