Graveside
Larkin Sunset Lawn Cemetery 2350 E 1300 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84108Saturday Aug 9, 2025: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
1967 ~ 2025
Saturday Aug 9, 2025: 1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
Robert Scott Shepherd
1967-2025
Robert Scott Shepherd, a cherished father, grandfather, son, brother, and friend passed away peacefully on Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at age 58, surrounded by his family after a battle with cancer.
Rob loved life and his family, especially when spent outdoors. Rob spent all his life in Salt Lake City, UT. He was an outdoors kind of guy with a love for jazz music. Rob had a great love for back country skiing, mountain biking, and bonfires. He hiked, skied, and camped all over the Wasatch Mountains and amongst the Red Rock deserts down south. Additionally, he had a special place in his heart for the Tetons on the Wyoming side outside of Driggs, ID.
Rob enjoyed many trips down south, from visiting the Indian ruins from Fish and Owl Creek to the Four Corners and the Needles District to name a few. You name it, Rob did it. He climbed, mountain biked, river ran, built igloos, and explored snow caves. Rob never met a mountain he didn’t want to climb. He believed in living life to its fullest, highest and best potential. Rob knew that life was meant to be enjoyed in the great outdoors with his family and friends, full of laughter, kindness and adventures. Along with his love of camping, he had a love for music, especially jazz. He was a successful jazz drummer. Rob attended Utah State University on a drum scholarship and continued to play in multiple bands throughout his life. He even had the opportunity to introduce his wife to Buddy Rich in SLC, UT. In his spare time, you could find him playing his drums and keeping up on his craft.
Rob had many lifelong friends whom he met along the way of his adventures through the great outdoors and music. His most cherished trips and memories were those with his immediate family, grandkids, and his beloved wife Kyra. Kyra always accompanied him on his adventures. Rob’s love for the outdoors brought him many opportunities in life; from working at Guthrie’s bike shop to REI, to teaching at the U of U for the Outdoor Recreational Department leading many of his students through his favorite spots down south and in the mountains.
To Rob, family was everything. He cherished his wife, children and grandchildren. From coaching numerous football and lacrosse games to dance recitals, Rob never missed any event, and he continued this with his grandchildren. He built many loving memories and traditions. Rob never missed an opportunity to have a backyard BBQ with his friends and children. With endless amounts of good food, many late-night bonfires, and countless encouraging words and conversations, he never missed a chance to throw in his favorite sayings: “If you’re gonna be dumb, you gotta be tough.” or “rub some dirt in it.” All were welcome in his home.
Rob was born in Salt Lake City on June 2, 1967, to Richard and Rexene Shepherd, who built loving memories and supported him and his family. Rob is survived by the love of his life of 35 years married, 46 years together, high school sweethearts and best friend Kyra Lee Shepherd; his children Sierra Shepherd, Hunter Shepherd, Porter Shepherd and his wife Kelsey Shepherd; two grandchildren Rose and Bo; his mother Rexene Shepherd and brothers Ron Shepherd and Richard Shepherd Jr. He was preceded in death by his beloved father Richard Shepherd and sister Christine VanRy.
Rob was loved by many, and his thoughtful and rugged presence will be missed dearly.
Funeral services will be held at 12:00 pm on August 9, 2025, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 2245 East 3900 South, SLC, UT 84109. A gathering will be held prior to the services from 10:00 to 11:45 am. Interment will follow at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 E. 1300 S. SLC, UT 84108.
We’re so sorry for your loss. We know all too well how awful cancer is. Sending lots of prayers.
So grateful we could spend some time with you guys last summer.
I am so sorry for your loss. I am grateful I got to know Rob and was able to enjoy the hospitality of your home and backyard. He was such a great guy who inspired us all to enjoy where we are and enjoy the world around us. Kyra, my heart goes out to you. Please remember, you are loved.
Love you Rob! Rest in peace! You were a light and a teacher a protecter and a comfort to me!
