Robert Gary Forsyth

Robert (Bob) Gary Forsyth returned to his Heavenly home on October 11, 2026, and was reunited with his sweetheart of 72 years, Janeen. I'm sure he's already discovered that the fishing is a whole lot better up there!

Robert was born on March 7, 1938, in Spring Glen, Utah, to Etta Robison Forsyth and Clell Forsyth. When Bob was just six years old, his father was killed in a coal mine accident. After his father's death, Bob moved to Salt Lake City with his mother and two sisters, Pat and Diann. Etta later married Glenn Forsyth (Clell's brother) & added Bill and Christine to the family.

Bob was a bit of a troublemaker who loved to pull pranks. He and his group of friends once thought it would be funny to throw a dummy off a bridge into oncoming traffic. On another occasion, they built a wall of ice blocks across the street. Needless to say, his mother had a few things to say to Bob and his friends! He loved to tease and was quick-witted, with a dry sense of humor that kept everyone on their toes.

Bob attended Granite High School, where he played football under the coaching of LaVell Edwards. He was strong, athletic, and always up for a challenge. Whether on the football field, the basketball court, or out enjoying the great outdoors, Bob loved being active.

It was through his sister Diann that Bob met the love of his life, Ruth Janeen White. He loved telling the story of their first date. Every time Janeen looked at him, he kissed her. By his count, he kissed her 38 times that evening! The rest is history.

Bob and Janeen were married on February 19, 1955, and later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on November 19, 1955. Together, they raised six children and built a life filled with love, laughter, hard work, and countless memories.

Bob began his working life as a hod tender, but after a short time, he took a cut in pay to become a bricklayer. He was a perfectionist when it came to laying brick, and he approached his work like an artist. He took tremendous pride in his craft and in the buildings he helped create. Among his work were the Manti Temple, the Jordan River Temple, the pavers around the Salt Lake Temple, and the Butler Ward building. Bob loved his work and continued laying brick until he was 81 years old—a remarkable testament to his skill, dedication, and work ethic.

Bob adored Janeen. He was a good sport and happily went along with the many things she planned for them. Whenever dancing was involved, you wouldn't be surprised to see Mom and Dad dancing together in the background. Their love for one another was evident, and they shared a lifetime of adventures, laughter, and companionship.

Bob was the kind of man who could fix just about anything—or at least that's what he taught his kids to believe! He was capable, hardworking, and always willing to lend a hand. He loved fishing, hunting, golfing, and spending time outdoors. One of his greatest joys was taking his kids hunting and sharing with them the things he loved.

Some of the best family memories were made right at home: water fights, Sunday wrestling matches in the front room, and the simple fun of being together. Bob had a way of making ordinary days memorable, and his playful spirit brought plenty of laughter into family life.

His love for others extended well beyond his family. Bob quietly served his neighbors in countless ways, mowing lawns and snow-blowing driveways without expecting anything in return. He coached Little League baseball and generously gave his time and talents to others. He lived service in a simple, genuine way. If someone needed help, Bob was there.

Bob also had a deep love for the Church and the gospel of Jesus Christ. Throughout his life, he served in many church callings, including Sunday School president, priests quorum adviser, and first and second counselor in the bishopric. But perhaps the calling he held longest—and one of his favorites—was basketball coach and referee. He continued playing ward basketball well into his 80s, a testament to his athletic spirit and love of the game.

He also had an incredible garden, and fresh tomatoes were among his favorite things to enjoy from it. His garden reflected the same qualities he brought to life: patience, hard work, and the satisfaction of watching something grow.

Above all, Bob loved his Heavenly Father and the gospel. His testimony was simple, sincere, and unwavering. Mom would sometimes joke that she had saved Bob from his wilder days, and Dad would readily agree. But through all the years, his faith never wavered. His love for his Heavenly Father and his testimony of the gospel remained a steady foundation throughout his life. His words were simple and few, but when he spoke from the heart, you listened. And you felt loved and inspired by his wisdom.

Bob leaves behind a legacy of love, service, faith, hard work, and family. He taught his children through the way he lived: to work hard, help others, enjoy the outdoors, laugh often, and never underestimate what can be fixed with a little determination.

Bob is survived by his children: Terry (Renae), JoAnn (Ed), Allison (Bob), Michael (Teresa), and John (Kenna); and his sister, Chris (Craig); 25 grandchildren; 55 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Janeen, who passed away just one month before him; His parents, Etta, Clell, & Glenn Forsyth; his sisters, Patricia Muir and Diann Peck; his brother, William (Bill) Forsyth; his brother-in-law, Jerry Peck; his daughter, Shereen Forsyth Christensen; and his daughter-in-law, Debbie Forsyth.

Bob had said he wanted to wait until Janeen passed away to make sure she was okay, being the gentleman he was. In the end, his wish was granted. Janeen went ahead of him by just one month, and we can picture Bob keeping his promise and joining her when the time was right.

His family will forever be grateful for the memories, the lessons, the laughter, and the love he gave so freely. He will be remembered for his strength, his playful spirit, his willingness to serve, his devotion to Janeen, and the countless ways he made life better for the people around him. The example he set and the love he shared will continue through the generations of the family he and Janeen built together.

If Bob were here, he would tell us to keep things simple: have a celebration of life, no fuss, sing his favorite song, “Consider the Lilies,” and go fishing!

And he would want us to know one last thing: the fishing is better here!

Visitation will be held from 10:00 -11:45 a.m. Friday, October 23, 2026 - Graveside to follow at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah 84092.