Robert Bitner

Robert Felt Bitner, M.D.

January 12, 1922 – May 18, 2014

Robert F. Bitner passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 18, 2014 at his home in Layton, Utah, at the age of 92. Robert was born on January 12, 1922 in Salt Lake City, Utah, as the only boy to Roy H. and Irma Felt Bitner. He was raised and educated in Salt Lake City and graduated from West High School.

Robert served faithfully as an LDS missionary in the Eastern States Mission and, from letters sent home, loved serving and teaching the people there. After his mission, he was drafted into the Navy Air Corps and during a weekend furlough, took the fortunate opportunity to marry his longtime sweetheart, Carol Kathleen Fetzer on July 1, 1944 in the Salt Lake Temple. After an honorable release from the military he attended the University of Utah, graduating with his medical degree in 1951. Robert was a well-known physician at the Tanner Clinic in Layton and continued to practice there until his retirement 43 years later. He also enjoyed using his skills as a physician in the Ogden North Mission for three years. He loved his patients and they loved him. He was ably assisted by Carma King, his loyal nurse for over 35 years. Robert served on several boards of directors including 25 years as a board member of First Security Bank. He was honored by Davis Hospital and Medical Center by having a medical building named after him: the Robert F. Bitner Building stands near the Tanner Clinic as a legacy to his medical service in Davis County. Similarly, the employee-nominated Robert F. Bitner Award is now given annually to the most promising doctor who exemplifies service to his or her patients. As a member of the LDS Church, Robert loved the Lord and served tirelessly for many years as a stake president, patriarch, and Ogden Temple worker. He taught his children honesty, ethics, and to be kind.

He is survived by his wife Carol, whom he adored, and his six children Kathy (Jed Oviatt), Mark (Lois), Bruce (Annette), Alan (Marilyn), Barbara (Larry Warburton), and Matt (Sally). They added three of Carol’s sister’s children to their family: Pat (Paul Tucker), Pam Kingsley, and Eddie Kingsley (Kathy), who have all brought much joy in extending their family circle. Robert and Carol were also blessed to raise Sam Hunt, a Native American brought to their family through the Indian Placement Program, who is considered a son and brother in the Bitner family.

Robert is preceded in death by his parents, and three of his sisters: Mary, Elizabeth, and Joan and a great grandson Max Weaver. Besides his children and his wife, Robert leaves behind a sister, Helen (Harold Wilcox, deceased) and 45 grandchildren and 87 great-grandchildren, who will all remember his love of dogs, horses, golf, sailing, singing “12 Days of Christmas,” adventuring at Bear Lake, and who will all be proud to carry on his legacy.

Thanks to the tender care of the hospice group from Community Health Services, most especially Queenie and Tyson, and also to Grandson Dan Bitner.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the charity of your choice.

Funeral services will be held. Friday, May 23, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the LDS Valley View Stake Center located at 1589 E. Gentile Street, Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit with the family on Thursday, May 22, 2014 from 5 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Road, Layton and from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. on Friday prior to the services at the church. Interment, Lindquist’s Memorial Park at Layton, 1867 N. Fairfield Road.