Dr. Robert W Later

Bob Later was born on November 25, 1949, in Klamath Falls, Oregon, the first of twins to Wendell Cordon Later and Vera Mae Nelson Later. His parents met while attending Utah State University, where his father graduated in forestry and range management and his mother in home economics.

After graduation, his parents moved to Oregon, where his father worked as a forest ranger and his mother as a schoolteacher. Soon after, his father transferred to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, continuing his work in forestry and range management. This position required the family to move frequently, including postings at Native American reservations in Nespelem, Washington; Cheyenne Agency, South Dakota; San Carlos, Arizona; and Owyhee, Nevada.

Bob’s childhood was spent exploring the outdoors and going on adventures with his twin and younger brother. You could often find Bob and his brothers playing “doctor and nurse,” a pastime that hinted at the path they would later choose in medicine.

During the latter part of the second grade, the family moved to the Apache Reservation in San Carlos, Arizona, where they lived for nine years. Bob attended Globe High School, located 20 miles from the reservation, and distinguished himself both academically and athletically. He graduated in the top three of his class, served as captain of the football team, was crowned Homecoming King, and served as Student Body President.

Following high school, Bob attended Brigham Young University on scholarship. After one year, he served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Brazil South Mission, headquartered in Porto Alegre, Brazil, where he served honorably for two years. Upon returning to BYU, Bob completed his undergraduate studies and married Jacqueline Fletcher in 1974. They later divorced. During his many years of schooling, Bob and Jackie welcomed four children: Jennifer, Gregory, Lindsay, and Todd.

Bob began working as a researcher in the Cath Lab, where he contributed to heart transplantation research. The following year, he enrolled in medical school at the University of Utah, graduating in 1979. He completed a residency in obstetrics and gynecology at Maricopa County Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona, and later a four-year residency in OB/GYN. In 1983, he began his practice at Alta View Hospital.

Bob loved being a father and made family life an adventure. They spent their time boating, fishing, racing go-karts, and vacationing together. The family made many memories in Hawaii, Lake Powell, and on RV trips to Jackson Hole and Lava Hot Springs. Their time together created a foundation of love, laughter, and lifelong memories for his family. In 2003, Bob met the love of his life, Connie, and they were married in 2004, happily welcoming three stepchildren into his life: Ryan, Tasia, and Jace. Together they shared 23 wonderful years. Connie was his entire world. They truly were best friends and loved spending time together.

They enjoyed vacationing in Mexico, going shopping together, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Their beloved dog, Jerzee, was also a special part of their life together and brought them both great joy.

Bob loved the outdoors and especially enjoyed spending time with his boys. Together, they spent many days hunting, fishing, riding Harleys, and going on adventures together. He rarely seemed to need much sleep and was always the life of the party, bringing energy and fun wherever he went. More often than not, he was the last one to bed and the first one up, ready to start the next day.

Bob was a proud grandfather to 14 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild, who lovingly called him Bopa. No matter how busy he was, he always made time for his family. He loved cheering them on at sporting events, attending dance recitals, and being present for the moments that mattered most. Above all, Bob adored Connie, and the life they built together with their children and grandchildren.

Over the years, Bob became known not only as an exceptional physician but as a compassionate and deeply trusted one. He had a remarkable ability to make people feel seen, heard, and cared for. Incredibly intelligent and dedicated to his work, Bob truly loved his patients and loved being a doctor. Over the course of his career, he delivered well over 15,000 babies, though at some point he stopped counting. Toward the end of his career, he had the privilege of delivering countless grandchildren of many of his original patients. Patients, nurses, and his office staff all thought the world of him, and considered it a privilege to work alongside someone whose knowledge, kindness, calm presence, and genuine care touched so many lives.

To our dear husband, dad, and Bopa: We are not sure how we will all go on without you. You were our teacher, our protector, our biggest supporter, and the one who made life feel like everything would be okay. Thank you for the adventures, the laughter, the stories, the lessons, and the love and kindness you gave so freely. We will miss your energy, your wisdom, and the way you could make any room brighter just by being in it. The memories you gave us will stay with us forever.

The world is a better place because Bob Later was in it, and his legacy will live on through his family, his patients, and the thousands of lives he helped bring into the world.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Wendell Cordon Later and Vera Mae Nelson Later. He is survived by his wife, Connie Later; his children Jennifer, Gregory, Lindsay Wright (Bret), and Todd; and his stepchildren Ryan Gatzemeier (Cinnamon), Tasia Thorne (Jake), and Jace Gatzemeier (Gabbie). He is also survived by his siblings Richard (Carol), Karen Stephens (Mark), David (Collette), Sandy Mooso (Galen), and Janice Wells (Monte, deceased).

Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. with a viewing prior to 11:00-12:30 p.m. at the Northridge Ward LDS chapel, 11196 South Wasatch Boulevard 0(3500 E), Sandy, UT 84092. A viewing will also be held on Friday, March 27th, from 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Gardens, located at 1950 East Dimple Dell Road (10600 S), Sandy, UT 84092. Interment will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens.