(November 8, 1929 - October 10, 2011)
Robert Heber Beard, 81, died October 10, 2011 in Sandy, UT. He was born November 8, 1929 in Bingham Canyon, UT to Aaron and Edna Birch Beard. He married Dorothy McMillan October 11, 1951 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple.
Bob graduated from Bingham High where he served as Senior Class President. He served an LDS mission in the Western States Mission from 1948-1951. He loved missionary work and served several stake missions and a full-time mission with his wife Dorothy in the California Oakland Mission (San Francisco area). He served the church in many capacities including Bishop of Union 3rd Ward. He began his working life at Kennecott Copper Mine at age 15 and worked there for a total of 18 years. He served in the Army 1954 to 1956. Robert graduated from the U of U in Accounting. He worked as an accountant for several companies including Kenworth and Fur Breeders Co-op. He also worked as an auditor for the LDS church and as comptroller for Valley Mortgage.
Dad loved playing golf, tennis, ping pong and watching sports. Those who knew him will remember, “Is everybody happy?”
Robert is survived by his wife of 60 years, Dorothy, 6 children, R. Paul (Karen) Beard, Diane (Stephen) Lee, Michael (Lori) Beard, Tom (Darlene) Beard, Kevin Beard and Rich (Michelle) Beard. Also, Naiyana (Glen) Buckner their Thai “daughter” and Corazon (Shoji) Ketchum their Phillipino “daughter”, 27 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, his sister, Joan Thompson, sisters-in-law, Meriam Beard, Wilma McMillan, Jenny McMillan, and a brother-in-law, Robert McMillan and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his brother, Bernarr Beard and a sister, Beverly Banasky.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions be made to the LDS Missionary Fund.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, October 15, 2011 at 11:00 am at the Union Park 4th Ward, 700 East 7500 South. Friends may call Friday evening from 6-8 pm at Jenkins-Soffe South Valley, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway (10600 S.) and on Saturday from 9:30-10:30 am at the church. Interment at Hoytsville Cemetery.
The family would like to thank the staff and associates at Sandy Rehab for their loving care.
