16 January 2011

Uncle Robert

My dear uncle Robert passed away this week. He was my mother's only sibling. I have wonderful memories of him tickling me if I didn't have a bow in my hair and spending Thanksgiving with his family. Becky and I drove down to Salt Lake with the babies for the funeral. It was a beautiful service. He was an amazing man and will be missed.

ROBERT SLOAN, Jr.

Robert Charles Sloan, Jr. 1936 ~ 2011 Our beloved husband, father, grandfather and brother, Robert Charles Sloan, Jr., passed away at home on January 11, 2011, at the age of 74. He was born March 22, 1936, to Robert Charles and Laura Egan Sloan. His was a happy childhood, growing up on the Avenues with his sister, Betty Ellen, surrounded by both sets of grandparents, family, and friends. He treasured his life-long friendships from the Twentieth Ward. As a young man, he served in the Swiss-Austrian mission where he established a pattern of faithful service and was blessed with wonderful associations and experiences. Upon his return, he continued his studies at the University of Utah, where he was a member of Sigma Chi fraternity, graduating with a business degree and an MBA. On September 1, 1961, he married his eternal companion, Janet Laughlin, in the Salt Lake Temple. He joined his father at the Sloan Insurance Agency established by his grandfather and was known for his integrity and professionalism. He was one of the first in the state to earn his CPCU designation. Robert was a faithful and devoted member of the LDS Church, serving in many capacities including as a young bishop of the Monument Park 1st Ward, high councilor, a national officer for Sigma Gamma Chi church fraternity, as a mission president to the wonderful missionaries of the West Virginia Charleston Mission (1996-1999), and as an ordinance worker in the Salt Lake Temple for nearly seven years. He was a faithful hometeacher to the end. He was known for his physical fitness and had a great love for the beauties of nature and found great pleasure in running, hiking, camping and backpacking with loved ones in our beautiful state. His love of fine music continues in his children and grandchildren. He valued his pioneer heritage and enjoyed attending the monthly Sons of Utah Pioneers functions and left a legacy to his posterity worthy of emulation. During the last several years, he endured with patience and without complaint the loss of his vision as well as declining abilities due to the effects of Alzheimer's disease. He was an example to those who knew him of gentle dignity, unwavering faith, and a grateful heart. He was blessed with the gift of wisdom and many came to him for advice and counsel. He is survived by his wife; sons - David (Martha), Stephen (Marta), and Richard; daughters - Julie Newton (Bruce), Suzanne Richards (Mark), Elisabeth Lambert (Kevin), Catherine Blake (Michael); 27 grandchildren; his sister, Betty Ellison (Peter); and aunt, Elaine Stevens Williams. The family extends grateful appreciation to Loyda Tovar for her loving care these past six months and to our dear neighbors and friends, Bob and Julie Anderson, for their ever-constant kindnesses through the years. There will be a viewing Friday night, January 14th, at Larkin Sunset Lawn (2350 East 1300 South) from 6-8:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, January 15th, at noon at the Monument Park First Ward (1005 South 2000 East) with a viewing prior to the services at the ward from 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the LDS Church's Humanitarian Fund or Perpetual Education Fund or to the Utah Symphony of which he was a life-long patron. Interment at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online condolences at www.larkincares.com.