Robert J (Bob) Whimpey 1934-2021

Bob Whimpey passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday January 10, 2021.  Bob was born, the 2 ^nd son of Don L. and Vera Creer Whimpey on March 21, 1934 at home in Spanish Fork, Utah.  Later on, the family moved to the northern part of Lehi to a home that his parents had built, using logs salvaged from a horse stable that was being torn down.  He had a happy and fulfilling childhood learning love and loyalty of family and the benefits of hard work.  He fetched buckets of water from an open well for his Mother, he milked cows, raised chickens, grew tomatoes and helped with his sister. As a youngster, Bob rode horses to deliver newspapers to a large section of northern Lehi, changing horses in the middle of the routes because they were such big routes!  Growing up, his older brother Ken was a great friend as were his younger sisters, JaNeane and much later Elaine who completed the Whimpey Family.  Bob developed a love of the land, farming, raising animals and the delicious fruits and vegetables from the family trees and garden. This same love for the land stayed with him, even though later on, his employment took him on the road, traveling hundreds of miles every day, driving a truck.  He graduated from Lehi High School but stayed close to home, waiting for his Sweetheart, Judy Peck, to complete her education so they could marry!

Robert J. Whimpey and Judith Peck were married for Time and all Eternity in the Salt Lake Temple on June 16, 1955. Shortly after, the young couple moved into the home Bob built, where they raised their family and where he's lived for the past 65 years. Bob and Judy were blessed with four children, and they worked hard to instill a love of the land and animals the value of hard work to their children, Joan, Jay, Dian and Suzanne. He enjoyed camping, hunting and fishing, and boating at Lake Powell and had a real love for fast cars, especially Buicks!  Bob's last car is a Buick but he'd learned to take life a little slower, using a small motorcycle, or his dune buggy to make his coffee runs, and his mule to travel up to Sue's house for dinner!

The Peck family adopted Bob as a son and brother and loved him dearly.  He worked alongside his father-in-law, Tom Peck and brothers-in-law, mining clay, gypsum and mercury, and hauling all over the surrounding states as a co-owner of the Thomas J. Peck, Mining and Trucking Company.  This career meant working hard and missing home while living in other states, camping out in Marysvale, Jericho, Pueblo, Colorado or McDermott, Nevada taking Judy and the kids along for time together and adventures in new places.

Bob and Judy spent many years raising and racing quarter horses and they were proud of their accomplishments. They were fortunate to decorate their home with trophies, plaques and buckles from many years of wins. Traveling to races and developing friendships with owners and other racing enthusiasts was a big part of life.

Their quiet generosity has blessed many old and new friends, helping anyone who needed help without expecting anything in return. They have been so proud of the accomplishments of Eli and Petrita and their children and were so happy to help them succeed in their endeavors.

His Dear Judy died unexpectedly over 16 years ago, leaving a huge hole in his life, but he kept on raising animals, growing fruit trees and having a large wonderful garden.  Finding he had extra time on his hands, he spent many hours gathering walnuts from his big tree and many winter days cracking those delicious nuts for family and friends. One year he cracked over 300 pounds. Throughout the years he remained good natured and well liked for the twinkle in his eyes and the teasing remarks. Everyone was a friend.   Recently, he had become something of a local celebrity with his field becoming the home for miniature donkeys, cows, retired race horses and even his own sign.  Many cars traveling up and down his road would stop just to take a look or to sneak some carrots or apples to the donkeys.

He is preceded in death by his parents, and his wife Judy, and brother Kenneth. He is survived by children Joan (Tony) Southwick of Taylorsville, Jay (Kim) Whimpey of Farr West, Dian (John) Joseph of Costa Rica, and Sue (Larry) Williams, Lehi, 21 grandchildren, 38 great grand children and 1 great, great grandchild.

The family offers a Special Thanks for the Love and Support of the Coffee Guys who could always be counted on to be found at the same place and same time.  And many Thanks to Dr. Von Welch for the special care and concern.

In lieu of Flowers, please donate to the National Kidney Foundation of Utah and Idaho at kidneyut.org/donations in Bobs memory.

A Graveside service will held on Wednesday, January 13, 2021 at 1:00 PM in the Lehi City Cemetery, 1100 North 400 East. A viewing will be held one hour prior to the service at Wing Mortuary, 118 East Main, Lehi, Utah. Online guest book at wingmortuary.com.