Robert Fritz Matthiesen

Salt Lake City, UT- Robert Fritz Matthiesen was born May 23,1940 to Fritz and Adele Matthiesen in Salt Lake City. Bob passed away February 11, 2026 peacefully at home surrounded by family after an 18-year fight with cancer. Bob attended West High School where he was the senior class president and received the Ray Hale award for the Outstanding Basketball Player of the Year (1958).

Bob met Ella, the love of his life, at West High their senior year. He proposed on Valentine's Day 1958. They were married March of 1959, and celebrated 66 years of marriage.

Bob started his career with Bennett's Glass & Paint and left after 20 years to start his own business. He and his partner successfully ran Glass Related Products, where they became well known in the glass industry. They sold the company 10 years later, but he wasn't ready for retirement. Bob and his son-in-law James decided to start a sign company and turned it into a prosperous business. Bob decided to retire in 2013. Bob enjoyed many years of friendships with a group of former business associates. They had an annual golf tournament in Park City for 26 years.

His happiest times were with family and friends creating fond memories. He enjoyed camping, fishing, traveling and playing games. Bob cherished the times spent with Ella, his kids, & all the grandkids.

Bob is survived by his wife and soulmate Ella, daughters Michelle Thorpe (Rick), Margaret LaSalle (James), grandkids Heather Thorpe (Chris), Robert Thorpe (Katy), Sara LaSalle (Aaron), Nick LaSalle (Lhea), great grandkids Ripley, Tyler, Emberly, niece Suzanne McMillan (Greg), nephews Todd Matthiesen & Brett Morris.

Heartfelt thanks go to Dr. Stephen Wood and staff for many years of excellent and compassionate care! A special thanks to the Huntsman Cancer Center, Dr. Gilcrease, Paula Hobson, Jennie Vaklavas and the entire Huntsman staff for all their kindness and support.

To all who knew him, he was a beloved and respected man who impacted the lives of so many by just being his wonderful, generous self.

To honor Bob's memory, please consider a donation to the Huntsman Cancer Institute. https://give.huntsmancancer.org/page/67433/donate/1

"Bob.. Wherever we go, you go with us"