Robert Dean Thorup

Robert Dean Thorup passed away not unexpectedly, but earlier than anyone had hoped, at the age of 64.  If sarcasm were a cure for cancer, he would have beaten melanoma and cholangiocarcinoma in spades.  Instead, he left us with this gem:  "I came, I stayed, I went."  

Robert was born in Salt Lake City, Utah to Dean Edgar Thomas and Blanche Whitaker Thorup on February 10, 1954.  He was raised in Bountiful, Utah and graduated from Bountiful High School.  Robert served an honorable mission to Nagoya, Japan speaking Japanese.  After returning home from his mission Robert married his beautiful sweetheart, Tracey Anne Evans, in the Salt Lake Temple on August 12, 1975.

Robert graduated from the U of U in 1981 with a Bachelor's degree in Recreational Therapy, after which he worked in hospitals and nursing homes.  Always a champion of learning, Robert went back to school at USU and received his teaching certificate to teach Resource Math in the Davis County School District.  He was a beloved teacher and loved his students. In retirement, he worked at Cabela’s gun department.  

Robert loved his children endlessly.  Robert and Tracey were blessed with four beautiful children.  Jayden (Kelli), Jenna (Derek), Justin (Keisha) and Jacob (Anna). Above all, Robert cherished being a grandfather to Wyatt, Emma, Taylor, Jordyn, Serenity, Matthew, Brantley, Haylei and Robert Jacob (RJ to be born in September).

Robert is survived by his wife Tracey and family, as well as his sisters Susan (Dennis) Greenhalgh, and Merlene (Bruce) Lunt, and many adoring nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Robert had a deep love for his dogs as well as for the outdoors — passions he received from his father.  He loved Yellowstone, The Homestead and adored fishing and hunting.  He has a wonderful collection of trophy animals on the walls of his family room.  Robert loved woodworking and enjoyed using his father's tools to make heirlooms for his family in the woodshop he built to replicate the old Whitaker barn.  

Robert became fluent in American Sign Language while his daughter Jenna attended the Utah School for the Deaf. He was a lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  His favorite church calling was Scout Master.

The family would like to thank the medical providers at Utah Cancer Specialists and Elevation Hospice for their excellent care and attention during Rob's illnesses.  

A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 24, 2018 from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Mortuary in Bountiful.  Funeral Services will be held Monday, June 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., with a viewing from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at the Bountiful 45th Ward located at  115 Wicker Lane (2000 South), Bountiful, Utah.  Interment at the Bountiful City Cemetery.

Rob asked us to leave you with this:  "My quick-witted and acerbic persona will be sorely missed."  That it will.