Obiturary For Robert Merritt Calder

Robert Merritt Calder was born on June 9, 1918, in Garden City, Utah, to David and Irene Calder. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on April 27, 2014, at his home in Garden City, Utah. He grew up in Garden City and enjoyed his childhood there; always loving to do the things young boys liked to do in those days. He always loved to ride horses. As a young boy he made trips to Star Valley, Wyoming, to stay at his grandparents and ride their horses. Later in life he was able to buy his own horses, which he enjoyed very much.  

He married his lifetime love, Maxine McKinnon, on July 15, 1941. They were the parents of three children: Mary Athay, Gaye Johnson (Dee) and Ned Calder (Tammy). He had 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. They all loved "Grandpa Bob." Maxine passed away on July 9, 2003.

"Bob," as most people knew him, was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. 
He served in World War II and was called to the front lines in Germany, where he was hit with what he called a "million dollar bullet." He sustained many injuries while in the war, which affected him for the rest of his life, but he said if he needed to go again he would. Bob loved his country and he was proud to be an American. He received the Purple Heart award. 

After returning from the war, Bob spent most of his life in Garden City. He loved the town of Garden City and served on the town council for 20 years. He helped with many improvements for the town, including getting television to the town, helping with the water canals, the cemetery, and he was instrumental in getting the modern day water system into Garden City. He maintained and took care of it for many years. 

He was a good neighbor and a friend to many, always willing to help anyone in need. He was always very particular about his home, garden and barns. He liked everything neat and tidy. He was a hard worker and loved to work, always improving and making things better.
He had lots of fun stories about the town of Garden City and the people who lived there from years gone by. 

He was a good husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. Our family loved him so much, and we will miss him. 

Funeral services were held Saturday, May 3, in the Garden City LDS Chapel.  Burial will was in the Garden City Cemetery following the service.


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