Robert Ellwood Stephens' Obituary
On Sunday, October 20, 2024 Robert Ellwood Stephens passed away with his daughters by his side in his home at the age of 81.
Robert was born on May 18,1943 in Pocatello, ID to Ellwood and Gertrude (Childs) Stephens. He was raised in Bancroft and Pocatello, ID. He graduated from Pocatello High School in 1961. He then served an LDS mission to The Netherlands and Belgium. He attended Idaho State University and Brigham Young University and graduated from BYU in 1968 with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration. He then attended Northwestern University and graduated in 1970 with a Masters in Business Administration.
He married Vera van der Veer on May 1, 1976 in Zollikofen, Switzerland. They raised two daughters, Vanessa and Amber, while traveling the world for his work. Robert’s work took him to The Netherlands, Monaco and Germany for almost 20 years. He spoke Dutch, French and German. Some of his professional roles included Corporate Controller, CFO, Managing Director and CEO of large multinational companies. He later set up a management and consulting business. When his wife became seriously ill, he retired early to devote himself to being her full-time caregiver, which he did for 25 years.
While traveling the world and immersing himself in new cultures Robert never forgot his roots growing up on the family farm. He worked as hard as an executive as he did growing his own vegetable garden. He was diligent in his church callings; Robert and Vera were particularly devoted to uplifting the Saints in Europe. He was loyal, opinionated; yet fair and open minded. The status quo wasn’t a given; he appreciated a good counterpoint. He had a dry sense of humor, keen wit, and could fill a room with infectious laughter if you got him going with just the right ridiculous antic. Even from his childhood he was as content with a good book as he was with good company. Reading satisfied his thirst for knowledge and curiosity of the world and history. Robert was a loving and devoted family man. Towards the end of his life it was his grandkids that kept him going and brought him the greatest joy.
Robert was preceded in death by his wife Vera, his parents Ellwood and Gertrude, and his brother Evan. He is survived by his daughters Vanessa (Christian), Amber (Nolan); his siblings Jeanne, Alan, George and Susan; and his grandchildren Bobby, Lucas, Amber, Mila and Graham.
A graveside service will be held on Saturday October 26, 2024 at 1pm at the Bancroft, Idaho Cemetery.
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