Robert Melanson

Robert James Melanson passed away in his home in Lehi, Utah on December 2nd, 2015. He fought his battle of cancer with faith, patience, courage, and love. Bob is greatly loved as a husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Bob was born to Martin Peter Melanson and Grace Barbara Rady Melanson on July 4th, 1941 in Newton, Massachusetts, outside of Boston. He grew up there, the youngest of eleven children, staying until graduating from high school. He then moved to San Bernardino, California where he met the love of his life Carole Jean Taylor, marrying her in 1964. Bob graduated from San Bernardino Valley College and transferred to Humboldt State University majoring in Forestry. He loved nature and the outdoors. Combining that love with his strong patriotism and desire to influence the lives of young men, Bob served as scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America for nine years. After being involved in scouting for 29 years he was awarded the Silver Beaver.
Bob and Carole lived in Eureka, California for 46 years where they raised their four sons and daughter. He worked for the Pacific Bell Telephone Company for 36 years as a lineman and cable splicer, retiring in 2001. He loved traveling with his wife and viewing the beauty of nature: birds, seashores, forest, trees, lighthouses, national parks, and much more. He also loved gardening, photography, woodworking, and camping.
His valiant testimony of our Heavenly Father's truths shaped the actions of his life. Bob was a convert to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at the age of 24, serving faithfully in numerous callings including Stake Missionary, Bishop, Stake High Council, and Medford Temple Ordinance Worker. He and Carole were sealed together in the Oakland Temple. His absolute love of family was central to his life. Time spent with family was always a highlight. Family History and studying the lives of his ancestors was a long standing passion and significant part of his retirement years. His knowledge of eternal families brought him joy.
Bob is survived by his wife of 51 years, Carole J., children Robert G. (Kimberly), Thomas M. (Jessica), Peter J. (Julie), Michael P. (Kimberly), Jeanette M. (Todd) Newman, 20 grandchildren, brother Paul and sister Patricia Greene. He is preceded in death by his father, mother, four brothers, and four sisters.
Funeral services will be held on December 19, 2015 at the Lehi 45th Ward Meetinghouse on 127 East 3200 North at 11:00 am with a viewing from 9:30 to 10:30 am. A viewing will also be held the evening prior at Anderson & Sons Mortuary, 6141 West 11000 North, Highland, from 6:00-8:00 pm. Please share a memory at andersonmortuary.com.