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BORN
1938
DIED
2019
Robert Sumner Obituary
We lost a great man this week. There are the statistics: born in 1938 in Hanna Wyoming to Cecil and Eva Sumner; married in 1961 to Marilyn Anderson; survived by Marilyn and their children, Robert (Dan Heap), David (Heidi Kesler), Michael (Sharon Toronto), Heather (Jared Cook), Richard (Lisa Hunt), and by his fourteen grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. And anyone who knew him knew of his many accomplishments-professionally, personally, in the community.
But if you were lucky enough to really know him, you remember a conversation-one that took an unexpected turn, that introduced you to a book, or an idea, or a jazz album. You remember his quick smile, his deep intellect, his love for family, friends, neighbors. You remember his love for the natural world, for a good argument, for thinking long and hard about what was right and then acting upon it. You surely remember his love for his bride of 57 years- the East High cheerleader he fell for, created a family with, dedicated his life to.
We miss him terribly. We miss his calm advice, his encouragement, his insight. We miss Lake Powell weekends, backpacking trips, and barbecuing on the back deck. We deeply miss going to him with our problems and concerns; we all trusted him with our deepest challenges, worries, difficulties. The void he has left is vast. How to fill it is currently beyond us. We miss his wisdom and could use it now.
If you loved him and miss him too, please join us for a memorial. It will be an informal affair, casual dress, as he would prefer. If you have a photo of him that evokes a memory, please bring it with you, perhaps jotting the memory on the back. If you don't have a photo, please come anyway. We want to see you. We hope a gathering of his friends and family-the community he created-can, in some way, help us begin to heal the wound left in our hearts, the vacancy in our lives.
Please join us at Red Butte Gardens' Orangerie on May 3 from 4-7 pm. At five o'clock, the family will speak, and then there will be an opportunity for others to share a memory. We'll tell stories, raise a glass, embrace, celebrate a remarkable life.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to PFLAG https://pflag.org/supportpflag or SUWA https://suwa.org in his memory. He would like that.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Robert Sumner
Preston Watts
September 10, 2023
One of the nicest men and leaders I have ever had the privilege of knowing. RIP Bob!
Michael Robinson
March 30, 2020
Dear Marilyn, I was so sad to learn that Bob passed away. I considered him to be a real friend, and had great respect for his opinions and wisdom. He was a straight-shooter--an enlightened individual who had the courage of his convictions. My deepest condolences to you and the family. Michael Robinson, Sr.
Tanya Wadley
March 29, 2020
Dear Marilyn and family-
I remember some amazing and very thoughtful Sunday school lessons Bob gave when I was young. You and your family were a very loved part of our ward family. Bless you as you go on without him for now. I hope you rest assured that you'll be reunited and blessed for your great family devotion and good living. Tanya Robinson Wadley
Richard Forbes
May 10, 2019
Dear Marilyn,
Sally and I offer our sincere concern for the loss of your great husband. Please know we love you and appreciate that wonderful family you two have raised. So many memories from our years in High School and since.
Richard and Sally Forbes
Richard Forbes
May 10, 2019
Dear Marilyn, so sorry for the loss of your wonderful husband. We both have thought fondly of you over the past years since East High.
Our sincere thoughts are with you and that great family.
Dick and Sally Forbes
Lon Pearson
April 28, 2019
There is no comment in the obituary about his serving with us in the 144th Evacuation Hospital at FLW, MO, during the Berlin Crisis for a year. That made him a veteran, and he was later an officer, as I understand. I have posted on the 144th Website the obituary. He should be given a US flag and honored at his funeral. Dr. Lon Pearson (E-5) during our year in Missouri, and 33 years in the military.
Z L
April 18, 2019
My sincere condolences to your family for the loss of your love one. May the God of comfort be with you during this sad occasion and may his loving words at John 6:40 console your heart.
S B
April 17, 2019
I am so sorry for the family's loss. You may find comfort through fond memories and the loving hope found at John 6:40.
April 16, 2019
Dear Marilyn'
I was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. God bless you and your family at this most difficult time.
Sincerely,
Kay Galli
April 15, 2019
I am so sorry for your loss. May you receive strength and comfort from God. "He will make you firm, he will make you strong, he will firmly ground you." - 1Peter 5:10
M C
April 13, 2019
I am truly and deeply sorry for your Loss. My warmest condolences go out to the family and friends of Robert. May the God of all comport Grant you peace and strength during difficult time (psalm 91:11).
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