Name: Viewing for Robert Milton Cundick
Start: 2016-01-13T01:00:00.000Z
End: 2016-01-13T03:00:00.000Z
Location: Larkin Sunset Lawn - Salt Lake City

1926 ~ 2016
Robert Milton Cundick passed away peacefully in the early morning of January 7, 2016. Born November 26, 1926 to Milton and Florence Pierson Cundick, he married Charlotte Clark (Cholly) in the Manti Temple on June 9th, 1949.
Since his call to play Sandy 2nd Ward's new Hammond organ at age 12 Bob has been a force in LDS Church music. During the depression, when family resources were scarce, Alexander Schreiner kindly offered to mentor him as a scholarship student. Under the tutelage of LeRoy J. Robertson he received a Ph.D. in Music Composition from the University of Utah in 1950.
After years of teaching first at his alma mater and later at BYU he was called by President David O. McKay to serve a mission at Hyde Park Chapel in London. Here he played daily recitals and performed as guest organist at venues such as St. Paul's Cathedral, Kings College Cambridge, and the BBC Radio Concert Series. Thus was he able to serve the mission he missed due to his WWII Merchant Marine service. The year following his return from England he was called as Tabernacle Organist, enjoying nearly twenty-seven inspiring years of service on Temple Square. He especially cherished his close association with fellow organists and the staff of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir.
Service to family, church, and community was his lifelong passion. His greatest musical legacy is his masterpiece, The Redeemer, A Sacred Service of Music. And yet he was hesitant to claim credit, feeling that his part was more as scribe for inspiration from above.
He is survived by Cholly; children Robb (Laurel), Tom (Betsy), Ann Adams (Rob), Ruth Jackman (Dave), and Dave (Kim); brother Bert and sister Carol Hoopes (Grover); 23 grandchildren and 38 great-grandchildren. Preceded in death by brothers Royce and Glenn.
Services will be held at noon, Wednesday, January 13, at Wilford Stake Center, 1765 E 3080 S, SLC. Viewing at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 E 1300 S, SLC on Tuesday, January 12 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm and at the stake center from 10:30 to 11:45 am. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to The Performing Arts Endowment Fund, C/O Tabernacle Choir at Temple Square, SLC, UT 84150. Condolences can be shared at www.larkinmortuary.com.

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Published by Deseret News from Jan. 10 to Jan. 11, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Robert Cundick

Sponsored by Larkin Sunset Lawn - Salt Lake City.

28 Entries

Ginger Cosman

September 18, 2025

When I was 4 (right before he died) he let me play on the tabernacle, it was cool! :) I miss him a lot, and which he could have lived longer.

Jeffrey Stevens

January 4, 2021

On January 12, 1964, while serving as a full time missionary in the British Mission (London, England), I was visiting the Hyde Park Chapel for an interview with President Marion D Hanks and while waiting, I was asked and was privileged to turn the music pages for Robert Cundick who was preforming a organ recital. A wonderful organist. Jeff Stevens

Ray Henry

February 18, 2016

To the family of Robert Cundick:

Dr. Cundick was such an inspiration to me. In the late '60s he taught an introductory organ class at the old Detroit Stake (Bloomfield Hills, Michigan). I was a member of that class. Dr. Cundick encouraged me and I went on to study with Professor Robert E. Glasgow at the University of Michigan. Several years later I was in SLC getting married. I contacted Dr. Cundick and he remembered me and arranged for me to play the Great Organ in the Tabernacle. The memory of his kindness to me (just a young person starting out in life) has always stayed with me. Also his lessons on hymn playing have remained a touchstone during my entire playing career. He was a great man and a gentle soul. He will be missed.
Ray Henry, Rochester, Michigan

Larry Green

January 26, 2016

Brother Cundick was my counterpoint teacher way back in 1978. He was a great teacher and player. My condolences to all the family. LG

Nancy Darine

January 18, 2016

Dear Cundick Family,

This is my second attempt to express my condolences- I did not meet the rest of you-however, in the summer of 1968 (?) I was a newly called ward organist in the old Detroit Stake (now the Bloomfield Hills Stake) Brother Cundick taught a weekly class of 10 or so-Lynn Romney Kennan, Beverlee Williams,the Suzuki sisters and a young man, Ray Henry. We learned so many things-the hymn How Gentle God's Commands and so many combinations of stops-and there were some suggestions such as a hymn that was to be sung by the congregation should not be used as a prelude-the lowest note on the base is played by the foot pedals-ballerina shoes are good for that-I confess I was not very good at that-so I cheated. Ray Henry was very diligent and in December 1974, there was a concert given by Ray Henry at the Stake Center-a very talented young man taught by a very great organist. Also, Richard Schreiner, son of Alexander Schreiner, was our member of High Council to speak after I accepted the call-and I certainly felt humbled after that Sacrament meeting.

