Robert Lorne Mann

Robert Lorne Mann entered this world on November 7, 1924, and passed into immortality on December 17, 2020. Bob was born in Highland Boy, Utah, to Gertrude Drage and Christian Lorne Mann. He had a difficult childhood and was left on his own at 15. His parents' deserting him and having to provide for himself played a significant role in directing the rest of his life. At age 15, Bob started working at Gilespie's gas station. He enlisted in the Navy at age 18 and fought in World War II from 1943 to 1946. While serving aboard the USS Reno, he was awarded the Victory Medal, two Bronze Stars, and one Silver Star and made many life-long friends. In 1946, he met a brown haired beauty, Betty Rae Harvey. They were married on October 22, 1948, and were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on April 26, 1962. Bob and Betty had four children, Karen, Cindy, Robert Jr. (Bobby), and Troy. After Bobby passed away at age 5, Bob was devastated and felt like he needed to create more meaning in his life. When he found the doctrine of eternal families, he felt compelled to join the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a devoted member the rest of his life, serving in various service and leadership positions. He had a strong testimony of Jesus Christ.

Most of their married life, Bob and Betty lived in Midvale, Utah, while Bob worked at the Kennecott copper mine and Stewart Sandwiches and volunteered at the Midvale Fire Department. His huge garden was his pride and joy, and he spent many hours teaching his children the value of work as they toiled together, planting, weeding, pruning, and picking. He passed on his belief that nothing had value that was not earned. After Bob retired, he and Betty enjoyed traveling in their motor home.

Generous was one word that described Bob. In 1973, he purchased the home next door where he moved his widowed mother and mentally-disabled sister, Shirley. He proceeded to provide for them financially and physically (with the help of Betty, of course), for over 15 years. Even after his mother and sister passed away, he continued to let family members live in the home. When his son, Troy, started a landscaping business and then, later, a boating business, Bob would give of his time, mowing lawns and polishing boats. He also spent many hours helping his daughters, Karen and Cindy, with their homes and yards. 

A man with a strong moral compass, Bob was a faithful husband and dutiful father. Even though he experienced some very difficult things, he didn't think of himself as a victim. He got through the tough times with hard work and determination, expecting nothing for free. 

Family was important to Bob. He loved his children and adored his grandchildren. One thing that stood out in his children's minds was that their father, even as busy as he was, never missed even one of their extracurricular activities or athletic competitions.

Bob is survived by his wife, Betty; daughters, Karen Mitchell and Cindy (Darrell) Pehrson; son, Troy (Kristin) Mann; sister Patricia Jex; 12 grandchildren; 34 great-grandchildren; and one great, great grandson. He was preceded in death by his son, Robert Jr; son-in-law Tom Mitchell; parents; brother, Eddie Mann; and sisters Virginia Johnson, Mildred Johnson, Ruth Johnson, and Shirley Mann. 

The family wishes to thank those who cared for Bob in his declining years, specifically Cindy and Darrell Pehrson; Carlos from Superior Home Health; Greg, Misty, and the rest of the staff at Cedarwood at Sandy.

A memorial service will be held on-line, due to current circumstances, via Zoom, on Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at 11:00 am. For those who would like to attend this service virtually, please e-mail hopeandfaith2447@gmail.com for a link. Interment will follow the service at 1:00 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy, Utah. In memory of Bob, please eat some potatoes (which he ate almost every day of his life) and some bread with a thick layer of butter or mayonnaise.