Robert Clark Wentworth's Obituary
Robert Clark Wentworth, 33, of Midvale, Utah, passed away on March 30, 2026, in Sandy, Utah.
Born on April 21, 1992, in Sandy, Utah, to Dan Wentworth and Teina Vaught, Robert entered the world as the firstborn son and grandchild on both sides of the family, a role he played with a kind of light that drew people in from the very beginning. He was deeply loved, a little spoiled, and to many, especially his Nama, he could do no wrong. He seemed to have all his older female relatives bewitched–even when he did break the rules a bit, one of his great-grandmothers would quietly rescue him from any impending punishment, sneaking him away with a mischievous grin. He would be returned some time later with a tummy full of treats and once even a face full of makeup.
From early on, Robert was curious, energetic, fearless, and reliable. His mom knew that no matter what life brought, he would be there, ready to help, ready to step in, and always willing to show up when it mattered most. That steady reliability stayed with him throughout his life. As a kid, his curiosity and confidence showed up in all kinds of ways, from experimenting with matches and accidentally setting a towel on fire, to striking up deals with the neighborhood kids in order to get what he wanted. In one memorable circumstance, he sold an empty box to a neighborhood child for $4. When the child’s father later came to the house upset, Teina stood firmly by Robert, pointing out that the purchase had been made with the child’s mother present. Not long after, Robert, unfazed and a little bolder, sold another box to the same child and mother, this time for $5.
That same fearless spirit carried Robert through the moments he shared with his dad as well, like spending a birthday out in an open field flying a remote control airplane. The wind was stronger than it should have been, but they flew it anyway, managing a few good minutes before the wind trapped the plane in an updraft and took it higher and higher, circling until it disappeared into the sky. Father and son stood there side by side watching it go–a simple moment that lived in memories forever after.
As he grew and matured, Robert never lost that spark. He was the “fun uncle,” the one with the biggest heart, always ready to laugh, always ready to show up. Whether he was sitting around a fire at a BBQ, out camping under the stars, or spending time on the lake at sunrise with a fishing pole in hand, Robert found peace and happiness outdoors. He was often the first one awake on camping trips, out fishing or helping build the fire, just happy to be there, surrounded by the people he loved.
From a young age, Robert could often be found running through fields with his sister Sharr, the two of them causing harmless chaos, learning how to start fires with a magnifying glass, chasing Fourth of July parachutes (his long legs always gave him the win!), and occasionally getting into trouble for bringing home strays they were determined to rescue. Robert walked Sharr home from school every day, and even in quiet moments when words were not exchanged, he had a way of understanding and simply being there.
With his younger sister Jaclyn, despite their 18-year age difference, Robert stepped naturally into the role of both protector and playmate. He pulled her in a little red wagon at their grandmother’s house, helped her through emotional moves (including driving her all the way to Reno when she relocated there with her parents), and made sure she always felt remembered, giving thoughtful and meaningful Christmas and birthday gifts. Regardless of the age gap, they shared the same sibling bond, full of love, teasing, and the kind of bickering that only comes from caring deeply.
Robert had a deep love for his family that showed in both big and small ways. He was the one you could call when you needed help, someone who would show up without hesitation. His mom knew she could rely on him, and his family knew they never had to face things alone. He listened without judgment, offered what wisdom he could, and when he didn’t have the words, he gave something just as meaningful, his presence. Just days before his passing, he called his sister Sharr to wish her a happy birthday early so she could enjoy her day uninterrupted, reminding her how proud he was of her and how much he loved his family.
He had a playful charm that made him unforgettable. As a child, he once convinced his aunt and uncle that he was allowed to watch a horror movie far beyond what was appropriate for his age, only for them to quickly realize they had been outsmarted by a very persuasive six-year-old. When in trouble, he could disarm an aunt with a simple line: “But Auntie, I thought we had good times together,” making it difficult for the responsible adult in question to follow through with any deserved disciplinary action.
Robert also had a passion for working with his hands. He aspired to become a welder and would spend time practicing at home, creating things from whatever metal he could find. That same creativity and curiosity carried into everything he did, whether it was fishing, camping, or simply finding ways to turn ordinary moments into something memorable.
He shared a special bond with his dog, Toro, who was more than a pet. The two were best friends, rarely apart, sharing a companionship built on loyalty and unconditional love.
To those closest to him, Robert was a protector, a listener, and someone whose warmth made people feel valued. He had a way of making people laugh, of turning even the simplest hangout into something meaningful, and of reminding others, without ever saying it directly, that they mattered.
Robert is preceded in death by his grandparents Jane and Gerald Doose (Nama and Papa), his grandfather Robert D. Wentworth, and Baby Vaught.
He is survived by his beloved dog Toro; his parents, Dan (Michele) Wentworth and Teina (Jack) Vaught; his grandmother Deanna Wentworth; his sisters Sharr (Sam) Whitaker and Jaclyn Vaught; his niece Freya Whitaker and nephew Makhai Whitaker; and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him deeply.
A private viewing was held for the immediate family on April 3, 2026. A celebration of life organized by close friends Chey and Allie will be held on April 18th from 12:30 PM - 3:00 PM at Copperview Recreation Center located at 8446 Harrison St, Midvale, UT 84047. Guests are invited to bring a dish to share for a potluck meal.
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