Robert Mark Walkingshaw

After a slow decline of his memory and health, Bob died at the age of 85 at North Canyon Care Center in Bountiful, Utah on September 28, 2022. We will miss him dearly but take comfort in knowing that he is living with his Heavenly Father and his earthly parents. We view him as healthy and happy, socializing with others in heaven as he loved to do here on earth.

Bob was born on February 25, 1937 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Francis James Walkingshaw (Frank) and Lyla Preo Gibby. Some people think Walkingshaw is a Native American name, but Bob’s ancestors came from Scotland. His father was born in Nephi, Utah and went on a mission to England when he was only sixteen years old. Later he worked as an accountant. His mother was born in Rupert, Idaho. She sold women’s clothing and was one of the best softball pitchers in the United States. Bob didn’t grow up with any siblings in his home, but he did play with friends and Patricia Cheshire, a half-sister, who lived close by. Bob and Pat were very close throughout life.

As a youth, Bob earned his Eagle Scout award. Having a great love for Jesus Christ, Bob was always active in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Although he had hoped to be called on a mission any place that was warm, he faithfully served a two-year mission in the North Central States.

Excelling in tennis, he earned numerous trophies in the community. He also earned four-year letter sweaters from South High School (1955 graduate) and the University of Utah (1962 graduate). Bob earned three university degrees, which he called his “three degrees of un-glory”: a BS in Electrical Engineering, an MS in Water Quality Engineering, and a DMD in dentistry.

Bob began working as an electrical engineer in Pamona, California. After going to dental school in St. Louis and working as a dentist in Salt Lake City for a short time, he decided to return to engineering. He worked for several years at Hill Air Force Base as an electronics engineer and computer programmer. Bob also served in the Army Reserves for 11 years.

Very talented, Bob was a director and actor in over 100 plays. He was also in a few movies and wrote over 100 poems. His favorite music was John Phillip Sousa’s marches.

Bob married Bonnie Kitt (later divorced) and they adopted three children: Mark, Christopher, and Holly. He was always supportive of the kids’ sports and activities and taught them to never give up and to finish strong.

In 2003 Bob married another Bonnie—Bonnie Eakle Benson. After living in the Holladay area for a few years, they moved to Centerville. Together they served for several years as ordinance workers in the Bountiful Temple, which was a great joy to them. They also served a mission at the Family Search Center in Layton, and Bob served in the Bishop’s Storehouse in Kaysville.

Surviving Bob are his wife Bonnie and the children from both families: Mark Walkingshaw, Christopher (Danielle) Walkingshaw, and Holly Stirling; Melanie (Matt) Thomas, Wendy (Steve) Aposhian, Rebecca Ray, and Christopher (Courtney) Benson. Other family members include 22 grandchildren and 7 great-grandchildren.

We express gratitude for the staff at North Canyon Care Center and for the leaders of the Bountiful Orchard Branch who serve there. We also appreciate the support of members of Brookhurst Ward in Centerville.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, October 6^th at the Brookhurst Ward at 1298 North 400 West, Centerville, Utah. A viewing at 10:00 am will be followed by a funeral at 11:00. For those who are unable to attend in person, the funeral can be viewed at https://zoom.us/j/99803494987. Interment will be in the Salt Lake City Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite cause.