Kyra, Sierra, Hunter, Porter,
You were blessed with the greatest of husband and father, which makes parting so much harder. Hang on guys, hang tight to those memories. Love each of you.
My deepest condolences for the passing of Rob. Though I never met him, I saw the connection that he had with Kyra and the wonderful effect he had - his values of nature and family, how he made Kyra laugh and smile and comfortable. He will be dearly missed. Kyra, if you’re reading this, you are such a wonderful gem - continue shining on and being the bright star you are! Love your guts and I’m so so sorry for your loss.
❤️ Andre
Such a wonderful man. So adventurous, he will be dearly missed. I love your whole family so much . You guys have a special place in my heart ❤️
Our hearts are broken over the loss of Rob in your lives and ours. The Harden family is praying that the Shepherd family can find hope and healing at this tender time.
We are so sorry for yours and your family's loss. Rob was an amazing person. I always enjoyed talking to him at USU and Fiji house. You and Rob were and are amazing couple from college days. You have a beautiful family. Our condolences to you and your family. Much love from Arshia and Tom Mullen 🙏🙏😔😔😊😊
Kyra and family. So sad to hear of Rob's passing. He was such a great guy and I enjoyed working with him. I will remember him fondly.
Please accept our sincerest sympathy and condolences for your loss of Rob. Although we didn't know Rob for very long, we have known Rex and Richard for many years and know how proud they were of Rob and how deeply they loved Rob. So sorry for your loss, with love and friendship the Halls
I wish I could be there. Just know my heart is with you during this difficult time. Love, Rita
Oh my. I remember when Rob was angling to get a date with Kyra back in high school and when he succeeded. I remember their college courtship and him visiting Kyra when she lived in the Avenues. I remember the wedding — didn’t someone sing the song Climb Every Mountain? I love this obituary full of love and celebration. Sending care as you go through each tender day now.
Kyra,
I'm so sorry that you have temporarily lost the love of your life. My heart and prayers go out for your peace at this time. Love you. Pat
I worked at REI in Salt Lake from 1994-1999. I met Rob and Kyra there. I remember Rob was very fun, and he and Kyra were great hosts of several parties I attended at their home. Come to think of it, I was the recipient of a door prize of Voile tele bindings - back then they were still 3- pin. I eventually got some tele skis and used those bindings! I am so sorry to hear of another dear person taken by cancer. May Rob's light live on through everyone he encountered. I did not know Rob was a jazz drummer! That's so awesome! I love jazz but somehow we didn't learn this about each other. I will try to think of him when I hear a drum solo. I wish God's peace to Rob's family and friends. May good memories sustain you in the days ahead. Peace, Trudy
Kyra and family,
I am so grateful that Rob reached out to me and shared with me the the hardship the difficulties he was going through and that we could reconnect. These conversations have meant so much to me and that I'm so sorry for your loss and he will most definitely be missed.
Thank you for including me.
Matt
Thankyou Rob, for being the older brother I never had. Dealing with all our family drama, my boyfriends and all the party’s at the house. It doesn’t seem real that you are gone. You have been in my life as long as I can remember. You will truly be missed.
Hope you are chasing powder dreams and carving slopes in the after life. I will always remember you❤️
Kyra, Sierra, Hunter, and Porter,
I have spent so much time thinking about what I could say to help ease the pain of losing one of the most amazing people I have had the privilege of knowing. Rob was a human who was fiercely loyal and stubborn as a mule -- but no matter how messed up a situation was, he would always step up to help out without muttering a word (almost).
When I learned of Rob's diagnosis, I was gutted because of all people, Rob didn't deserve this as his final years on Earth. And to endure witnessing his pain must have been unimaginable for the four of you. Your family has always been one I look to as a healthy and loving example of what families should be.
I know it has been many years since I have seen the four of you, and I regret not being at Rob's farewell, but I know that you all understand how difficult life can be. I love you and hope that you are feeling at peace now that Rob is no longer feeling the pain his body was inflicting.
I hope to see you all soon.
With love and peace,
Mark