Robert Albert "RJ" Hender, Jr's Obituary
Robert Albert Hender Jr. AKA “RJ”
Robert passed away, unexpectedly from complications of Liver failure with his family at his bedside at Utah Valley Regional Medical Center in Provo, Utah on May 20, 2016. He is survived by 11 children, and wife Virginia Irene Christ.
Born in Seattle Washington on Sunday, October 9, 1960 to Robert Albert Hender Sr. and Bonnie Forrest. He was the oldest of 5 children; Alan, John, Matthew, and Rebecca. Robert spent many of his younger years caring for his younger siblings. Robert gained great relationships with his younger siblings; Rachael, Mark, Lindy, and Sarah.
Robert met and married, Susan Michelle Edmonds on April 27, 1978. Together they had 6 children; Christy (Kelly) Allred, Ryan (Katy) Hender, Angela (Kevin) Gordon, Jared Hender, Tyler Hender, and Malorie (Brandon) Nickle. They later divorced.
Robert later met the love of his life; Virginia Irene Christ on January 21, 1995, they married. Together they had 5 children; Cassandra, Chase, Adam, Haley and Amber Hender. They lived together for the past 12 years in Ephraim, Utah. Robert truly felt at home here and loved to teach everyone all of the history that he knew. Robert was proud of his Pioneer heritage.
After graduating with a degree in Communications, he worked as a TV Weather man at KPAX in Montana, and a Radio Talk Show Host at multiple Radio Stations in Montana, Alaska, and Utah.
Robert loved Radio, he had the total package with radio. Between his voice, research and passion he made sure to always keep people informed. Robert was not afraid to speak his mind and inform people of the issues in this world, no matter the cost. Robert was grateful for the Country he lived in and the Freedoms it gave him.
Dad was a very strong man with strong values, he did his very best to instill these values into everyone he met. His philosophy was “Work Hard, Play Hard”, and he was the best example of that. He enjoyed playing and watching basketball with his boys, he was an avid Utah Jazz fan he never missed watching a game, with or without his kids at his side. Dad, spent time playing pool, going to the swimming pool and watching crime shows, playing cards, monopoly, and basketball with each of his children.
Also known as “Grandpa Robert” to his grandchildren; Evan, Quinn, Micah, Mason, and Cyrus Allred. Jackson, Dylan and Parker Hender. Kevin, Katelin and Elsie Gordon. Alexander, and Wyatt Nickle. The last few years as his health became worse, it was harder for him to play with his grandchildren- he did not let that inhibit his relationships with them by spoiling them cookies and other treats when they came to visit!
Through the trials in his life Robert always did his best to see things from another view and to always see the best in people and every situation. Dad, really was an inspiration to each of us in very different ways. Dad was proud of each of us, even if he didn’t always say or show it.
Dad has left us a beautiful legacy filled with the most important thing in life; family. Dad was the glue that kept his siblings and children together.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Two sons; Robert A. Hender 3rd, and Myles Hender, two granddaughters; Hannah Gordon and Raquel Nickle.
We would like to thank the team at Utah Valley Medical Center that made his last days on earth as comfortable as they could. For the patience and loved they showed to, dad as well as each of his children.
Funeral service will be 1:00 pm, Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at the LDS church at 4460 West Cortney Drive, (2920 South), West Valley City, UT with a viewing at the church Tuesday from 6:00 to 8:00 pm, and Wednesday prior to services from 11:45 to 12:45 pm. Interment at the Bingham City Cemetery, 7800 South Old Bingham Highway, West Jordan, UT.
In Lieu of flowers please consider donating at the Wells Fargo account set up in his name (Acct. # 1920952296). Robert did not have life insurance and this has placed a heavy burden on his family.
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