Robert Burdick

Robert Lutellus Burdick Jr.
January 16, 1940 – August 31, 2026

Robert L. Burdick Jr. passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday morning, August 31, 2026, following several months of health challenges. After receiving dedicated treatment at local hospitals and care facilities, Bob was able to spend his final months at home under the compassionate care of True North Home Health and Hospice. His family extends a heartfelt thank you to all the doctors, nurses, and staff who cared for him with such tenderness throughout this past year.

Born in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Robert Lutellus Burdick Sr. and Dorothy Helen Annis, Bob—the second of three children—grew up with a deep love for the outdoors and family road trips. He graduated from Granite High School in 1958 and later pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in California. During the 1960s, he worked as a Production Supervisor at Litton Industries. In the 1970s and 80s, as a sales representative for Motorola, Bob traveled across the western states demonstrating police radar equipment to local police departments, county sheriffs, and state highway patrols. For the last thirty years of his career, Bob was the owner and operator of Creative Ink in Layton, Utah, specializing in awards and recognition products. He took tremendous pride and satisfaction in laser-engraving thousands of missionary plaques that now reside all across the globe. After decades of dedicated work, he retired last December at the age of 85.

Bob had a lifelong passion for camping, fishing, and exploring nature. Growing up, some of his fondest memories were family fishing trips where his mother would grill the day’s fresh catch while watermelon cooled in the nearby stream. Over the years, his favorite spots included Mirror Lake, Starvation Reservoir, and Jackson Hole, Wyoming.

As the son of a traveling salesman, Bob often joined his father on business trips alongside his mother and sister, Carolyn, who was five years his junior. Carolyn fondly remembers many lively road trips through Montana, Idaho, and Wyoming, where Bob—quite the teaser—would promise her quarters in exchange for small favors. At Bob’s 80th birthday party, Carolyn presented him with a humorous, "pricey" invoice for all the unpaid quarters from their childhood—a debt he lightheartedly carried to the very end!
When Bob married his beloved wife, Barbara, the two continued the tradition of RVing together. They shared a special fondness for Jackson Hole and romantic Jenny Lake, always accompanied by their cherished shih tzus. Barbara fondly recalls looking back at their hotel window to see their dogs, T-Bone and Sandy, scratching at the glass as the couple set off on foot to explore the Town Square.

In 2008, Bob and Barbara embarked on an adventure when they found a scenic 5-acre property in Duchesne overlooking the Starvation Reservoir. They purchased a single-wide mobile home and developed it into a cabin they lovingly called “Pine Ridge.” For six years, they enjoyed many cherished family outings there until, as they aged, the trips became less frequent and they sold it. The memories created during those years remain priceless.

Bob was a man of diverse talents and enthusiastic passions. He was an exquisite pen-and-ink calligrapher and an unwavering supporter of Alabama football. He could often be heard calling out a spirited "Roll Tide!" no matter the season, and he was eagerly anticipating the kickoff of the new season.

A faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Bob was converted by the missionaries in 1977, later being ordained an Elder in 1979 and a High Priest in 1987. He took great humble pride in tracing his priesthood Line of Authority back to Peter, James, and John. Throughout his life, he served diligently as a Home Teacher, Executive Secretary and for many years as a Ward Clerk. His testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, was the cornerstone of his life. Bob and Barbara were sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple on March 15, 2008, for Time and All Eternity. Since COVID-19, Bob faithfully blessed the Sacrament at home on Sundays while tuning in to church meetings via Zoom. Following services, they cherished their weekly "singing time" together on YouTube, listening to beloved hymns including "The Lighthouse," "In the Garden," "Nearer, My God, to Thee," "I Need Thee Every Hour," and “Be Still, My Soul.”

Bob is survived by his loving wife of forty-one years, Barbara Compton Burdick; his sister, Carolyn Wright (Garry) of Cottonwood Heights, UT; daughters, Debbie Penrod of Draper, UT, and Michele Culpepper (Clay) of Duchesne, UT; son, Raymond Vansant (Lisa) of Payson, UT; granddaughters, Summer Willey (Ryan), Shelley Vansant, Tawna King (Larry), and Shaylee Lemon (Derek); grandson, Perry Stuart; great-grandsons, Kelson Lane, Keaton Vansant, Brody Lemon, and Hagen Lemon; great-granddaughter, Kaizley Lemon; and many cherished nephews and nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; his sister, Clarissa Latham (Gary); and his nephew, Paul Gilbert.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests your consideration of a donation to the LDS Church General Missionary Fund.

Funeral Services will be held Thursday, September 10, 2026 at 12:30 p.m. at North Park Ward Chapel, 202 West 1675 North, Layton, Utah. Friends and family may gather from 11:00 – noon prior to services. Interment will be at Larkin Sunset Lawn, 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah. Services entrusted to Myers Mortuary of Layton.

In memory of Bob, we encourage friends and family to visit his memorial page at www.myers-mortuary.com. Please share your stories, memories, and photos of Bob, to celebrate his life and the joy he brought to so many. Bob’s legacy of love, laughter, and support will continue to live on through each of us.