ROBERT GEORGE PARKER - Feb. 24, 1952 - March 25, 2023

Robert George Parker, a big man with a giant heart, a loyal friend, a man of keen intellect and wisdom and most of all, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, died at his home in Draper on the morning of Saturday, March 25, 2023, due to complications from a recent fall. He was 71 years old. He will be missed more than words can articulate.

Robert was born on February 24, 1952 in Ogden, UT to George Robert Parker and Audrey Mealy. The first of four boys, Robert spent his childhood surrounded by his large extended family in and around the Hooper area.

Following his graduation from Viewmont High School, Robert served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Tokyo North Area. Robert was 6’4” so you can imagine how much he stood out among the Asian population. For the first few months of his mission, Robert struggled with the Japanese language. However, after persevering, Robert became an expert in both the spoken and written Japanese word. Robert grew to love Japan and the people there, returning frequently throughout his life and leveraging his Japanese skills to further his employment and career.

After his mission, he enrolled at the University of Utah where he earned a bachelor’s degree in special education. During his time at the University, he met and married Debra Susan Simister. He said that it was love at first sight, and after only a few weeks of courtship, they were engaged to be married. Robert and Debra were married on May 7, 1976 in The Salt Lake Temple for time and all eternity.

Robert spoke often of the love he had for his beautiful Debi. Robert felt that up until he met Debi, his life had been a roller coaster of successes and failures. His marriage to Debi settled him and put him on the path of progression he so desperately sought after. Famously, he would quote the Beach Boys anthem “God Only Knows What I’d Be Without You” when speaking of her. Even after his fall and in the last few weeks of his life, it was the memory of their love that sustained him and gave him a few months more than what he would have had otherwise.

Following their marriage and the completion of Robert’s degree, the couple moved with their son Andrew to Colorado. They lived in Englewood where their daughter Catherine was born. Afterwards, they moved to Thornton, where they spent the next 12 years of their lives raising their family. The moved to Utah in 1992 and eventually settled in Draper, Utah.

Robert held jobs in many different organizations, primarily focused in technology. After several years, Robert was hired by Oracle Corporation and worked for 19 years as a Project Manager for clients around the globe. It was during this part of his career that his love of technology and ability to speak exceptional Japanese came to a confluence, leading to a long and profitable career at the organization.

Robert was active in church service throughout his life. He served as a High Priest in the South Mountain 1^st Ward with numerous callings at the ward and stake level. His true love was the temple and how he could help bring his family together in the eternities.

Robert also loved nature, fishing and being outdoors. This love of the outdoors led him to serve in many capacities throughout his life in the Boy Scouts of America, an organization he loved. Robert earned his Eagle Scout and was often in charge of taking the young men of his ward on camping trips, helping to organize outings of all shapes and sizes. He was also an avid photographer, often taking family photos for friends, neighbors and anyone who would ask.

Towards the end of his life, Robert spent a great deal of time connecting with his eight grandchildren. Often found in what became known as Grandpa’s workshop, Robert would teach his grandchildren how to craft everything from video game characters to sacrament trays. He was a master craftsman and spent many long hours creating wood works of art for friends, family, and neighbors. Ever generous with his time, Robert was always willing to use his vast talents and big heart to help those in need. For that, he will be remembered, loved, and emulated.

He is survived by his wife Debi and their two children Andrew (Angela) and Catherine (Jeff) Watson, his three brothers, Stephen (Laura), David (Shelley), Alan (Kimberly) and eight grandchildren: Colin, Joshua, Christine, Clara Parker and Vanessa, Westley, Xavier, Wyatt Watson. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister Elizabeth Anne.

Funeral Services will begin at 5pm on Saturday, April 8, 2023 and will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 607 Rocky Mouth Ln, Draper, UT. There will be a viewing at the same location on Friday, April 7 from 6-8pm and family and friends are welcome to call one hour before the ceremony on Saturday. Interment will be at Wasatch Lawn Memorial in Holladay on Monday, April 10^th at 10am.