Nancy Franklin Darien

Mesa Arizona

Gary Richardson

January 17, 2016

Bro. Cundick encouraged me to get back to the keyboard after I had given up. We had too many good organists in our ward and I hit too many wrong notes on the hymns. He reminded me of the Eleventh Commandment,"Thou shall not take thyself too seriously!" Within weeks I was called to serve in our Logan Temple group! He encouraged me to help the other organists to learn the unique features of the Galanti and I had twenty who appreciated the tips. Bro. Cundick helped us get our Logan Tabernacle Organ rebuilt.
Our family members played his Epson Suite on the piano at our family reunions. I also performed it with another organist for our temple group social. We loved that work which he played with John Longhurst at his retirement. His encouragement certainly inspired me and I was able to serve as organist over 13 years in the Logan Temple. Lord bless and comfort his great family.

Jeff and Cathy Stevens

January 15, 2016

Dear Ruth and Dave,
We were saddened to hear of the passing of your father. He has left a remarkable legacy for your family.
All our love,
Elder and Sister Jeff and Cathy Stevens

January 15, 2016

Dear Cundick Family,
I am so sorry to have missed the memorial service--which I'm sure was beautiful and inspiring, but I have been doing a fair share of reminiscing on my own. I remember our families' friendship--beginning back in those early days at BYU, continuing through the excitement of the creation and premiere of "The Redeemer" (conducted by my father)--and in more recent years. I still remember how I appreciated Brother Cundick's kind suggestion of a single chord change in a piece of mine that the children's choir was about to sing with the Tabernacle Choir on the Christmas Concerts of 1984 (and how I marvelled at his ability to instantly know what was needed). Indeed, I have long been aware of Robet Cundick's stature as an artist and as a person. Because I have heard less of his music in recent years, I was thrilled and deeply moved at the Tabernacle Choir's performance of his sublime "Our God Is a God of Love" in the final session of the last LDS General Conference. I think this may have been the first composition of his I had heard (long ago), and it seemed so fitting to be privileged to hear it again and connect again with its wonderful composer--at such a time.and on such an occasion. It was (and remains) a profound testimony of things beautiful and eternal. May you be especially blessed at this tender time.

Sincerely,
Chip (Ralph B. Woodward)

Jim Robertson

January 14, 2016

Dear Cholly (and family),

My wife and I were the only ones in our family able to attend Bob's memorial service. It was just beautiful, and I'm sure Bob would have approved.

I still remember Bob's gracious help in playing for sister Marian's funeral. He was always willing to help. As I recall the last performance of the Oratorio from the Book of Mormon in the Tabernacle by the Orchestra on Temple Square and the Tabernacle Choir, Bob was right there with a full score during the rehearsals. He had all of the answers when needed to help create a fine performance.

We will always appreciate our association over the years with your family, and remember dear Bob and his dedication to keeping high standards for not just the music in the Church, but for all of the music in this area during his lifetime.

With kindest regards,

Jim Robertson

J. Spencer Kinard

January 14, 2016

I am sorry our mission to Wash DC kept us away from the services (which we heard were beautiful) but our hearts couldn't have been more aware of your loss. Oh, how I cherish the years we've spent together with you, Cholly, and Bob. I knew, as did you, when I said goodby to Bob in Oct. that it would the last time in this life. How blessed I have been to be near him and call him a dear friend for so many years. Our love to you and your family.
Spence and Ann

Thaylene Barrett

January 14, 2016

Dear Cundick Family,
Although we were inspired by Br. Cundick's music throughout our lives, we were blessed to be at the Jerusalem Center in 1991. My husband, Wayne, was a scholar-in-residence (mathematics) for the semester. Elder and Sr. Cundick and I (and two of my daughters) were "stranded" together on the Israel side of the Suez Canal that Feb. when the weather closed the canal and forced the whole Jerusalem Center Egypt group to spend a hungry, freezing night in a hotel unprepared for such a large group and weather event. Student actually took down the curtains and slept 4 or 5 to a bed between the mattresses to keep warm. I imagine every chicken within 50 miles was eventually rounded up for our very late super. It was during this trip that I got to know and love Br. and Sr. Cundick as we had lots of time to talk. Later that semester, my daughter, Emily (a violist) was accompanied by Br. Cundick as she performed during one of the Center's weekly concerts. One of my highlights, was being asked by Br. Cundick to assist in the tuning of the great organ. What an honor! We were ardent fans of the family after that amazing semester abroad. Thank you for your tremendous contribution to the Church, the world body of great music, and to my personal testimony.

MICHAEL LOVERIDGE, J.D.

