Campfires won’t be the same with the passing of Robert Neilson Llewellyn on March 15, 2020.
Bob was born in Phoenix, AZ and was the first and last child of Max R. Llewellyn and Alberta Neilson. Bob claimed they got it perfect the first time and didn’t need to try again.
He enjoyed playing the guitar, keyboard, and vocals in a band as a youth and met his sweetheart, Marilyn Flake, when he was playing a high school gig.
He has taught us how to “Prime The Pump” and he sang to us the virtues of “Grandma’s Feather Bed”. We are sure he is now up in heaven singing with the “Ghost Chickens In The Sky”.
As a young missionary in England, he relished his time singing with the Missionaries before “Leaving On A Jet Plane” back home to his sweetheart. After 2 more years of courtship (5 years total!), Bob and Marilyn were married for time and all eternity on April Fools Day 1972 in the Mesa Arizona Temple.
Bob spent most of his career at APS as an electrical engineer after graduating from Arizona State University. Years later he attended University of Southern California for his EMBA then started his own consulting company. He became known throughout the electrical utility industry as “Bob The Biz Bucks Guy” and taught business skills and his copyrighted decision-making method to people around the world in his training course. Bob excelled in teaching, training, and public speaking.
Bob was a master storyteller and had a knack for delivery. He was blessed with a gift to recall minute details of the stories that he heard or experienced throughout his life. He used these skills to author a business acumen book and a novel.
Bob lived a life of service. He spent countless hours in multiple church callings including multiple Bishoprics, Bishop, High Council, and Stake Young Men’s President. He always magnified his callings. He enjoyed serving the Scouting organization in various capacities including District Commissioner and received the distinguished award of Silver Beaver.
As his own boss, Bob enjoyed an “emergency golf game” every Friday morning maintaining a single digit handicap. He jokingly referred to his golf clubs as his 12 best friends.
Bob thoroughly enjoyed serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints with his eternal companion in the Maryland Baltimore Mission working with the Young Adults and supporting the missionaries (and their broken bikes).
While serving on the mission, he was plagued by dizziness. He underwent surgery to remove a benign tumor. The surgery was successful, but during recovery, he had an infection flare up in his brain. After an eight-month quest to make a recovery, Bob was “Called to Serve” back to his heavenly home. He served our Savior and was a missionary to the end.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude for everyone who followed and cheered Bob through his recovery. We were supported and sustained by your thoughts and prayers. You can remember how much Bob loved you when you hear one of his favorite songs, “I Love You, Arizona”.
Due to the COVID-19 virus the funeral services will be a very small, private, invitation-only event. A public memorial will be held on a future date after the threat of the pan-“damn”-ic has passed. “Dag-nab-it!”
Bob is survived by his wife, Marilyn Flake Llewellyn, Cambria (Scott) Blair, Heather (Sam) Gray, Angela (Mike) Kelly, Robert Jr., Matt (Holly), Steven (Marie), 17 grandkids, and 1 great-grandchild.
His family is a reflection of his glorious faith and his amazing life. They will carry his message forward for generations to come and be powerful in the Kingdom of God.
I read the life story above…and it brought back so many great memories of Bob and guitar at Powell, ward outings and just plain singing. I loved the Christmas girl get together with his singing to us. What a great memory. Love you all…we will get through ALL of this pan-damn-ic together. Our best, dear friends…cyber hugs and tears…bob and darlene
Many of us will never be the same until that time we get to see his smile and welcoming hand again. This family has had, through a variety of avenues, touched our lives in ways only we know.
I have felt such great honor to have been able to follow his journey these last months as you all have struggled to “make it happen”. My sadness at his loss equals yours, but I rejoice in knowing he has passed this test here and the next phase of his spirits journey has just begun. All is well. All is well with his soul. Love Julie suter
Such a great example of a Priesthood holder and friend to so many. The way the world is going we will all be seeing you soon.
We love you guys so much and have enjoyed our association with you tremendously. We will always remember our fun outings with you as Leon helped with the sound system for Jay Bird and the Bob Cats’ concerts. He will be missed so much!
