Robert Lee Wrathall

Professionally known as Bob Lee (January 22, 1947 – Jun 30, 2024) Robert Lee Wrathall, also known professionally as Bob Lee, passed away on Sunday, June 30th at the University of Utah Hospital at the age of 77. Born on January 22, 1947, to Morris Young Wrathall and Norma Camille Anderson in Grantsville, Utah, Bob was the happy ‘surprise baby’. His parents were both natives of Grantsville, and he was doted on by his older siblings, Don, Carolyn, and Camille. At the age of six, Bob moved with his parents to Sunnyvale, California, 35 miles south of San Francisco. He excelled academically and graduated in the top 10% of his class from Sunnyvale High School in 1965. Bob served an LDS mission in the Franco-Belgian Mission, headquartered in Brussels and presided over by Elder James M. Paramore. Bob was proud of having learned French via immersion, as that was how missionaries learned the language before the advent of the MTC. He would talk about the waffles sold by a street vendor in front of the missionaries' apartment building, he and his companion would get one every day that they could afford it. He searched for and craved Belgian waffles locally for years until Bruges opened. Upon his return, Bob completed a B.A. in Advertising with a minor in French from San Jose State University. In January 1973, Bob moved to Salt Lake City after accepting a job offer from KSL. That spring, he met Linda Horrocks on a blind date, and they were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 11, 1973. The couple welcomed their children, Emily and Alex, and resided in Salt Lake City before moving to Bountiful, Utah, in 1988. Bob had a fulfilling career in broadcasting, making significant contributions to his field. He was known for his creativity, dedication, and professionalism. Outside of work, Bob was passionate about film noir, literature, and trains, among many other interests and hobbies. He enjoyed sharing these interests with friends and family. There was a favorite family story from when Emily was a small child and they had traveled to see the Heber Creeper train. Bob was standing outside of the train car where his family was sitting, taking pictures. When the train whistle blew, and the train started to move, Emily began to cry in fear her daddy was being left behind. Bob made it onto the train, and all was well. It remained one of Bob’s cherished stories to tell. Family trips were a beloved tradition for Bob. He treasured the many vacations taken with his family, creating lifelong memories. He loved the French culture and language, and took Lin to France and Belgium in 1980, spending a month and a half there. Later, Lin and Bob traveled to Russia and cruised up the Volga River. Many trips to Disneyland were made to visit Bob’s sisters who lived in California. The family would drive there and visit his brother Don and nieces in Las Vegas along the way. Bob was actively involved with his church, and he deeply loved the LDS faith. He served in numerous church callings, including as a Sunday school teacher, high council member, and youth leader. His mission, holding the priesthood, and callings were a blessing and anchor in his life. He and Lin also served together on a mission at Guests Services in Temple Square, and Primary Children’s Hospital ward. The Wrathall family extends their heartfelt thanks to all who supported and loved Bob throughout his journey. In his final years in Bountiful, he and his family were frequently aided by the members, friends, and neighbors who checked on him and helped whenever they could. After Bob moved, he was visited often by these wonderful people he loved. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary or the animal rescue organization of your choice, honoring Bob’s love for animals. Bob is survived by his daughter Emily, sister Camille Ball (Geoff), nieces Bryony, Chantre, Erin, Meg (Tim), nephew Mark, and grandchildren Emerie, Ava, Maisy, Samantha, and Kristina. He is preceded in death by his wife Lin, parents, brother Don, and sister Carolyn. Final arrangements have been entrusted to Serenity Funeral Home. Private services will be held at a later date for both Bob and Lin. "On ne voit bien qu'avec le cœur. L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux." ("One sees clearly only with the heart. What is essential is invisible to the eye.") — Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, author of The Little Prince

Robert Lee Wrathall

January 22, 1947 - June 30, 2024