Robert Frank Dilks

Our beloved Dad, Granddad and Great granddad, “Bob” passed away peacefully at home, in the arms of his “sweetheart”, on March 21, 2020. He suffered for almost 10 years, the ravaging disease Dementia/Alzheimer’s. Bob was born in Arthingworth, England on February 7, 1932 to Frank Thomas Dilks and Matilda Goodson Dilks. Raised by a wonderful mother after the passing of his father when he was just 4 years old.  With his older brother and little sister, he was taught to work hard to help in the family home.  One day he was out riding his motorcycle and noticed a pretty children’s nanny out walking her charge.  He said, “She smiled at me and my heart was lost.”  He managed to track her down and asked her for a date and she refused him.  Thinking of the English Proverb “Faint heart never won fair lady” he asked her again.  This time she said yes.  He proposed at his 21st birthday party, and two years later, they were married in the little village church at Woodford Halse, England on July 24, 1954.  Bob and Phyllis began their life together on the farm where Bob was working.  Their son Stephen Thomas was born a year later, and two years later, a pretty little “Daddy’s Girl”, Christine joined the family.  Bob left the farm and went to work at the engineering company, British Timkin, where he worked until after a family vacation in 1972 to Salt Lake City to visit his sister, where he joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In 1973 he took his family to the London Temple to be sealed for time and eternity.  After selling their home, the family arrived in West Bountiful on March 21, 1973 to begin their new life in America.  They have lived a happy, hard working life ever since.  Bob loved to work and was always a good provider for his loving family.  After leaving an engineering company in 1976, with his beloved brother-in-law George Fennell, they purchased a tractor trailer and learned the furniture moving business, and ran the road together for Lyon Van Lines for three years. An agency became available in 1979, which he and George purchased, renaming it Britannia Moving & Storage.  It is still in business, run by a nephew.  Bob loved to work hard, and after his retirement went to work as a courier, with his sweetheart in the office of Hughes General Contractors, where many wonderful friendships were made.  Retiring again at the age of 79, he and Phyllis served two welfare missions.  His favorite being at the Bishop’s Storehouse in Kaysville, Utah, where again, his happy personality formed many lasing friendships.  Always with Phyllis by his side, they fought the fight of his dementia, finally losing the battle, but freeing him from his pain and suffering.  Bob served in many church callings; Elder’s Quorum Presidency, Sunday School President, High Priest Group Leader, Bishop’s Counselor, and Temple Worker.  Bob’s family was his love, and he and Phyllis spent many vacations with them, where they were the happiest all together.

Bob is preceded in death by his parents, a beautiful great granddaughter, Emily, and many beloved in-laws.

He is survived by his sweetheart, Phyllis, son, Stephen (Jan), Daddy’s Girl, Christine (Bill), six grandchildren, and 18 great grandchildren, all of which he referred to as the “jewels in his crown”. He is also survived by his brother, Charlie (England), and his sister, Barbara (West Bountiful), and many loving nieces and nephews.

Due to current conditions, a private family graveside service will be held at Lakeview Memorial Cemetery in Bountiful.  A celebration of this dear man’s life, will be held at a later date, to be announced.

A big, grateful thank you to Symbii Hospice and his nurses, Jodi, Mariam, and Alisa, for their loving care over the past six months. 

We will miss you so very much. “Rest in peace my Darling”.