Your family is an important part of my favorite time living in Phoenix. You are such an inspiration to many! Love and prayers for comfort and peace. Suzanne Siders
We will surely miss Bob and his kindness and service he was known for. Our hearts are heavy for your loss and we know that you will miss him terribly. So grateful for the plan of salvation. Much love to everyone!
My sincere condolences to your family. I know Bob’s memory will be a blessing. I have so many fond memories of our time in Mr. Brown’s high school organic chemistry class including certain antics with Alan Wong, Bob, & me! 🙏🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️
My condolences to Bob’s family. I served my mission with Bob in England, and he was a dedicated missionary. He had a great personality that was always uplifting and funny. He was fun to be around, and always cheered me up. It was a pleasure to know him, and I’ll miss him.
Our deepest condolences. We loved Bob and his great example.
Our hearts are heavy as we consider a world without Bob. We are so grateful for his friendship and service as our home teacher and the many (many!) stories he told. He will be missed for his gospel insights, political viewpoints, and the love he showed our family. We will always love him and your amazing family.
I have never forgot my first encounter with Bob and it changed my life. The Timothy’s invited Justin and I to my first father/son campout just either before or after I joined the church (Joanie was already a member). After breakfast Bob came up and introduced himself and asked who I was. After I responded he gave me a chair and we both sat down and Bob narrated to me the entire history of the church. His memory was stunning and the details were extraordinaire. We talked until lunch that Saturday. I have never forgotten his kindness to a newbie and I will never forget it. Bob will be sorely missed by both Joanie & I.
Bob will leave a void in our lives and in our hearts. We love him…❤
We were so sad to learn of Bob’s passing. I always loved Bob and talking of love for the gospel and a mutual love of music. Thank you to Cambria for keeping all of us, even us in Washington, informed of all that has happened. So much of your journey was like ours with Lori. We love you and all our thoughts are with you.
I was fortunate to have met and worked with Bob at APS. I always enjoyed working with him – such a warm, funny and positive man. I learned so much from him and he so freely shared his wisdom and experience. Rest In Peace, Bob.
I am truly saddened by this news of Bobs passing. Bob was THEE best story teller and most of all the best listener. I was his Admin for many years at APS and can vouch for his many accomplishments, the man never stopped! I was unaware of his illness, but I am sure his support system was outstanding. Bob will truly be missed. We were all blessed by his being. My sincere condolences to Marilyn, all of their “charms” and extended family. R.I.P. Mr. Llewellyn.
Janicer
Luckily, I was a Facebook friend of Bob’s and had been following his recovery journey. Bob was my first boss at APS and took me under his wing and accelerated my career. He was such a kind wholesome human being. I will always be thankful for his confidence in me. God bless Marilyn and family. Too soon for such a wonderful man to leave this earth.
I was lucky enough to be a relative of Bob’s through my mother’s Neilson side. Also lucky that we had family reunions every couple of years that included Bob and other relatives singing and playing their guitars. One of the best parts of the reunion! Talking with Bob and Mandy during these precious times made me realize what special people they are. I will always remember them and hold them close in my heart.
I met Bob in high school and formed a rock band with him. We shared many nights playing together and had some fine times. He was an accomplished musician and a good friend. His light brightened many lives and he will be missed. RIP
I loved him so much! He always treated me with love and respect! Was always fun and interested in things going on. Will never forget the example he was to me!!
I met Bob the Biz Bucks Guy many years ago as he trained all of us in Generation at NV Power. I assisted him several times while we covered the course for the Generation Employees and even drove him to one of the classes in our neighborhood Casino conference room. He was a great guy as well as a lively trainer, but most of all a wonderful friend. I’m sure he’s still serving the Lord now and will forever be remembered for all the service he did on earth.
Was fortunate to have worked with Bob for a number of years at APS, and through his consulting services. I’ve not encountered a kinder, gentler or more supportive individual, one who made a difference in the lives of many. Condolences, thoughts and prayers for the family, and wishes for eternal peace for Bob.
Such an amazing man who worked miracles in my life. A man who truly lived the gospel he believed in. I cherish my memories of him and wish peace and comfort for his beautiful family. May God bless you all.
I remember well all of you coming over for dinners, etc. until my father’s death in 1987. Bob was one of my dad’s best friends and I have video of all of you in 1978 and Bob was doing a magic trick pouring salt out of his thumb. I will forever remember him.