Robert (Bob) Keith Bateman
1944 ~ 2019
Heaven just got brighter.
Bob Bateman passed away peacefully on Saturday, January 26, 2019 in his loving home.
Bob was "born at an early age, close to his mother" on August 15, 1944 to Samuel Sterling Bateman and Winnifred Curtis. He grew up in Salt Lake City in a home full of love and humor. Quiet and unassuming, Bob was constantly watching out for the underdog but didn't mind a bit of mischief with his brothers here and there. He graduated from South High School in 1962. He served an LDS mission and later served his country in the Vietnam conflict. "Batman" was loved and respected by his fellow soldiers and received commendation awards for his service. He later attended Salt Lake Community College and began his lifetime career in retail sales.
He once had a horse but it was stolen.
Bob married his best friend, Jamie Alex, on September 13, 1986. They were later married in the Greek Orthodox Church. Bob and Jamie had a unique and special love that was truly magical. They deeply respected, cherished, and strengthened each other. They understood the meaning of love.
Between the two of them, Bob and Jamie raised six beautiful children. Bob was a devoted husband and father. He took time to listen and made each of us feel like the most important person in the world. He taught us to love our fellow man as ourselves and treat others the way we would want to be treated. We cherish the memories of one-on-one outings to get a fountain drink. We knew that meant we would talk and he would listen while occasionally dropping in a word of precious wisdom. He carried this into his years as a grandpa/papou.
Bob was well known for his sense of humor. One liners such as "Nothing's fair but the county fair," "I resemble that remark!" "No thanks, I just had a bar of soap," "Let's do somethin' even if it's wrong," and "I stayed up all night looking for the sun and it finally dawned on me" were just the beginning. The world just lost an endless run of one-line jokes and a true talent in dry humor.
Accepting of all people, Bob exemplified the golden rule. He was gentle, loyal, humble, hardworking, a peacemaker, a true friend, and an avid Ute fan. He loved to golf with his brother Hal and friends.
Survived by his wife, Jamie; children Tiffany Velez, Anna (Billy) Rogers, Tammy Lawrence, Rachel (Ryan) Gurney, Travis (Kate) Bateman, Desiree (Jeff) Cherye; 19 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, brothers Sterling (Jill) Bateman and Hal (Laurel) Bateman.
Preceded in death by his parents, sister Kaye (Chris) Christensen, and brother David.
Funeral services will be held Saturday, February 2 at 11:00 am at Lindquist's Layton Mortuary, 1867 North Fairfield Road. Friends may visit with the family on Friday, February 1 from 6:00-8:00 pm and Saturday from 9:30-10:30 am. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Best Friends Animal Society, Disabled American Veterans, or Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church in Ogden.
"Every morning I wake up and check the obituaries. If I'm not there, I get up and go to work."
Bob, your work here is done. See you in the funny papers.