Robert Roy Gill

Wherever he wants to be, we hope that’s where he spends eternity. He was a father, a husband, a veteran, a grandfather, and someone’s whole world. He was a knight in shining armor. Life won’t be the same without him. He has to leave us and we understand. It is time for him to move on. We know he will remember us and continue to be by our side. He knows that we all love him and he knows it is okay to let go and walk with God.

Robert Roy Gill was born on April 19, 1935 in Big Springs, Nebraska to parents James Franklin Gill and Amelia Elizabeth (Hassler) Gill. He grew up in that small town in the panhandle of Nebraska with two sisters and three brothers. His father died when he was 11, which forced him to grow up quickly.

He graduated from Big Springs High School in 1953. Afterward, searching for a job he ended up in Monticello and Moab, Utah working for Lamb Surveying Service. Then in February of 1956 he enlisted in the U.S. Army. One of his favorite stories is how he ended up in the army and if you’ve ever met him you know this story. His brother Sam wanted to enlist, but when he went to the recruitment office he was rejected because of vision problems. However, the recruiter said, “If you have a brother who would buddy up with you, you can join.” Sam said, “Well…yes I do.” And that’s how Robert ended up the army (according to the story).

For the remainder of his life he carried with him enormous pride for having served his country. He went to basic training at Fort Carson, Colorado then became part of the Quarter Master’s Company, 8th Infantry Division. He spent 29 months in Germany taking part in Operation Gyroscope. He was stationed near Bad Kreuznach and Göppingen, Germany. He made Spec 4. Robert received a Good Conduct Medal and the Marksmanship Medal during his service and he also earned two Silver Certificates of Safety. His enlistment in the U.S. Army ended in January of 1959.

Later that year, on June 4, he married Lola B. Armstrong in a small private ceremony in Sterling, Colorado. They spent a few years living back in Big Springs, but the search for work took him to Denver and then Salt Lake. On his birthday in 1962, he was hired by Mountain Fuel Supply Company and moved to Salt Lake City, Utah where he remained until his death – living in the same house for 64 years.

Robert had three children and five grandchildren who he loved with all his heart. He spent as much time as he could with them. Every weekend was spent camping and fishing. He took them to movies, on walks, to breakfasts, out to coffee, to church, trick-or-treating, played cards with them for hours, and picked them up from school. He would do anything for any one of them.

He was passionate about Elvis and the Nebraska Cornhuskers. He played church ball and bowled on the church league. He would argue with you just for fun. He would walk over and squeeze your shoulder and strike up a conversation. He would remember your face and your name and your story. He was never afraid to stop a complete stranger and get to know them. He was the consummate social butterfly. He would correct your grammar and let you know in no uncertain terms that it is “supper” not “dinner.” He was stubborn but brimming with love. He lived his life based on Matthew 25:35; he never looked down on anyone. And you never had to ask him if he could touch his toes – he would just show you that he could.

Robert is survived by his wife Lola (Armstrong) Gill; daughter Vickie Sue (Gill) Barker; sons Robert Steven Gill (Bridget Gill) and Roy Allen Gill (Brittinie Gleave); granddaughters Kealey Ann Gill, Ashlein Amelia Gill, and Cecily Rose Gill; and grandson Greysen Finley Gill.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Amelia Gill; sisters Naomi Meyer and Audrey Murray; brothers Don Gill, Sam Gill, and Lowell Gill; and granddaughter Haven Sioux Gill.

Robert’s funeral service will be held on August 14, 2026 at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 1955 S Stratford Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah. Visitation will be at 9:00 AM and the service will start at 10:00.

Robert’s graveside with military honors will be held at noon at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 S Redwood Road, West Jordan, Utah.

In lieu of flowers please donate to Wounded Warrior Project.