Robert W. Wells
August 24, 1942 - March 13, 2015
Park City, a town we all love to call our home, lost extraordinary member of our community last weekend. A husband, a father, a grandfather, a co-worker, a philanthropist, and a true visionary. An innovator, and a collaborator with a very dry wit. A source of genuine compassion, intelligence, and talent. At the age of 72 and after a two-year battle with cancer, Robert W. Wells spent his last moments at home with his family where he passed away peacefully on Sunday night, March 15, 2015.
Raised in Laurel, Mississippi, Bob received a degree in accounting from Mississippi State University and a prompt job offer from the nationally recognized accounting firm of Arthur Anderson. It is there that Bob met Edgar Stern, one of his accounting clients. That relationship would prove to be pivotal for Bob. The Stern family, and its development company, Royal Street, acquired the Park City Ski Resort in the early 1970's, and Edgar Stern offered Bob a job as its chief financial officer. Bob accepted the offer and moved to Park City in 1971. Bob was later instrumental in Royal Street's development of the Deer Valley Resort.
Over the next 45 years Bob's involvement in Park City was extraordinary. But his involvement with Deer Valley was only part of what this multi-talented man accomplished during these years. He also managed to serve two full terms as a member of the Park City Council. He was a member and later Chairman of the Park City Planning Commission. Bob was President of the Park City Chamber and Visitor's Bureau and Ski Utah. He was a founder and Director of the Mountainlands Community Housing Trust. He also provided leadership in the creation of the Peace House, and he served as a member of the board of Community Wireless of Park City.
Amidst all of this professional activity, his wife Patti, was the cornerstone of Bob's life. For over 40 years they have loved and supported each other and shared an incredible bond. Bob was an amazing father to Amy, Rob, and Kelly. His children idolized him and recognized their dad as a man of great integrity and honor. As a proud grandfather, he supported his grandsons Max, Jake and Ryan in their many activities. Special memories are family beach vacations, early morning Sunday golf, fishing on the Green and treasured time on the boat at Lake Powell. Bob especially enjoyed golfing with his dear friend, Thayer Christensen, and all his buddies in the "Rabbits Group", at The Country Club in Salt Lake.
In the decades that Bob worked at Deer Valley Resort, he had the unique ability to establish lasting relationships with so many of his "Deer Valley Family" co-workers, regardless of their role or responsibility. Along with their shared commitment to the continuing success of the Deer Valley Resort, Bob Wheaton and Bob have also enjoyed an enduring close personal friendship.
The depth and breadth of Bob's decades of contribution to Park City are immeasurable. One of the numerous awards given to him for his voluntary service contained a statement from Winston Churchill. It reads "We make a living by what we do; but we make a life by what we give". That statement exemplifies how Bob lived his life. Bob is now reunited with his daughter Kelly, who passed away in July, 2010. Our town has truly lost a quiet, unassuming, and brilliant icon.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, March 20th at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1505 White Pine Canyon Road, Park City. Friends and colleagues may call upon the family at St. Mary's from 11:30 to 12:45 p.m., prior to the mass. Graveside service to follow at Mt. Calvary Cemetery, 4th Ave. "T" Street, Salt Lake City.
A celebration of Bob's life will also be held on Tuesday, March 24th from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., at the Silver Lake Lodge, mid-mountain Deer Valley Resort.
Donations on Bob's behalf can be made to:
In Loving Memory
Patti and Robby, Thank you both for making my last visit with Bob possible. Bob was clearly one of the great influences in my life and to have been allowed that last visit will always be of great importance to me. It somehow makes my pain from loosing him a little easier. And I hope in some small way my best wishes to the two of you will help with what you have to endure.. Your Friend and Admirer, Gil Williams
Gil Williams
95 Fox Den Midway, 84049, UT
Patty & Family, What a privilege and joy it was for me to have had an office next to Bob for so many years. He taught me many things--all through his quiet example (sprinkled liberally with dry wit). I am a better person for having known him. Deepest condolences for your loss of this unforgettable, irreplaceable man. Wendy Faber
Wendy Faber
Eden, Ut
Patti, Rob and Amy, Sending condolences to you and your family. Mel and I always thought highly of Bob. I hope your loving memories will carry you through this tough time. Peggy
Peggy Fletcher and Family
Park City, UT
Dear Patti, My heart goes out to you for the loss of your dear husband. It was a pleasure knowing and working with Bob. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Regards, Ruth gezelius
ruth gezeliius
Park city, ut
May Robert's loving family and friends find comfort from Jesus' words at John 5:28, 29.
Charles Schuttig
nan, Fl
Dear Patti and family, My heart goes out to you, such a big loss for you. Please accept my sincere sympathy. Joanne White (neighbor)
Joanne White
Park City, nan
Patti, I am so thankful that I had a couple of hours, to sit with Bob, last July when I was back in Park City, and let him know how grateful I am to have known and served with him, . A lot has been and will be said about Bob but those who worked beside that creative genius, back in the day, know the words will only just scratch the surface of the gift Bob gave to his community and family. I am blessed to have known you both. Thank you for sharing a most special man with the rest of us and my most heartfelt condolences go out to you. Al Horrigan
Al Horrigan
Bradenton, Fl
Dear Patti, Rob & Amy We are thinking of you with our deepest sympathy in these trying times. Bob was truly a wonderful friend of ours dating back to the 1970's. He was so loyal, unique, smart, talented, kind, witty and his photo is so Bob. May your many happy memories bring you all some smiles and comfort and may you find peace with so many many friends and loved ones in the days to come. May God's blessings surround each of you. Our love, Woody & Sandy
Woody and Sandy Anderson
Albion, Id
Dear Patti and Family, What a blessing it was to be able to spend time with you and Bob at the swim meet in Park City.It seems the only change in Bob from when he came to work at the ski resort to now was his loss of his Mississippi accent.The world would surely be a better place if we had more people as Holy as Bob. Pam and Phil Jones Salt Lake, City
Pam and Phil Jones
Salt Lake City, Ut
Bob and I grew up together in Laurel, MS. Our families lived across the street from one another. Bob and I started the first grade together and graduated from high school together. We spent endless hours playing together as kids. We both went on to Mississippi State University and graduated in 1963. I saw Bob only a handful of times after graduation from college. I remember the last time vividly. I was in Laurel in November, 2004, attending to my mother's funeral. Bob was there visiting relatives, I believe. He saw my mother's obituary in the paper and came to her wake. I was very surprised and delighted to see him. It was a wonderful gesture on his part and I will always be grateful. I offer his family and friends my sincere condolences. Joe Sims
Joe Sims
Baton Rouge, LA
Patti,I was saddened to hear of Bob's death.My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Of course we all called Bob Cedric in Laurel at George S. Gardiner High School.He was smart ,fun and very funny! We had a wonderful town to grow up in and many good friends.reading about all his accomplishments the two that stand out to me are his love for his family and his publis service to his Park City.The Class of 1959 will miss him.
Susan Boone Vincent
Laurel, MS
?Some people come into our lives and quickly go. Some stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never, ever the same.? ― Flavia Weedn Bob was such a kind and considerate human being. Few people can make that kind of lasting impression on everyone they meet. RIP
Alane Costanzo
Oakley/St.George, Ut