Robert Boyce Whitaker
Robert Boyce Whitaker
1938 – 2022
Robert Boyce Whitaker (Bob) was born on October 21, 1938, in Wapato, Washington to Wilford and Dora Boyce Whitaker. He was the 11th child and born as a twin with Richard Whitaker. When the doctor said, “I believe there is another baby in there” and his dad asked, “How much more is that going to cost me?” The Dr. said “Oh, five dollars.” “Good thing it wasn’t more than that or they’d have sent me back.”
Bob was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was called to the Gulf States mission which included Texas, Louisiana and Mississippi. He loved his mission and said that his experiences there helped prepare him for his future. He was great at memorizing scriptures and often quoted them to anyone that would listen.
Bob loved everything physical and loved all sports, especially ballroom dancing. He met the love of his life at a church dance in the fall of 1962. Shaunna Glover became his wife in April of 1963. They are the proud parents of Shawn Whitaker, Vicki Desmond, and Trent Whitaker.
Bob was well known as a roofing contractor in the Salt Lake Valley and ran this business for over 20 years. He was known as a trusted contractor and often sold his work with a handshake and always treated others fairly. Many of his children, nephews and friends, worked for Bob at some point in their life. He was responsible for helping many family members start their own roofing businesses, which was a blessing to them.
Bob and Shaunna raised their kids in White City and Granite in Sandy Utah. It was in Granite where Bob had some health challenges, having two heart attacks before he was 55 years old. These challenges helped them make the decision to move to Cornerstone in South Jordan in 1995 and where they still reside.
Bob served in many positions in the church. He was a young men’s leader when his kids were growing up. All the young men loved him and still talk about him as an influence in their lives. Bob served as a bishop’s counselor and was called as bishop of the River Ridge 8th Ward in South Jordan. Later he was called with Shaunna to serve in the Macon Georgia Mission and had many great experiences serving the people in that area.
Bob is survived by his wife Shaunna, three children, Shawn, Vicki, and Trent as well as four grandchildren and seven great grandchildren, and his twin brother Richard Whitaker.
The family sends their love to so many who have made Bob’s last days easier. We thank the staff at Inspiration Hospice for their tender loving care!
Funeral services for Bob will be held on Saturday, September 10, 2022 at 11:00 am in the River Ridge 8th Ward Chapel located at 1409 West Shields Lane, South Jordan, Utah. Family and friends may call from 9:30-10:30 am prior to services at the church. Interment will follow in the Mountain View Memorial Estates Cemetery located at 3115 East Bengal Boulevard, Cottonwood Heights, Utah.