Robert Dean Whetstone

Our beloved Father and Grandfather, and devoted husband Robert Dean Whetstone passed away peacefully on July 1, 2025, in his home following a courageous battle with cancer, at the age of 69. Robert departed this earthly life surrounded by loved ones and while at times our hearts ache with his loss, they are also filled with the love and joy he emulated during his time here on earth.

Dad was born on October 5, 1955, in Reno, Nevada. He was the second child of Everett Whetstone and Susan Duarte. He was lovingly raised by his grandparents, Anna Louise and Harold Marvin Whetstone, who instilled in him the values that would shape his remarkable life.

In 1977, while working at the Utah State University cafeteria, Dad met the love of his life, Balinda Ashby. They were sealed for time and all eternity on March 14, 1978, in the Ogden, Utah temple, as a testament to their enduring love and commitment to each other. Together, they embarked on the grand adventure of raising six children, primarily in Layton, Utah, with a memorable two-year interlude in Okinawa, Japan (1995-1997).

He was a graduate of Logan High School class of 1973. He went to Utah State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting. Dad dedicated 25 years of his professional life to Hill Air Force Base, where he retired in 2017.

Dad loved sports and it was a big part of his life. He was able to meet many people and make many lasting connections, memories, and lifelong friendships through basketball, softball, pickleball, and organizing church sports programs. In addition, Dad loved cheering on the Utah State Aggies and New York Yankees and passed his love for those teams on to his kids, grandkids, and anyone else he met.

Dad's faith was a cornerstone of his existence. He was an active and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in countless callings and had the opportunity of touching many lives. He was a beloved bishop, leading both family and young single adult wards with compassion and wisdom. His dedication to his faith was evident from a young age when he served a two-year mission in Rochester, New York. Years later, he had the unique privilege of returning to the very same area with his sweet wife, Balinda, for an 18-month mission. They met many wonderful people who impacted their lives greatly and whom they loved serving with. During this time, they also had the opportunity to serve in the historic Joseph Knight home, an experience that deepened his faith and led him to become chairman of the Colesville Restoration upon their return.

Beyond his family and faith, Dad was known to many as Santa Claus. He absolutely adored being a part of countless family traditions, spreading cheer, and creating magical memories for children of all ages during the Christmas season.

Dad was a great father, but he was a fantastic grandfather. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and would do just about anything for them. That included watching cowboy shows, singing songs, watching their events, making them special treats and supporting them anyway he could. He loved his grandchildren, and they loved him.

Robert is survived by his devoted wife, Balinda; his children, Jamie (Dave) Reeder, Jacob (Sara) Whetstone, Kari (Matt) Parker, Kellen (Mekayla) Whetstone, Lesha (Jeff) Atkinson, and Landon (Sara) Whetstone. He leaves behind 22 grandchildren, each of whom he adored and who will forever cherish their memories of an amazing grandpa. In addition, he leaves behind his loving father Everett Earnest Whetstone, sisters Carol Allen, Deborah (Mark) Jones, Teresa (James) Bible, Candy Morris, Cindy Urch, Judy Hayes and his brother, Richard Duarte.

He was preceded in death by his mother and his stepfather, Susan and Richard Duarte, his mother and father-in-law, Lamar and Julene Ashby, and two beloved grandchildren, William and Olivia Reeder, who he is now undoubtedly reunited with.

Dad's life was a testament to joy, service, and unwavering love. While we will miss him dearly, we find comfort in knowing he lived a full and meaningful life, leaving an indelible mark on all who knew him.

The family would like to offer a special thanks to CNS hospice for their dedicated and professional care during our dad’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to the Huntsman Cancer Center, a cause that was close to Robert’s heart.

https://give.huntsmancancer.org/page/71762/donate/1

To honor Robert’s life, viewings will be held on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, from 6-8 pm at Lindquist Mortuary (1867 N Fairfield Rd, Layton, Utah, 84041) and then again on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, from 9-10:30 am at the Layton Stake Center (60 West Gordon Avenue, Layton, Utah 84041). Funeral services will take place on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at 11 am, at the Layton Utah Stake Center. Interment will follow at Lindquist Mortuary-Lindquist Layton Memorial Park. The service will be livestreamed and can be accessed below.

DISCLAIMER: WE DO NOT PAN THE CROWD AND THE CAMERA IS FIXED UPON THE PULPIT. WE WILL TRY AND LIVESTREAM THE FUNERAL SERVICE. IF WE ARE UNABLE TO DO SO, DUE TO THE INTERNET SERVICE AT THE CHURCH, A RECORDING WILL BE UPLOADED WITHIN 24-48 HOURS AFTER THE SERVICE.