Robert Vernon Rose

Robert Vernon Rose, formerly of Carson City, Nevada, passed away on February 20, 2025 in Ogden, Utah at the age of 77. Robert was born September 29, 1947 in Oakland, CA. 

During Bob's childhood, the family moved several times. There were fond memories of surfing in California, golfing and swimming in Nebraska, and boating, swimming and snow skiing while at the family's cabin at Lake Tahoe. 

Bob graduated from Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah. During his collegiate years he was a ski instructor at Alta Ski Area. After graduation he worked as a recreation manager in southern California. Later, he worked as a pharmaceutical salesman. 

Robert was sealed to Mary Jane Young August 23, 1968 in the Salt Lake Temple. They had two children, Royal Harlan and Karen Anne. They were later divorced. 

In 1974 he opened Bob's Alpine Shop in Carson City, Nevada, where he sold ski, backpacking and watersports equipment. He is fondly remembered by many of his former employees and customers, many of whom remained lifelong friends.  

Bob was an excellent athlete. Besides skiing, his other favorite activities included mountaineering, rock climbing and kayaking. Bob was an excellent swimmer. He competed in high school and had a successful run as a Masters swimmer, specializing in the 500 and 1500 yard short-course events. He was an original member of the Carson Carp, a competitive swim team in Carson City. Bob also swam the Trans-Tahoe Relay several times, beating the Navy Seal teams twice.  

Later in his professional life, Bob ran his own house painting business. He had an excellent reputation for high quality work. After his painting career, Bob worked as a drug addictions counselor for both private and state institutions. He found the work very rewarding. 

Bob had a lifelong love of learning. He devoured books and documentaries. Bob loved a good pun. Music brought much joy to Bob's life. He appreciated most genres of music, but Joni Mitchell was his favorite artist. His daughter recalls how often he spoke of Joni Mitchell and how her music reached into his soul at the times in his life when he needed it the most. Bob also played various instruments, including the guitar. Sharing music and the describing how it touched his heart and soul became one of his ways of staying connected to family and friends in his later years. 

Bob lived a life full of many great adventures that he shared with his family and friends, who remember him as being positive, knowledgeable and funny. He passed on a great love and appreciation for all things outdoors and beautiful to those around him. He will be missed.  

Bob was preceded in death by his parents William Rose and Verla Jensen, and three sisters: Jaralyn Rose, Sharon Welch and Carol Johnston. He is survived by his son Royal (Loretta) Rose, daughter Karen (Brandon) Nelson, 10 grandchildren, and 8 great-grandchildren.