Robert Davidson Shurtliff's Obituary
Robert “Bob” Davidson Shurtliff, beloved father, grandfather and great grandfather, passed away on January 7, 2012 of complications due to age in Sandy, Utah at the age of 89. Robert lived a triumphant life overcoming many challenges and obstacles that were placed in his way. He was born on April 9, 1922 in Salt Lake City, UT to Francis Wayne Shurtliff and Jeanette Exile Davidson. Robert was the youngest of four children having an older brother Melvin and twin sisters Marion and Margaret. Bob overcame many serious childhood diseases including scarlet fever, emphysema after which he had to learn to walk all over again, a severe car accident that nearly caused the loss of his ear and eye at age seven, a ruptured appendix at age fifteen and a near drowning at scout camp. He worked three jobs while attending East High School in Salt Lake to help support his mother and two older sisters during the depression years. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and served until 1946. After an honorable release from the military, he met Helen Abbott and they were married by President David O. McKay in the Salt Lake Temple on May 23, 1947. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1950 as a Marketing and Management specialist, and began working for Standard Oil Company as a plant manager. He found his career opportunities in sales and became a top sales person for well-known companies such as National Cash Register, Monroe Calculating Company and Addressograph-Multigraph Corporation, retiring with Sweda International Division of Litton Industries as a regional manager in July 1984. After retirement Bob and Helen enjoyed traveling and seeing the world. In Bob’s spare time he found great joy in camping with his family, traveling with them throughout the state and many parts of the country, tending to his flowers and fishing. He spent many hours with his children and grandchildren sharing his love of the outdoors. Bob and Helen were the parents of 6 children who were the joy of their lives. He was an active member of the Crystal Heights 2nd Ward of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and served in a variety of positions. Two callings that gave him special joy were when he served as one of the seven presidents of the Seventy and as bishop of the Crystal Heights 2nd Ward. Bob and Helen served an 18 month mission to San Diego, California from June 1987 to 1989 in Public Communications. After returning to Salt Lake City they served at Welfare Square as tour guides for several years. Bob also served as a temple worker in the Salt Lake Temple for many years. In 2006, Helen and Bob found a new home in Highland Cove, as health became more of a challenge they moved to Atria and finally Alta Ridge in Sandy, Utah where he lost his eternal companion on November 12, 2011 after 64 years of marriage. The children wish to thank the doctors and caregivers who have been vital to making them comfortable. Bob is survived by his six children, Cheryl Johnson (Ron), Sandra Ririe (Scott), Robert Wayne Shurtliff (Diane), David Abbott Shurtliff (Jean), Barbara Madsen (Bruce), and Annette Poulsen (Roy). Bob has 26 surviving grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his beloved companion Helen Abbott, his parents Francis Wayne Shurtliff and Jeanette Exile Davidson, his brother Melvin Shurtliff, and twin sisters Marion Austin and Margaret Fletcher and 4 grandchildren, Christopher William Johnson, Philip Kent Madsen, Kendall Bruce Madsen, and Jeanette Madsen. A viewing will be held from 6 to 7:30 pm in the evening on Friday, January 13, 2012. Services will be held on Saturday, January 14, 2011 at the Sandy, Utah East Stake Chapel, 9636 South 1700 East at 11:00 am, with a viewing from 10-10:45 am before the services. Internment with military honors will be at the Elysian Gardens in Murray, Ut In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to LDS Philanthropies (give.ldsp.org/memoriam) or to the charity of your choice.ah.
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