January 14, 2016

Years ago, I had the privilege of performing a small service for Dr. and Mrs. Cundick. He asked me, "How can I repay you?" Not expecting anything, I quipped, "Maybe I can come down to the Tabernacle, and you might play me a solo on the organ!" Some time later, he called and invited my wife and me, and our children, to come to the Tabernacle for a "tour" of the organ! He was so gracious, and took us on an "organ crawl," showing us the organ's magnificent pipes, and explaining the workings of the instrument. The highlight of our evening was when he invited me (a pianist -- not an organist!) to play the organ! He manipulated the organ stops and I played the keyboard ("Come, come, ye Saints"). The evening concluded with him presenting us with a book on the history of the organ, autographed by him. Thrilling! What a kind, thoughtful, and gentle man! Thank you, Dr. Cundick! God bless you and your beautiful family!

Doreen Stapley Woolley

January 14, 2016

I lso remember learning to play the new Hammond organ in the Sandy 2nd Ward. Bob and I both studied with the same teacher as teens. We connected in London when he was there as guest organist and Galen was stationed in France with the Air Force as an obstetrician/gynecologist. Some of my fondest memories of childhood and young adulthood include Bob. He lived a good life, and had an influence on many. My condolences to Cholly, who I remember also from Sandy, and all the family. Bob will be missed.

Sylvia Jessen

January 13, 2016

Robb,

While I did not know your father personally, my husband did and actually played with him. I know the great man you are and know how much you loved your father and shared his love for music. I can't help but believe that your life exemplifies your father's teachings and example. I hope that you and your family find comfort in the knowledge that he is still very much alive and continuing his great service to our Heavenly Father while enjoying the company once again of those family member who passed through the veil before him. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time of mourning.
Love
Sylvia

Genevieve Groesbeck

January 13, 2016

I count it a great privilege to work for Bro. Cundick and Bro Schreiner, along with Jay Welch of the MYS/Chorus in the General Music Committee office. It was actually Bro. Cundick who arranged for me to work in the Deans Office in the College of Fine Arts. He has touched my life more deeply than I had heretofore realized. Singing "The Song of Nephi" and sharing "Thou, Whose Unmeasured Temple Stands" was truly life-changing to me.

Peggy Eaton

January 12, 2016

I loved being able to be in the chorus many years ago in the tabernacle singing the words from 2 Nephi Chapter 4 that Brother Cundick wrote the music for. I still have the recording of it. It was a very spiritual experience in my life to have the privilege of singing his music. I love him so very much. Prayers and thoughts to his family. I'm sure heaven is a better place now with his music for all to enjoy!

Pam Barton

January 11, 2016

I had the privilege of typing some of his programs in London while serving as secretary to President Marion D. Hanks in the British Mission. He was a wonderful, amazing man.

Amos Wright

January 11, 2016

To the Cundick family my sincere condolences. Bob was a wonderful friend. He and John Longhurst took me with them on two trips to look at pipe organs so we could choose one to be installed in the Joseph Smith Building. We had a great time and got a wonderful organ for the old Hotel Utah Building. God bless his memory.

January 11, 2016

To Ann, my friend from Highland High, I'm so sorry for the loss of your dad. My thoughts are with you.
Marsha Hunt Buccambuso

January 11, 2016

Thank you for all the beautiful music. God speed.

Preston & Shirley Eichers

January 10, 2016

Our sincere condolences to you and your family. It is tough to lose a parent. It leaves a hole in your life, losing someone so loved and important.

Our best wishes to you. Remember to focus on them and their reunion in heaven when they arrive and the friends and family that will be their to greet them, love them and take care of them.

We hope that you will always feel the spirit of your father in your life.

Duane and Margaret Cardall

January 10, 2016

Condolences as you celebrate Bob's wonderful life, from your friends at the Hyde Park Chapel Visitors' Centre in London, where his memory lingers.

Carolyn Nelson

January 10, 2016

What a wonderful example of love and giving. He was close to my husband and my husband always spoke of him with love. Always looking for ways to serve and help others. Thanks to the family for sharing him with the Church and the World.

Jannette Koning

January 9, 2016

Dear Cundick family,
My condolences for the loss of Robert.
I worked on Temple Square, for many years (33)'till my retirement 3 yrs ago. Robert talked to me often, and I would sit on the stairs listening to him play, for the recitals. He was always very kind to everyone, don't remember him ever getting angry with anyone. He seemed always to enjoy his "job" playing the organ. I watched the organ in the Assembly Hall being build, Robert would come by to see, how Robert Sipe was coming along.
I have many fond memories from him and Temple Square, Thanks Robert for being a friend to me.
Jannette Koning

Carol Gwynn

January 9, 2016

Bro. Cundick was a man of amazing talent and vision. He was also a genuinely kind person. When I was a beginning organist, he was always complimentary when he visited family members who lived in my ward.

Don Marsh

January 8, 2016

The Resurrection
Like a bird cast out,
Stunned at its own falling, then
Startled by its wings.

Thanks Robb for your beautiful tribute to your father in "Creation of a Masterpiece."

Don Marsh

January 8, 2016

The Resurrection
Like a bird cast out,
Stunned at its own falling, then
Startled by its wings.

Thanks Robb for the wonderful tribute to your father in "Creation of a Masterpiece."

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