Robert L. Huston

Robert Huston (Bob) born September 19, 1913 in Illinois passed away on January 25, 2016 from old age.

He was a loving Dad, Papa, friend, and mentor who lived over a century to be 102 years old. He was a strong, honorable, hard-working man who had a sincere compassion for animals and those in need.  Bob moved to SLC in 1955 when he married Rosemarie Furtado. They were married until 1993 when she passed away from cancer.

He loved his dog, Little Girl, who was a great companion. He worked for Baileys Moving and Storage until he was 98 and never "called in" during the 56+ years he worked there.  He enjoyed fishing, camping, tinkering in his garage, and spending time with his family and friends. He had a heart of gold. He helped rescue and care for neglected and abandoned animals. He fed the feral neighborhood cats and wild birds, looked forward to the neighbor dogs greeting everyday with a treat, and more. He could tell some great stories about world change during his life. He started recycling before it was popular. He helped homeless persons in need by taking them Thanksgiving dinners and giving handouts. He enjoyed working and had high work standards. He was a long-haul trucker for many years until he decided to drive local to be closer to his family. He drove so many miles he had every pothole in the highways memorized, even before all highways were paved. Allied Van Lines and the Highway Patrol praised his quick reflexes when  driving his semi off the side of the highway to avoid hitting a broken down school bus on a mountain curve. He had packed the semi so well none of contents were damaged or disrupted during the roll over.

He expressed sorrow on many occasions about how he outlived so many family members (including children) and friends; one of the down sides of living so long.

Special thanks to the many staff at Bailey's Moving and Storage who were like family to Bob, providing support and care, even after Bob retired. To thank a few by name… Cindy, for taking him shopping every week and delivering home-cooked meals for 20 plus years. Barry, who would visit every Friday with movies. Steve, who would take Bob's garbage out and help with his garden. Bob, the handyman, who was always available. Gilbert, his neighbor, who would mow his lawn and watch out for him. So much love and care by many helped Bob survive on his own until he was 101. 

Special thanks to the Hospice team for such great care during the end of his life. Juliette, his hospice nurse, who was caring and helped with his comfort. Nicole, his Chaplin, who would bring music, prayer and love every time she paid a visit. The many staff at Avalon who became friends with Bob during his stay. The staff at Smiths Foods in Rose Park who helped him with every visit and went above and beyond the call of duty.  

Bob is survived by 4 children Robin (James), Joe (Karen), Hope, and Kay; grandchildren Angela, Lhasa, Cy, and Scott; many great and great-great-grandchildren; nieces and nephews; and his Furry Family Member ‘Little Girl'.

Bob is loved deeply and will be missed by many. 

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, February 6^th from 6 to 8 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, SLC.