Robert William Atwood

Dr. Robert William Atwood (1935-2012). Our cherished example of compassion, service, generosity and love continues his eternal journey. He died September 4th after a courageous battle with an incurable illness. Robert (Bob) was born to Alvin and Mae Atwood in a rural part of Spanish Fork, Utah called Leland. It was there he had the unrestricted freedoms of childhood play, along with learning to do hard physical labor at an early age. He also had to adapt to living with four sisters. His love for people became apparent while young. He always treated members of his family and everyone around him with concern and caring. The results were always having devoted family, neighbors and friends. While in high school he became the senior class president. After high school he was called into military service and there again developed lifelong friends. His military assignment was in Germany. While there he became a Dental assistant and also toured with a unit basketball team. These experiences helped to develop in him a wide range of interests including sports, gardening, music and woodworking. After returning from Germany another type of love entered his life. Lauralee Jackson was this love. They were married Dec. 21 1959 and moved to Utah where Bob began his Education and they started their family of three boys and one girl. After some years of struggle and sacrifice Bob received his PhD degree in Psychology. Their life changed as they moved to Cheney,Washington where Bob began his career as a University Professor and a clinical counselor. There are innumerable stories from students and persons he counseled of not only of his capabilities, but his compassion. His wife and children were of great importance to him. He always expressed his love and concern for their well being as they went through the challenges of life. Bob always talked about the special characteristics of each member of his family and how he wanted to help them reach their potential and give them unconditional love. The greatest joy in later years has been the times spent with his five grandchildren. He adored them and they him. Countless hours of Bob's time have been spent in service in our Heavenly Father's work. The assignments have varied, with the most recent being a Stake Patriarch. Here again his desire to help others has been his priority. He also desired to be humble enough to have the promptings of the Spirit. He even enjoyed an assignment to clean the Temple because he felt it brought him closer to God. Bob was preceded in death by his father, mother, and a son. He is survived by his wife Laura, his children, Elizabeth (Jason) Berman,, Mathew Atwood, Jeffrey Atwood, and five grandchildren. Also sisters Opal (Ralph) Clarke, Jean (Burral) Marshall, Helen Stark, and Susan Foss. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday September 14, at the Cheney Chapel of the Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints. Burial will follow at the Washington State Veterans Cemetery.

Robert William Atwood

April 7, 1935 - September 4, 2012