Robert Holyoak

It is with very sad hearts we announce that on July 14, 2025, at age 68, our beloved Robert Paul Holyoak passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah due to cancer and declining health. He was born in Great Falls, Montana on January 9, 1957, to Arnold and Dorothy Dobay Holyoak. He was named after his mother's only brother - Robert. Being the last and 6th child in the family, he was adored and cherished by his 4 older sisters and 1 brother. He possessed a great personality and a happy attitude and added a bright spot to their family. He was also a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

When Robert was just 10 his father died, which was very difficult for a young boy. A few years later he received a guitar and because of practicing diligently, he became a fabulous guitarist. It was a lifelong talent and love for Robert. Robert attended schools in Great Falls and graduated from High School with his GED. Regretfully though, during Junior High School he made the mistake of becoming friends with students that were involved with drug use, and this set him on a path with many difficulties.

After High School Robert attended an airplane flight and mechanics school in Oklahoma and then piloted airplanes. Later he moved to Utah where he worked. He had a great relationship with his brother and his nieces and nephews there in Provo who considered him a warm and compassionate uncle. His nephew Billy says Robert was a very positive influence on him when he was younger and lived with their family for a while. He has memories of Robert caring about and helping him to get a guitar and teaching him a little bit about it. He fueled Billy's drive to make music and to continue learning the guitar on his own. He remembers him as being a fun jokester but also very caring and compassionate. However, at one point Robert spent time in jail for drug distribution. Nevertheless, although he faced many challenges - like many have - he worked hard to turn things around and he showed kindness and resilience through it all. 

In 1993 he met and married Rita Mae Shafer. They bought a lovely home in Taylorsville where they both worked various jobs. It was very tragic when Rita passed away due to liver failure in 1997. In April of 2000 Robert fell in love with and married Nancy Ness and became stepdad to her daughter Joni. Joni was an excellent skater and participated in the closing ceremonies of the Olympics in Utah. Robert was very proud of her and drove her to her many events and practices. They lived in Taylorsville, Utah, where they were still residing at the time of his passing.

Robert had an impressive guitar collection displayed on the walls of his family room showing his passion for playing that instrument. He had various occupations and was the top salesman at a vacation resort company. Robert had a challenging life due to his being involved with drugs, and also had major back pain issues. He also had several surgeries for his back and almost died of sepsis from one of the surgeries. But even when he was in the hospital, he had an upbeat attitude, a great sense of humor, and a quick mind. He had a kind and generous heart and often opened up his home to friends that needed help. 

He is survived by his loving wife Nancy, his stepdaughter Joni Houghton (Robert Calliham), three grandchildren - Gabriel Atkinson, Madlynn Calliham, and Apollo Calliham, two sisters - Margaret H. Jones (Rick) and Janet H. Wright (Dale), brother Arnold (Buddy) Holyoak (Sheila), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father and mother and two sisters, Jolene Allen (Lloyd) and Judy Kemp (Virl). 

 Robert was a son, a brother, an uncle, a husband, a stepdad, a grandfather, and a friend to so many. He will be greatly missed and remembered by family and friends for his warm, compassionate, and fun personality. We are grateful for the knowledge that we will see him again and know that he is now free from pain and is in a place of love and peace. We have no doubt that he was greeted by his dad and mom, his sisters, and other family members who welcomed him with open arms. We love you, Robert! You will never be forgotten. God Bless You Until we meet again.

A graveside service will be held at 2 pm on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Valley View Memorial Park , 4400 West 4100 South, West Valley, Utah, where we will share memories and celebrate Robert's life.

Services are under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home.