Robert Blackhurst

Funeral Recording

Robert Lee (Bob) Blackhurst was reunited with his sweetheart on Monday Feb 25, 2019. Bob passed away at the home of his daughter Ann in Pocatello, Idaho. He was born Sept 24, 1928 in Downey, Idaho to Brigham and Priscilla Blackhurst.  He was welcomed by brothers Jay and Lynn and then joined by sister Barbara a year later.  He had a happy childhood growing up in the train depot in Arimo, Idaho. He was active in sports and graduated from Arimo High School.

After high school he moved to Salt Lake City where he received his LDS mission call.  He served in the Hawaii mission and liked to share his fond memories with us.  He played the bass in the mission orchestra which he claimed was the most popular orchestra in Hawaii.  He had the opportunity to visit all of the islands of Hawaii while playing with them.

He met the love of his life, Barbara Jean Slayden when they served together on a decorating committee for a church dance.  They were married on June 27, 1952 in the Salt Lake City Temple. He graduated with a degree in pharmacy in 1953. They moved to San Francisco where he was stationed in the military hospital.  Their first son, Rob, was born in this hospital.  He worked as a pharmacist selling for Squibb in the Pacific Northwest, during this time, Rick, Dave and Ann joined the family.

While living in Yakima, Washington he served as a bishop for 7 years.  He was in charge of building the new church building.  Barbara always joked that the only reason he was released was because they moved.  The family relocated to Salt Lake City where Alan soon joined the family.

He worked in retail pharmacy for Chesley Drug in Holladay, and Grand Central (later Fred Meyer) Pharmacy in Sandy.  People would tell us they went to those pharmacies just to see our dad because he made everyone feel special.

Bob and Barbara loved living in Salt Lake because they were closer to family.  Many memorable Sunday dinners were held at his parent’s house with all the aunts, uncles and cousins.

Our dad had many hobbies which usually started from a scouting project. He raised fish, parakeets and racing pigeons. The racing pigeons were his favorite, they would be driven to many locations, some as far away as California. He would sit by the window at home and watch for the first one to arrive, he won many races. He gave up his pigeons in order to take care of his parents when they became frail.  He was an excellent example of humility and charity. We have all tried to follow the beautiful way in which he lived his life.

Upon retirement he and Barbara served as missionaries in the Las Vegas mission and also as temple workers in the Jordan River Temple.  He was devasted when mom died on Feb 15, 2008 but took comfort in his knowledge that he would see her again when the time was right.  To ease the loneliness he adopted Daisy, a Shitzu, who became a faithful companion never leaving his side.  He took up golfing and looked forward to his weekly outings with Don and Ted and anyone else who would join them. He also enjoyed riding his bike along the Jordan River greenbelt and appreciating the beauty in the world all around him.

He loved watching BYU sports and looked forward to a phone call from his friend Don telling him about any upcoming game and which channel it would show on. He was always looking for opportunities to serve others, whether it was shoveling driveways, rolling out garbage cans, and many other methods of service.  He was loved by many neighbors and friends in Cottonwood Heights and Riverton who experienced his selfless acts of service. He was kind and charitable to all whom he met.

He is survived by his children: Rob (Doug Balli), Rick (Linda), Dave (Connie), Ann Lewis (Fred), and Alan (Line). He has 13 grandchildren, Matt, Marc, Kari, Chelsea, Creighton, Michael, Lauren, Parker, Xavier, Jake,Gabrielle, Clara and Chloe, and 13 great grandchildren.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, March 2, 2019, 11:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel located at 1970 E. Viscounti Drive, Sandy, Utah.  A viewing will be held at the same church on Friday, March 1 from 6-8 p.m. and just prior to the services on Saturday from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m.  Interment Memorial Mountain View Cemetery.