Robert David Raby

Robert David Raby, 90, passed away on November 12, 2024, in his home in Wallsburg, Utah. Born on December 18, 1933, in Salt Lake City, Utah, Robert led a full and vibrant life marked by dedication to his family, church, and work.

On August 25, 1955, Robert married his beloved wife, Janet Lorraine Park, in Memory Grove, Utah. Their marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake City Temple, a testament to their faith and enduring love. Soon after their marriage, Robert served his country in the US Army for two years, stationed in Fairbanks, Alaska.

Robert was a skilled machinist, achieving the rank of journeyman. He worked diligently at Hercules and Geneva US Steel. In 1972, he and Janet moved their young family to Wallsburg where the couple built their home by hand and established a peaceful life in the countryside.

Robert was a man of many hobbies and talents. He loved to take his family deer hunting and was a great marksman with remarkable eyesight. He loved to work with leather, making belts, wallets, holsters, and purses that his children enjoyed. In his younger days, he was drawn to anything that made noise or created a spectacle, embodying a sense of adventure and fun. He loved guns, fireworks, was a keen birdwatcher, an enthusiastic coin and rock collector, and a devoted amateur farmer. He enjoyed raising pigs, turkeys, cows, horses, and donkeys, and later in life was never without one of his loyal canine companions.

Robert’s joyous spirit was contagious. He loved to make his kids and grandkids smile and laugh by telling jokes and singing funny songs (not all of which were family-friendly). His friends and family will always remember him as a kind-hearted and fun-loving man.

Robert is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Janet Raby, and his four children: David (Shauna) Raby, Michael (Leslie) Raby, Janene (Greg) Patch, and Jennifer (Adrian) Gostick. He also leaves behind 16 grandchildren, 44 greatgrandchildren, and his younger brother Lee Raby and younger sister Karen Gilchrist—all of whom he loved so much. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank William Raby and Edith Ballsteadt Raby, as well as his older sister Bonnie and his older brother Frank.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at noon at the LDS Chapel in Wallsburg, Utah. A viewing will take place prior to the service from 10:00 to 11:30 AM. Interment will follow at the Wallsburg Cemetery.

The family extends their heartfelt gratitude to all who have expressed their condolences and invites those who knew Robert to join in celebrating his remarkable life. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the National Audubon Society.

To stream the services please visit: https://zoom.us/j/94044193738