Robert Pettegrew Paul

Our dad, Robert Pettegrew Paul, was larger than life—blessed with personal charm, charisma, positive energy, and a deep voice that commanded everyone’s full attention. He went by many titles to those who loved him: Robert, Bob, Papa Bob, Bobby-sox, Big Bob, Grandpa, Pette Paul, Major Paul, friend, and brother. But to Kip, Mark, and Heidi, he was always - Dad.

Bob lived a life of deep gratitude for all his blessings. Passionately in love with his wife, Helen Wagstaff Paul (who preceded him in death just nine weeks ago), he passed away peacefully on the morning of July 6, 2026—on Helen’s birthday. He was 93.

Born on April 7, 1933, to Marguerite Davis Paul and George William Paul in Salt Lake City, Utah, Robert graduated from Granite High School in 1951. He went on to attend the University of Utah after serving an LDS mission in Southern California. In October 1956, Robert married Helen in the Salt Lake Temple. Together, they married for 70 years and raised three children: Kip, Mark, and Heidi. They have 8 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren.

Professionally, Bob was a master contract negotiator for Sperry Rand Univac and the Eaton Corporation. After retiring early, he dedicated the remainder of his career building up Helen’s watercolor company. Bob was passionate about supporting Helen and her art, and together they worked side-by-side to take her paintings to every corner of the world. Their adventures took them to 52 countries as they sold Helen’s prints, cards, serigraphs, and calendars globally.

Bob was also driven to preserve, document, and share the story of the 500 men, women, and children of the Mormon Battalion and their historic 2,000-mile march from Omaha to San Diego. Described in a news article as “Mr. Mormon Battalion,” he spent 30 years as a Major in the organization. His dedication was instrumental in creating the Mormon Battalion Memorial Plaza and Museum at This Is The Place Heritage Park, ensuring the tale of these faithful men and women would endure. On the plaza, he installed two massive statues. Bob was proud to be the great-grandson of David Pettegrew, a spiritual leader of the Battalion who is portrayed as the praying soldier in the monument. Bob served as the physical model for his ancestor in the sculpture, forever memorializing his ancestor. His historical expertise also helped create two PBS documentary films for BYU and the University of Utah.

Papa Bob adored his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Known for his many funny sayings, he always had a clever quip ready for any circumstance and maintained a happy, positive spirit. Whenever asked how he was doing, he would always answer, “I am doing great!” The family will miss Papa Bob driving them around in his antique cars, happily honking the horn and waving to all.

Robert is survived by his children, Kip Paul (Terri Young), Mark Paul (Jana Robbins), and Heidi Moreton (Chris Sleater). His legacy lives on through his grandchildren: Jorgi Paul and Rainy Ware (Jeff), Joshua Paul, Sarah Jane Spangler (Justin), Jacob Paul (Elisa), Alex Paul (Kate), Brighton Moreton Lu (Andy), Hunter Moreton (Brooklyn), and Erin Sleater. He has 8 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, and his siblings: George Paul, Howard Paul, Margaret Baker, Annie Erickson and Jerry Paul.

Funeral Details: Evening Viewing: Monday, July 13, 6:00 – 8:00 PM. Morning Viewing: Tuesday, July 14, 9:30 – 10:30 AM. Funeral Service: Tuesday, July 14, 11:00 AM. Location: LDS Chapel, 2080 East 5165 South, Salt Lake City, Utah.