Robert Kesterson

ROBERT KESTERSON In loving memory of Robert Ross Kesterson, who passed away June 10, 2010, due to injuries sustained in an automobile accident. Ross was born Aug. 4, 1953, in Henderson, to Robert Earl and Lorna (Jolley) Kesterson. He graduated from Basic High School and Southern Utah University. Ross taught and coached at Vo-Tech High School for two years before he and fellow teacher Dick Perotti left Vo-Tech and founded Western Chemical Specialties in 1978. For over 30 years, they worked together to develop Western Chemical and other business ventures. Ross loved life and had many interests. He was an eagle scout. Ross became an avid sportsman who enjoyed hunting, fishing, golf, working with wood and rock hunting in the desert. Listening to music -- especially the Blues -- brought him great joy. Following the example set by his parents, Ross gave back to his community. For 25 years he volunteered countless hours to the Evanston Outlaws American Legion Baseball Program. He coached and mentored hundreds of young men and felt privileged to be part of their lives. Throughout the season, Ross helped his team develop skills on and off the field. He loved the sport, but it went deeper than that. Ross coached each player "to become a better citizen and a better man." Ross loved baseball his entire life. As a child he played it with the kids on Fir Street. As a teenager, his American Legion team won the Nevada State Championship. As a young adult, Ross earned a baseball scholarship for college. As a coach, he led the Evanston Outlaws to a Wyoming State Championship in 1990. Two years ago, Outlaw players young and old honored Ross and surprised him and Stephanie with tickets to the last home game at Yankee Stadium. An avid Yankee fan, the trip was a dream come true for Ross. Ross is survived by his wife, Stephanie (Babalis); sons, Brock (Melissa) and Kyle; grandchildren, Ethan, Derek, Mason, Eliza and Drake; mother, Lorna; brothers, Donal "Bud" (Jean) and Roger (JoAnn); nieces, Desiree (Barry Sorenson), Corissa and Whittney; nephews, Kelton and Brenden; great-niece, Ashlynn; and great-nephews, Sam and Hudson. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert Earl; and brother, Jim Lynn. Ross loved his family very much and they loved him. He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him. There will be a viewing in his honor 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, June 16, at Crandall Funeral Home, 800 Uinta St., Evanston, WY 82930. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 17, at the Evanston South Stake Center, 632 Twin Ridge. A graveside service and burial will be at 1 p.m. Saturday, June 19, at the Boulder City Municipal Cemetery Pavilion, 501 Adams Boulevard, Boulder City, NV 89005. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations in Ross' honor to the Evanston Outlaws Baseball Team, P.O. Box 326, Mountain View, WY 82939. "For the love of the game."