Bob Openshaw

Robert Glen “Bob” Openshaw, 82, of Provo, Utah, passed away peacefully at his home on March 19, 2026, surrounded by his beloved wife and children, following a short but courageous battle with cancer.

Bob was born on June 4, 1943, in Kingman, Arizona. His life was marked by devotion—devotion to his country, his faith, his family, and the quiet, steady work of showing up for others.

He served his country with honor in the United States Air Force for 23 years, retiring in 1991 as a Lieutenant Colonel. A distinguished and decorated officer, Bob flew 117 combat missions in Vietnam. He often reflected on that time with humility and gratitude, carrying a lifelong reverence for those who did not return home to their families.

Before his military career, Bob served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the North British Mission from 1963 to 1965—an experience that shaped his deep love for missionary work and lifelong commitment to his faith.

In 1965, he married his childhood sweetheart, Pamela, beginning a partnership that would span six decades of love, loyalty, and shared purpose. Their life together was built on mutual devotion, with Bob consistently praising and supporting the things she loved. One of the most tender chapters of their story came when Bob was called to serve in Vietnam while Pam was seven months pregnant with their third child. Through faith and what the family has always felt was divine protection, he returned home safely.

Bob was a devoted father to eight children: Robyn (John), Glen, Russell, David (Alisa), Betsy (Travis), Rob (Lena), Spencer (Heidi), and Ben (Mollie). He was also a proud grandfather to 34 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. He never missed a play, game, graduation, or milestone—his presence in the stands or audience was as reliable as it was joyful. He didn’t just watch from the sidelines—he spent many seasons coaching his children’s and grandchildren’s sports teams, relishing the time spent teaching, encouraging, and cheering them on up close. His children and grandchildren knew him as steady, cheerful, and always there, ready with a hug, encouragement, or one of his many signature sayings.

He had a gift for making people smile. Whether it was telling a cashier, “Take the rest of the day off!” or sending someone on their way with “Have a super and a happy!”, Bob brought warmth and light into everyday moments. His humor was simple, genuine, and constant—woven into the way he lived.

Bob’s life was defined by service. As a devoted home teacher, neighbor, and friend, he never turned down a request for help. Whether digging a hole, fixing a faucet, shoveling snow from a neighbor’s driveway, or quietly taking out garbage cans each week, he gave his time freely. He also cherished weekly movie outings with elderly friends, demonstrating his belief that small acts of kindness matter deeply.

He loved the gospel and was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life. He treasured the Book of Mormon, honored his covenants, and regularly attended the temple with Pam. His faith was not only something he believed, but something he lived—steadily, quietly, and without pretense.

Bob valued hard work and personal responsibility, lessons he learned early in life after losing his mother at a young age. He worked multiple jobs to support himself, serve his mission, and earn both a bachelor’s degree (Brigham Young University) and a Master's degree (University of Nebraska). He passed those values on to his children, encouraging them to be disciplined, honest, high-achieving, and thoughtful in how they managed their time, talents, and resources.

He also knew how to enjoy life. He loved BYU sports—especially football and basketball—and “bled blue” with unwavering loyalty, famously refusing to wear red. He enjoyed milkshakes, gardening, collecting stamps, classic 1957 Chevys, running, and sharing stories from his childhood. Remarkably, he remained physically active and continued running into his final year of life.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Marilyn Claire Peterson Openshaw and Glen Alfred Openshaw, and his brother, Ronald Dale Openshaw.

He leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, humor, strength, and unwavering devotion to those he loved. His family, friends, and neighbors will miss his warm smile, his cheerful voice, his steady presence, and the countless quiet ways he made life better for everyone around him.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, March 25, 2026, at the LDS Chapel located at 650 Stadium Avenue in Provo, Utah. A viewing will be held from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Eastlawn Gardens in Provo. Condolences may be extended to the family online at www.bergmortuary.com.