Robert Samuel "Sam" McAllister

Robert Samuel ‘Sam’ McAllister, aged 89, peacefully passed away on December 27, 2023, at his home in Kaysville, Utah. Born and raised in Kanab, Utah, Sam was born to the loving embrace of Boyd and

LaVerde Pugh McAllister.

Sam had an enduring love for the captivating red rock country of his childhood. Growing up in Kanab, he partnered with his father in the stone quarry/masonry business, leaving a lasting mark with their

craftsmanship in and around Kanab. After graduating from Kanab High School in 1953, where he spent his time playing football and swimming in the local watering hole. Later in life, he found joy in watching western movies filmed in the Kanab area, he particularly enjoyed pointing out continuity errors and location inconsistencies.

At the College of Southern Utah (SUU), Sam met the love of his life, Anna Joan Black. They were sealed for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple on September 4, 1958, celebrating 66 years of a remarkable union. Sam’s quest for knowledge led him to Utah State University, where he earned his master’s degree in civil engineering in 1966. During this period, their family expanded to include two sons, Robert and Todd.

Following his graduation, Sam spent the next several years with his family relocating across the country contributing his expertise while working for Boeing on the Minute Man Missile Project, including a short stint with NASA’s Saturn Rocket Project. It was during this time that son Michael was born. Settling in Kaysville, Utah, in 1974, they established their dream home, and Sam took on the role of deputy city engineer for Salt Lake City, playing a crucial administrative role during the flood of 1983. His dedicated service to the city spanned 33 years, culminating in his retirement in 2010.

Sam’s passion for hands-on work manifested in his love for yard work, house remodeling, and meticulous landscaping, with Anna providing creative inspiration. His garden yielded an abundance of vegetables, and the raspberries he cultivated were a staple in Anna’s annual Christmas jam, generously shared with their long-time neighbors. He was a volunteer for many years on the Kaysville City Planning Committee and for a decade, every summer, would donate his time, energy and talents building the sets for plays held at “Happy Hollow” in Kaysville.

A devoted member of the LDS church, Sam served in various capacities, including branch presidencies, ward bishopric 2nd counselor, clerk, and ward historian. His LDS Mission in the Western States Mission, particularly in Montana, held a special place in his heart. After retiring, Sam and Anna served a mission as “Member Locators” for the LDS church in Salt Lake City.

Sam is survived by two sons, Todd McAllister and Michael McAllister (Wendy), daughter-in-law Rhonda McAllister, and five grandchildren: Sean, Brandon, Jade, Caitlyn, and Chase. He is also survived by siblings Larry, Ida Lue Reese (Laurence), Byron (Janice), and Mary Spencer (Leland). Sam was preceded in death by his beloved wife Anna McAllister and son Robert McAllister, as well as his brother Dean McAllister (Donna), sister Charnelle, and parents Boyd and LaVerde McAllister.

Funeral Services will be held Friday, January 5th, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Rock Chapel, 25 S. 200 E. Kaysville, Utah, 84037. Friends may visit family on Thursday, January 4th, 2024, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. and Friday prior to services from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. at the church.

Interment: Kaysville City Cemetery

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