Robert “Bob” Charles Lee

Robert “Bob” Charles Lee, age 83, completed his mortal journey on August 17, 2019 at his home in Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Bob was born on June 26, 1936 in Salt Lake City, Utah to John Myron and Helen Brasher Lee. He married his sweetheart, Jane Ruth Kitchen, on June 19, 1957 in The Salt Lake Temple.
Bob is lovingly remembered by his wife of 62 years, Jane Lee, and their three children Tammy (Taylor) Neilsen, Doug (Tanya) Lee, and Lynda (Bryan) Coutts. “Grandpa Bob” will be dearly missed by his twenty-two grandchildren (including spouses) and 13 great grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister, Virginia (Terry) Andersen and by several nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, John Myron Lee, his mother, Helen Brasher Lee, two infant brothers, an infant granddaughter, Bridget McArthur, and by his father’s second wife, Esther Lee.
After losing two infant sons, Helen and Myron Lee welcomed their precious son, Bobby, with great joy. He and his younger sister, Virginia, were treasured and raised with great love. Bob learned to work hard at an early age and even helped to support his family as a teenager when his father was called to serve a 2 year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. A strong work ethic is something Bob carried with him throughout his entire life. Bob graduated from East High School where he excelled in football and wrestling. These sports continued to be an integral part of Bob’s life as he pursued his degree in physical education at the University of Utah.  While at the U, Bob achieved great success as a championship wrestler and captain of the wrestling team.  As co-captain of the football team, he helped lead the Utes to win the conference championship in 1957. He graduated with his bachelor’s degree in 1958. He returned to his Alma Mater a few years later to complete a masters degree.
For much of his professional life, Bob was known as “Coach Lee,” in his career as a football coach in Utah, Arizona, Texas and Iowa. Coach Lee was beloved by coaches, players, their families, and members of the community. He was particularly well known for his ability to recruit top talent and for his emphasis on establishing great defensive strategy and play. Under his able leadership as head coach, The Arizona Western College Matadors claimed an underdog victory in the National Junior College Championship Bowl in December 1967. The coaching years provided innumerable adventures for the Lee family and led to lifelong friendships that endured long after that season of his career was over. After retiring from coaching, Bob continued in his determination to support his family as he worked in a handful of different professions, ultimately forming his own auto transport company, Bob Lee Auto Transport, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2001.
Perhaps his favorite job title of all was “Grandpa Bob,” which he was so lovingly called by his grandchildren and great grandchildren. Grandpa never tired of pushing heavy ’loads’ of giggling grandchildren around for wheelbarrow rides in the backyard. It was impossible to tell if grandpa or the kids were having more fun as he excitedly involved his grandchildren in his lifelong love for hiking, biking, boating, skiing, and exploring the great outdoors. Adults and children alike sat in rapt attention when he told stories around the fire. We can all still hear the loud “Caw” of the ‘Windago’ in our minds.
A son, brother, husband, father, grandfather, coach, and friend will be sorely missed by all who had the privilege to know Bob Lee in this life. He is now welcomed with open arms by joyous loved ones who have gone before and long anticipated his homecoming.
Funeral Services will be held Monday, August 26th at 2:00 pm at the Mountain View Memorial Chapel and Mortuary at 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Friends and family may pay their respects at 1:00 pm on Monday, prior to the service, or on Sunday Evening, August 25th from 6:00-8:00 pm at Mountain View Memorial Chapel.
Service Information
Viewing August 25, 2019 at 6:00 - 8:00 PM
Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah





Viewing August 26, 2019 at 1:00 - 1:45 PM
Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah





Funeral Service
August 26, 2019 at 2:00
Memorial Mountain View Mortuary, 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights, Utah