Robert James Bradshaw passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family on March 3rd, 2021 due to complications of pancreatic cancer. Bob was born on October 6th, 1952 in Salt Lake City, UT to Ross Clyde and Lu Camille Roper Bradshaw. He was raised in Bountiful but spent summers as a boy in Fillmore, UT and the family property at Bear Lake. Bob’s Father passed away when he was just 9 years old of Hodgkin’s lymphoma and he was subsequently raised by a single Mother who taught him to be both sweet and gentle in every way. At age 92 she still refers to him as “My Bobby.” After the death of his Father, he took on many roles for his family. He became his Mother’s protector, provider, best friend and defender for life. He then went on to attend Viewmont High school and served an LDS mission in Dusseldorf, Germany. He attended BYU where he met his sweetheart Peggy Jan Larsen. They were married in the Salt Lake temple on August 1st, 1975.

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Bob was humble, generous and kind. He so easily loved everyone but most especially had a gift of loving those who were hard to love. He always took an interest in others and was able to bring out the very best in someone through his gentleness and patience. His greatest contribution in his lifetime was the way in which he tenderly cared for the people who were blessed enough to know him. He never raised his voice and truly lived by the mantra “be kind.”

He had a brilliant mind that understood the mechanics of most anything. If it was broken, he could fix it. He took care of his family and neighbors by coming to their rescue to repair anything they needed. He was the original Bob the Builder. He built from scratch and never had concrete plans but instead relied on his visionary approach to create. He designed and built a lush, beautiful garden with waterfalls, pathways and a bridge all with his own two hands. He collected tools and found use for all of them as a detailed craftsman. He built an amazing treehouse, award winning parade floats and constructed endless home projects. His cheerful memory will be etched in our minds as vivid backyard carnivals, giant waterslides, grandchild Olympic games, homemade raspberry ice cream, content whistling and timely hugs. All of his ideas and creations brought endless joy to his beloved family, friends and neighbors.

Bob enjoyed traveling the world whether for business or pleasure. He spent time all over Europe, Dubai, Hawaii, Philippines, Japan, Ecuador, Mexico, England, Canada, Australia and Alaska. He traveled to all states except for two in the U.S. He enjoyed taking his family on cruises and loved to indulge in delicious food. He always enjoyed a good hamburger and was a true connoisseur of french fries. He also had an immense interest in History and was never in a hurry when reading the plaque or marker of a historical sight. Bob was fascinated by extreme weather conditions and loved a cool, rainy day more than a hot, sunny one. He reveled in growing delicious fruits and vegetables in his garden for his family to enjoy. He also loved to cultivate flowers and took care to point out the unique details of all the many varieties.

Bob was reliable, supportive and hard working. There was never an angry or arrogant bone in his body. His laugh was magnetic and hearty as he joyfully clapped his hands and threw his head back in a jovial, carefree manner. To know Bob was to love him in the deepest way possible.

Bob served as the Bishop of the Draper 12th ward where he gave special attention to serving the widows and the youth of the ward. He held many other callings, but his favorite was nursery leader. He was a true disciple and a mirror image of the love Jesus Christ genuinely gave to all mankind. His good heart was made manifest through serving selflessly from his youth. He was acutely aware of and able to minister to the one. We would all do well to Love like Bob. Even in his afflictions and sickness he remained full of grace and concern for others. He was a beautiful man. He lived a beautiful life.

He is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Peggy Jan Larsen Bradshaw. Peggy grew into the patient woman that she is by the careful molding of Bob’s mellow and good-natured way; he showed her how to love with affection and selflessness. He never wasted time trying to change people but instead loved them as they were which somehow changed their hearts to become more pure.

He is survived also by his five children Jessica (Scott), Natalie (Spencer), Lance (Dani), Ali (Jeremy) and Jason. He will be deeply missed by his adoring grandchildren and great- grandchildren Janessa (John), Whitney (Ty), Jensen, Kaitlyn, Walker, Melanie, Lilly, Dawson, London, Isaac, Big Gavin, Halle, Little Gavin, Kingston, Jayden, Connor, Dallin, Zoey, Lucas, Finnly, Annalise, Jocelyn, Avalon, Amelia, Addeline, Hank, Jack, Ozzy and North. He is also survived by his Mother Camille, Sister Jan and brother Kenny. He is preceded in death by his Father; as well as his Sister Shauna Whitby and Grandmother Lois Turpin.

A celebration of his memorable life will happen next week. A viewing will be held in the evening on Tuesday, March 9th from 6-8pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens,1950 E. Dimple Dell Rd. (10600 S.) A viewing will then be held in the morning on Wednesday, March 10th from 9:00-10:30am at the LDS meeting house on 12353 S. 600 E. The funeral will begin at 11:00am, please adhere to social distancing and wear a mask. All are welcome to either viewing. Due to COVID restrictions, in-person attendance at the funeral is limited. Please use your discretion in deciding whether to attend in person or view the services remotely. The funeral service can be viewed via zoom with the following link.

https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/share/eUstEvLVtGA_hJpeEi5pzR_uzW07IxTH-qT-AVi2w1koA3XcatMWuj-GSeZf4Mg.I3sfTDEhB_PVzQwN?startTime=1615398387000

Interment services will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens where he will be laid to rest by a beautiful rock and water feature. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network’s annual PurpleStride Utah team “Love Like Bob”

http://support.pancan.org/goto/lovelikebob