1962 ~ 2025
Robert “Bobby” Thomas Phillips
March 30, 1962 – July 8, 2025
Our sweet Robert (Bobby) Thomas Phillips unexpectedly passed away on July 8, 2025, of natural causes. Bobby was born on March 30, 1962, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Richard Heber Phillips and Patricia Demopoulos Talmadge.
Bobby retired from Primary Children’s Hospital just two weeks before his passing. His coworkers couldn’t say enough about him, often sharing how he always went above and beyond, doing extra work simply to make sure everything was organized, prepared, and done right. His dedication, reliability, and care for others left a lasting impression on everyone he worked with.
As a child, Bobby was shy, lovable, handsome, and funny. All the girls in the neighborhood had a crush on him growing up, and it seemed like they always did. He shared an especially close bond with his brothers, particularly Rick, and the two did everything together. Bobby also loved playing hockey in the street with his younger brother Tim, creating memories that will be cherished forever.
Hockey remained one of Bobby’s greatest passions throughout his life. He proudly personalized his license plate to read “HAWKEY” and held season tickets to the Salt Lake Golden Eagles, attending games religiously with his brothers Rick and Tim. Occasionally, Cindy, Rita, and Cori were lucky enough to join him as well.
Bobby had a deep love for classic black-and-white television shows and could often be found watching TV Land favorites such as The Andy Griffith Show, Car 54, Where Are You?, Gilligan’s Island, Leave It to Beaver, and The Monkees. He also made sure to stay informed about the world around him. He was very liberal-minded, held strong opinions, and stood firmly for what he believed was right.
He was part of so many happy memories in his family’s lives. Bobby was thoughtful, loving, and deeply caring. When his nieces and nephews were young, he always made time for them—playing catch in the backyard, going to the movies, and simply being present. He had many affectionate nicknames, Bob, Bobby, Fungi, and Bobert, all reflecting how loved he was.
Bobby was devoted to his mother and was proudly known as a mama’s boy. He made it a point to call her every day before work and was always on the lookout for items that might help support her health or make her daily life a little easier. He had a tender heart and cared deeply for those he loved.
Throughout his life, Bobby bravely lived with debilitating anxiety, a struggle he carried quietly. Regardless, he was deeply loved by family, friends, and coworkers who treasured time spent with him. His great smile, warm laugh, and gentle spirit will never be forgotten.
And of course, Bobby’s unique tastes will live on in family stories, especially his love for ketchup, peanut butter, and onion sandwiches.
Bobby held a special place in so many hearts. His loss has devastated those who loved him, but we find comfort knowing he is now at peace and reunited with his father, mother, and brother. He was truly one of a kind, so special, so loved, and forever missed.
We will love and miss you forever.
Survived by his stepfather Larry Talmadge, brothers Tim (Leslie) Phillips, and sisters Cindy Taylor and Rita (Ken) Norlund. Nephews Jacob, Justin (Kenzi), Jackson (Aubrey), Jaden, Johnny, James. Nieces Cori (Jesse), McKell (John), Paige (Aaron), Bridget, Eliza and Marcy and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
Preceded in death by his father Richard, his mother Patricia, his brother Richard, niece Elena and nephew TJ.
My sweet big brother. You were always there for me including most recently a few years ago when my cat was dying and you took me to the vet in a snowstorm on New Years Eve. It was a really hard time for me but you were there..
I'm really struggling with it being the holidays and not having you here. Who is going to eat my potato salad? Say hi to Dad, Mom and Rick