Robert M. Pixton (85) was born on June 13, 1938, in Salt Lake City, UT, and died on January 5, 2024, in Salt Lake City, UT. He was predeceased in death by his wife Barbara Carol Rather (67) on April 27, 2003. They were married on July 19, 1963, in the St. George LDS Temple. They had a deep and abiding love for each other, and the 20-year separation was a hardship on Robert. He was also predeceased by his son Andrew, son-in-law Jim, grandson Sam and many others.

He and Barbara had nine children, listed in age order: Matthew Robert (Carol), Jennifer Carol (Mark), Candace Leigh (Mark), Laura Jane, Sarah Ruth (Travis), Peter Douglas (Dolly), Allison Theresa (Dan), Andrew Seth (deceased) and Rosemarie Rather (Dallas). They also had 31 grandchildren and nine great grandchildren. Robert is a 6’7” rock upon which his family is founded, and they are “looking good”, waiting patiently for “scritchy scratchers” and “tricky tricks” until they meet “Boom-Pa” again at Jesus’ feet.

Robert served an LDS Mission in the British Isles. His mission was an important foundation to his numerous callings in the LDS church, including bishop, stake president, patriarch, and sealer in both the Albuquerque, NM and Mt. Timpanogos Temples. He touched many people’s lives while he served in these callings.

Robert graduated from the University of Utah with his undergraduate (1963) and graduate (1969) degrees in physics. Thereafter ensued a life-long career in laser physics. His life’s journey took him from Utah to Florida to New Mexico and back to Utah (in meticulously white converse tennis shoes sized 13).

He loved cycling and rode at least 20 miles in 28 different states. He reached his goal of 5,000 miles on the bike a year even into his 80’s. His children will never forget his bike with the broomstick banana seat. He also enjoyed playing the piano with very loud rendition of songs learned by ear, gardening, and reading. He sang bass and Barbara sang alto in family gatherings, carrying many a Christmas tune.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, January 13, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East Dimple Dell Road, Sandy, Utah 84092. A viewing will be held that day at 9:30 a.m. Interment will immediately follow the funeral ceremony. Here is the zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89810565973

The family would especially like to thank everyone who helped their father in his final phase, including all those who showed him kindness at St. Mark’s hospital.