Til We Meet Again, Br. Bob Simillion

Robert Lincoln Simillion, age 87 and a longtime member of the B7 Ward, was finally relieved of his suffering from a variety of health issues on December 4, 2014 while a patient at Dixie Regional Medical Center.  He and Carol moved to St. George in 1990 following his open heart surgery and a diagnosis of COPD because the lower altitude made it possible for him to lead a normal life for many years.  He was a 20-year survivor of throat and bladder cancer and in September 2013, he suffered a stroke leaving him partially blind with only 30% of his eyesight.  In spite of his many severe health challenges, Bob enjoyed a full and eventful life in St. George.

The second child of seven born to Rocco and Mary Lazar Simillion in Morton, UT, Bob grew up in Colorado on the family’s Four Mile Creek homestead and attended a one-room school until the 4^th grade.  Young Bob completed his education in Glenwood Springs.  After graduation from Garfield County High School in 1944, he enlisted in the U. S. Navy and served in the South Pacific until the end of World War II.  He was always proud of his military service to his country.

Upon his return to civilian life, he began working as a “pearl diver” at his uncle’s restaurant and, over the years, developed a love for cooking and skills as a chef.  Throughout his lifetime, he enjoyed cooking for family and friends.

He and his first wife Patricia Ament were the parents of three children: Paul Alan, Gerri Lea (who lived only 3 days) and Kendra Lynn.  While the children were still very young, their mother developed polio and passed away in 1952 leaving Bob as a single father.  He was then employed as a Colorado State Patrolman in Lafayette so he depended on his mother and sister to care for his children.

He met Danette Arnold and married a second time in 1954.  To this union, another son, Patrick, was born.  Bob was transferred to Steamboat Springs with the patrol but soon after accepted a position with the Yampa Valley Electric Association and because active in his community.  He served as President and Lieutenant Governor of the Kiwanis Club, President of the Steamboat Springs Chamber of Commerce, and directed summer programs for boys 6-12 years of age until the city formed a recreation program.  He was a lobbyist for the Colorado State Legislature, was President and a longtime member of “Club 20," an organization of Colorado’s 20 western counties and big businesses.  He was a member of the Elk Mountain Masonic Lodge and of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

He met and married Carol Rawlins following the death of his second wife.  Their love affair lasted more than 30 years. They retired to sunny St. George and while living in Utah’s Dixie, he served as the director of the American Cancer Society, a member of the Bloomington County Club and was an active volunteer for the Huntsman World Senior Games where he organized the first Gold Cup Tournament for Senior Games sponsors.

He is survived by his wife Carol, his and her children, and their many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews … and is missed by his many friends in St. George and in the B7 Ward.  A military graveside service will be held in June 2015 at the Highland Cemetery in Meeker, CO.