Robert Cyril Coward

Robert Cyril Coward completed his baptismal journey on February 2, 2016. He bravely waged a valiant fight against COPD and heart failure, but in the end chose to go on his terms,  in the comfort of his home, while on hospice, and in the care of his beloved family.

Whether you knew him as Robin or as Bob, you knew he was a proud lifelong Utahn.  The son of John AC 'Bob' Coward and Sarah 'Sis' Kirby Coward, Robin was born in November of 1940 in Bingham Canyon, Utah.  He roamed the halls of the original Bingham High School and to his mother's great relief; he graduated in 1958 and began working at Utah Copper alongside his father.

Robin enlisted in the US Air Force in 1962 and trained at Amarillo AFB Texas as a Jet Engine Mechanic.   While stationed at Hamilton AFB in Marin County California he became a Crew Chief on F-101 Voodoo aircraft.  A mission for ice-cold milk at the chow hall led Robin to meet the love of his life, Glenice Kemp, who was running the toast maker on KP duty.  She asked him, "Are you really a Coward?"  He snapped back "Yes!" and stomped away.  Six months later, they married in the Hamilton AFB Protestant Chapel on September 5, 1964 and for the next 51 years, they would share the greatest adventure together, leaving fun, laughter, and craziness along their way.  After serving his country as an Airman First Class (E-4), Robin took his little family back to Bingham Canyon, Utah and returned to work as a Shovel Runner at Kennecott Copper.  Bob was notorious for his strong work ethic to keep things 'humming' at the mine.  A respected leader, he retired as a Mine Supervisor in 2000 after working in the mining industry for 41 years.

A simple and extensive traveler, he stayed in the finest quality AAA-rated campgrounds that would house his fancy travel trailer.  He always spent the extra money to upgrade so he could roll out the awning and put Jack & Nora's rig next door.  He and Jack would each crack open a couple Natural Lights, enjoy the scenery, and shoot the breeze for hours.  He would drag that trailer to some of the most remote locations in Utah to provide for his family and spend time bonding with his band of brothers during deer hunting season.  This same trailer would travel across America visiting family and friends as he satisfied his wanderlust to see the world.

His father indoctrinated him into fishing by trolling Strawberry Reservoir and Fish Lake as a young boy-so his love for fishing came naturally.  He loved exploring Utah to find new places to fish, or savor a favorite fishing hole.  His love for fishing would take him to the Pacific Northwest and on to Alaska with stops along the way.  He often said, "...if they ever drained Fish Lake, you could stock a fishing store with the tackle we left on the bottom of that lake over the years." To Bob, a day spent fishing would truly cure what ailed ya.

Choosing adventure and excitement at every turn with his "perfect" Gleni at his side, Bob enjoyed skiing, trips to Lake Powell on his boat, traveling around the country to visit his children serving in the Air Force, and spending time with loved ones.  Two of his passions were gardening and woodworking and he excelled at both.  His yard was envied by many and the beauty he and Gleni created with flowers, trees, and shrubs was appreciated by all who saw it. He was always keen to offer advice and assistance on his gardening prowess.  He found such pleasure working in his yard and in warm weather he could be found with his obligatory baseball cap...playing in the dirt.  Bob's skill with woodworking is evident through many projects in his own home and the small treasures of furniture he made for immediate family.  Gardening and being in his workshop were both a tremendous therapy and joy for him.

God had done amazing work in this man.  Through the grace of God, Bob was a man of strong faith, believing in the power and strength of Jesus Christ's love and the beauty and peace that would await him after his passing.

Bob's greatest love and the accomplishment that filled him with immeasurable pride, was his family and he would talk about them ad nauseum every chance he got.  He is survived by his beautiful life-long partner Glenice, beloved son Cory and wonderful daughter-in-love Karyn, and his precious daughter Kimberly.  Additionally, he leaves behind three treasures- grandchildren:  his Marine, Collin and the Monkeys, Kaitlynn and Zacory.  Bob is also survived by his dear siblings Barbara and Ron, as well as many in-laws, nieces, nephews, friends and family too numerous to list but not forgotten.

Bob accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior many years ago; because he is saved, we are sure with his incredible gift for conversation he is enjoying catching up with his Mother, Father, Sister Betty and a fabulous cast of characters who met him in heaven.

At the end of his life, Bob said he had absolutely no regrets.  He had a helluva good time and would do everything exactly the same, except maybe stick around longer next time. He loved so many people and fortunately, he knew they loved him back.  You were the people who put that warm and wonderful smile on his face for all of his 75 years.   Family and friends are invited to join the Celebration of Bob's life on Saturday, February 6 at 11:11 am at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 8575 South 700 East in Sandy, Utah.