Robert (Bob) Martin Mains Sr.

Robert (Bob) Martin Mains Sr. passed away January 22, 2023, at the age of 86 surrounded by family.  He was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on July 2, 1936. The second of four sons, he was nicknamed: Runt. To his four children he was simply Daddy, and we are bereft without him. However, as we reflect upon his life, we are lifted-up by the memory of his phenomenal impact on our own. 

Daddy was a modern-day Renaissance Man. He seemed able to do everything. When he met Mom, he was a part-time actor (including being an extra in Blue Hawaii) and mechanic. However, needing to provide for a family compelled him to leave acting behind. His eldest daughter (Yvonne) was inspired by his love for the written word and became an English/Theater teacher. Yvonne also loves football, the result of spending Sundays in front of the TV with Dad. Imparting his encyclopedic knowledge of the game to his daughter means she was known as the shark in the office Fantasy Football pool.  

Papa served his church as a member of the choir and as a deacon. His participation was filled with laughter and hope. He taught the four of us that giving is always better than receiving and that laughter was the best medicine. Indeed, his laughter was both contagious and impossible to resist.  His second daughter (Deborah) inherited his ability to cheer and help others. Whether she has a dollar one day or one hundred the next, she shares what she has with others by making heart-warming meals and caring for those who are sick or in despair. 

During the early 1950s, Daddy served in the US Army, which would inspire his son to serve more than 20 years in the Air Force. As previously stated, Daddy seemed able to do anything. Plumbing, woodwork, electrical work, and painting around the house were done by him. Bob Jr. inherited these talents and together no household project was a match for their combined gifts. In fact, Daddy’s woodworking ability was so incredible, that he managed the cabinet shop at JBL/Harman for more than 20 years.  

In his youth, Daddy competed in gymnastics. He instilled his love of this sport in his youngest (Sandra) who went on to All-State Honors in California. In addition to gymnastics, Daddy had an incredible work-ethic. He was always tinkering around the garage. In some cases, this was because he was lathing parts for local manufacturing firms, keeping our family car working, or building a project that would instill values in his children. One of our earliest memories is of the Mains National Bank. Each of us was given an allowance for chores around the house, but we were required to put 25% in the Mains National Bank (four Campbell's Soup cans painted to reflect our names and secured to a block of wood with rebar and wing nuts). At the end of the year, we were permitted to use this money to buy Christmas gifts for one another. This lesson taught us the value of work, saving, and giving. Perhaps that is why Sandra just recently retired after working more than 25 years in management at a California credit union.

We will miss you, Daddy. However, Yvonne, Deborah, Robert Jr., and Sandra are consoled by the belief that you are reunited with Mama. For fifty-nine years, you saw each other through sickness and health. You were her caregiver for more than half of it, and your strength, love, and compassion are the benchmarks by which we measure ourselves. We are the sum of your whole. Keep the light on for us, Papa. 

Arrangements are made under the direction of Spilsbury Mortuary, 110 S Bluff Street, St. George, Utah, (435) 673-2454. Family and friends are invited to sign Robert’s online guest book at www. spilsburymortuary.com