Robert Cella

Robert Collins Cella

January 5, 1950 – August 28, 2017

Robert Collins Cella, dearly loved husband, father, and grandfather, passed away peacefully into a glorious heavenly reunion on Monday, August 28, 2017, surrounded by his family at home in Layton, Utah.  He had courageously battled brain cancer (glioblastoma) for the previous two years and eight months.

Bob was born on January 5, 1950 in Palo Alto, California to Roy Francis and Helen Collins Cella.  Raised in the Bay Area, he enjoyed the constant companionship of his siblings, cousins, and friends.  Bob moved with his family to Utah at age sixteen, and graduated from Payson High School in 1968.  Bob was called to serve in the Great Italian Mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints from 1969-1971.  From this he gained a great love for the gospel, Italy and its people, and cultivated lifelong friendships.

At Brigham Young University, Bob met the love of his life, Marie Williams, and they became eternal companions on May 1, 1973, in the Salt Lake Temple.  They were blessed with four strong sons in rapid succession, followed by a daughter whom he adored.  He taught his children to work side by side with him and each other.  Their greatest joy as parents has come from seeing them live good lives, serve others and lead their families with love and devotion.

Bob and Marie raised their family in the Seattle area for many years, returning to Utah in 1991, where they lived in Layton, Syracuse, and Woods Cross.  Bob was a general contractor, owning several construction companies.  He cultivated business relationships that continue many decades later.  He considered his employees as family.

Bob was a family man in every regard.  He presided, provided, protected, and played.  He left an unwavering testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Bob served faithfully in many church positions throughout his life.  He was always looking for “the one” who needed a friend, a handshake, a kind word, or help.  He was generous in time and talents.  He enjoyed immensely traveling the world with Marie, capturing people and scenery in beautiful pictures.

Bob had broad shoulders and he squared them in times of challenge and difficulty.  He never complained in the adversity of cancer treatment and the knowledge his life would be shortened.  He instead lived life fully, making memories we will treasure forever.

The gift of time was achieved through the brilliant efforts of all who treated and assisted Bob at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, for which we offer our sincere gratitude.  Our thanks to the many who offered prayers in his behalf.  The family also thanks our angel hospice nurses, Tracy and Ann, through Canyon Hospice.

Bob is survived by his wife Marie, their children and grandchildren, James and Mindi Cella, (Taylor (Will) Peacock, Noah, Zach); Timothy and Angie Cella (Isaac, Spencer, Davis, Maxwell); Bryan and Melissa Cella (Jackson, Keelee, Logan, Whitney); Todd (Ben, Jaden, Ellie, Mason); and Jennifer (Ryan) Devlin (Boston, Cambree, Brinley, Ryder).

He is survived by a sister Bonnie (Bruce) Knowlton, Orem, Utah and brothers Ron (Judy) Cella, Centerville, Utah and Glen (Mary Jane) Cella, Germany.  He was preceded in death by his parents and younger sister Joy Cella.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, September 6, 2017 at 11 a.m. at Pheasant Place Ward, 505 South 1000 West, Layton, Utah.  Friends may visit with family on Tuesday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 N. Fairfield Rd. and Wednesday from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.