Gordon Roberts

1941 - 2023

Gordon L. Roberts

1941 ~ 2023 Rest in Peace

Salt Lake City, Utah-Gordon L. Roberts ("Gordy") died peacefully on February 28, 2023, surrounded by his beloved family.

Gordon was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on March 13,1941 to John and Gayle Roberts. He was the second of three children with an older brother, John, and a younger sister, Shayla.

Early in his life, inspired by the TV series Perry Mason, Gordon knew he wanted to be a lawyer. He received his Juris Doctor from the University of Utah College of Law in 1965, where he graduated Order of the Coif and served as case note editor on the Utah Law Review. Gordon was in private practice for over 40 years, beginning and ending his legal career at Parsons Behle & Latimer. During that time, he was involved in some of the most important cases in the Intermountain West, including the entrustment to represent the estate of Howard Hughes.

Gordon's professional accolades were many, including the Federal Bar Association's "Trial Lawyer of the Year" (1991); the Utah State Bar's "Outstanding Lawyer of the Year" (1995); and one of Utah's most "Feared Lawyers" by Utah Business magazine (2001), although it should be noted that he strongly disagreed with that last adjective. Throughout his career, Gordon engaged often in educating others about the practice of litigation, both as an adjunct professor at the University of Utah Law School and through multiple contributions to continuing legal education for lawyers. In addition to his incredible legal mind and trial skills, Gordon was known for always taking the high road and doing the fair thing. This well-known and unwavering reputation earned Gordon the highest level of respect among judges, colleagues, and adversaries alike. He truly loved the law and practicing as a litigator, and he was a passionate advocate. In addition, Gordon was a brilliant writer and had a ready and droll sense of humor. He was a great storyteller and loved to laugh. His wit was ever-present among family, friends, colleagues, and even during formal proceedings such as when he responded, "certainly asked" to opposing counsel in a deposition who's continued, and baseless, objection was "asked and answered."

Upon his 30th anniversary with the law firm that meant so much to him, Parsons Behle & Latimer paid official tribute to Gordon, saying: "You have guided us with your wisdom, inspired us with your commitment, taught us with your sense of equity and entertained us with your extraordinary wit. You are a model of excellence as a trial lawyer and represent the heart and soul of our firm."

Gordon also had a fulfilling personal life. In 1994, he married Robin Engdahl Roberts, who has been his constant and loving partner for the last 29 years and who has exemplified the wedding vow "in sickness and in health" as Gordon battled, and, more importantly, beat cancer against unspeakable odds. Gordon was truly a superhero, and it's no surprise that his winning attitude in the courtroom served him well as he fought against any illness that the universe presented. He was previously married for over 25 years to Ann Ingebretsen Roberts, with whom he had six wonderful children.

When he wasn't in the courtroom, Gordy had many hobbies and joys. He took his girls on daddy/daughter camping trips filled with snacks, folk music, and ghost stories. He was a voracious reader, and he loved to golf with his sons and colleagues and play the guitar and banjo. Gordy was also a beloved and loyal regular at a few local restaurants, which resulted in a 'prestigious' plaque at TGI Friday's, a tabasco bottle waiting on the table for him at Bambara, and a permanently reserved table at D.B. Cooper's.

In spite of his health challenges, Gordon enjoyed many wonderful vacations and lots of laughs with Robin. Gordon loved his family and also found much comfort in spending time with his children and grandchildren after he retired from legal practice. Gordon is survived by his wife, Robin, and by his children and "bonus" children: James Roberts (Katie), Kristin McCullagh (Brendan), Julie Roberts (Brian), John Roberts (Natalie), Heather Lingmann (Jeff), Molly Malouf (Dan), and Emily Malouf (Clark). He is also survived by his wonderful and much-loved grandchildren and great-grandson: Aidan (Madi, son Westley) and Mimi Roberts; Nicholas McCullagh; Alec Roberts; Kennedy, Bella, and Coban Roberts; Jude and Van Lingmann; and Cam and Cara Hurley; and his sister Shayla Roberts and his many nieces and nephews. Gordon was preceded in death by his mother (Gayle), father (John), brother (John), and beloved daughter, Elizabeth Ann Roberts ("Beth").

A celebration of life will be held at The Country Club from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 29, 2023. As an alternative to flowers, contributions to The Nature Conservancy would be appreciated.

Rest in peace, Gordy. We love you and miss you already.