Robert R. Shadbolt's Obituary
Robert R. Shadbolt the strongest man we’ve ever known passed away in Roy, Utah on March 18, 2026 at age 87. Robert was born on September 30th, 1938, to Roland and Grace Shadbolt in Pender, Nebraska a place he called home until he died. He joined the U.S. Airforce prior to turning 18, giving him the opportunity to work a rewarding job at Hill Air Force Base as the Manager of Transit Alert. He was well respected by his peers. He was proud to serve and received several awards during his time at Hill.
Family was always first and when he wasn’t helping them, he was helping others. His neighbors, friends and doctor spoke of his willingness to be there for anyone who needed something. He kept busy doing his yard, plowing snow off sidewalks from one end of the street to the other, working on cars, or walking. He walked 7 miles a day and at age 80 he decided to do 8. He will always be a man of integrity.
Go Big Red! He was a big Nebraska Huskers fan, never missing a Huskers football game with his son Rob since the 1980’s. He was a sports fan, attending his grandchildren’s sporting events every chance he got, cheering them on.
He married Darlene Shadbolt in 1961, later divorced. He fell quickly in love with his sweetheart Marilynn Gilbertson and married 4 months later in 1982. Together they traveled all over, making many trips back to Nebraska to visit his family. Many people spoke of and were inspired by the love they shared. Marilynn passed in January leaving him with a broken heart. Their reunion will be grand!
Proceeded in death by his parents, wife (Marilynn Shadbolt), 7 siblings and grandson Dalton Slone. Survived by their combined children: Steven (Keri) Gilbertson of Layton, Brenda (Jim) Berlin of Layton, Roy Shadbolt of West Haven, Cindy Jensen of Grantsville, Pam (Mace) Molen of Taylor, Linda (Ken) Slone of West Haven, Rob (Jodie) Shadbolt of Syracuse; 22 grandchildren, 43 great grandchildren and sister Wanda Peterson of Crofton, Nebraska.
We wish to thank Dr. Critt Aardema for providing outstanding care to him and kindness he provided and the CNS Hospice team. We love you dad, although we’ll miss you deeply, we were honored to be your caretakers until you passed. You’ll remain forever in our hearts and our memories of you will be our comfort. Thumbs up DAD!!
A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers please donate to any Parkinson’s or Cancer Research Center. Please carry on his legacy of helping others and being kind.
What’s your fondest memory of Robert?
What’s a lesson you learned from Robert?
Share a story where Robert's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Robert you’ll never forget.
How did Robert make you smile?