Robert LeRoy Marshall

Robert Leroy Marshall passed away peacefully surrounded by friends and family Saturday, Aug 20th, 2016. Robert was born in Mesquite, Nevada on December 15, 1944 to Harry LeRoy Marshall and Norine Reber Marshall. He graduated from Paramount High School in Paramount, California in 1962. He was blessed to have a younger brother Terry Leon Marshall, whom he considered to be one of his best friends and his sweet baby sister Toni, both deceased. In August of 1965 he married the love of his life Janice Wheatfill. Together they have 6 children and have been blessed with 20 beautiful grandchildren.

Robert graduated from Brigham Young University in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in fine art. In 1968 he completed a Masters degree in painting and sculpture at BYU. Robert was a gifted athlete who played football for BYU from 1962-65. While playing for BYU, in 1965 they won the first WAC championship. Robert loved BYU football and spent most fall weekends with his family and friends watching or attending games. He loved the game of Golf, and found great joy in beating his sons and reminding them of it daily.

Robert began his teaching career at Cal State Fullerton in 1968. He then taught at Brigham Young University from 1969-2008.  During his career at Brigham Young University, Robert served as Chairman of the Department of Visual Arts for twelve years (1985-1997). He then returned to the studio and the classroom fulltime.  Robert was designated by the University to receive the Suzanne Young Gates, University Professorship 1999-2008, as well as the Karl G Maeser Research and the Creative Arts Awards. He also received the prestigious College of Fine Arts and Communications Annual Award for Creative Excellence. In 2003, he was named the Higher Education Art Educator of the Year by the Utah Art Education Association. In 2010 Robert was invited by Congressman Jason Chaffetz to address national artists from the 50 states at the US Capitol in Washington DC. In 2003, the Department of Visual Arts selected Robert to represent the College and address the student body of Brigham Young University in a devotional where he spoke about the process of “Becoming.” In 2013 Robert was invited to the Governor's Mansion where he received from Gary Herbert, The Governor's Visual Artists Award recognizing his contribution to the State of Utah in the arts. Receiving numerous regional and national awards for his paintings. Robert was one of six artist commissioned by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints to paint murals for the Nauvoo Temple (2002), and one of four commissioned for the Provo City Center Temple, (2015). He was also the only artist commissioned for the Sacramento, California Temple in (2006).

Robert said about his artwork “it is my source of inspiration”. His artistic gift has given us all a private and personal place of discovery and spiritual release. Utah’s landscape provided the inspiration for his work. Roberts artwork is a visual and spiritual representation of the world he saw as beautiful and inspiring.

Robert loved traveling and learning about history and culture. He participated in many study abroad programs where he traveled across Europe, South America, Africa, and the middle east. He fervently taught students and his family about the love of the arts, religion, and architecture. He spent endless hours in museums and galleries forcing his family, against their will, to endure lectures about the finest details of what he found interesting.

Robert had a deep love for his Savior Jesus Christ and served him faithfully. He adored his service by performing as Bishop and in the Stake Clerk position for several years. He was a student of the gospel and inspired others to understand these truths through thought provoking conversation and teaching. Every moment was a gospel related teaching opportunity and one of his greatest joys was to engage his family in religious centered dialogue. He loved learning gospel truths and sharing those truths with others. Robert truly loved people and had a way of making everyone feel cared for. His compassionate influence on others was a gift. Through his genuine concern and leadership, he changed lives and created eternal relationships. He valued opinion and sought counsel from all those he associated with. Robert believed everyone had a unique and extraordinary worth. He will be remembered for his kindness, love and example of compassion.

Robert is survived by his sweet wife Janice and children, Brent Marshall (deceased), Todd (Downy) Marshall, Eric (Sarah) Marshall, Nathan (Stephanie) Marshall, Kyle (Misty) Marshall, and Kara (Justin) Fenus. He will be remembered for his kind and generous heart and witty personality. He was a man of deep faith who looked for every opportunity to teach, serve, and gain knowledge.

We invite everyone to celebrate in Robert’s life by attending his viewing held on Friday, Aug 26th from 6:00-8:00 pm at the Wheeler Mortuary, 211 E. 200 S. Springville, UT.  The funeral will be Sat. Aug 27th at 10:00 am at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints on 860 E. 200 N. in Springville, Utah with a viewing from 8:30 to 9:45 prior to the services.