Robert “Bob” Keith Bryce, 94, of Gilbert, Ariz., passed away Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024.
Bob was born April 11, 1930, in Pima, Ariz. He is the third child of parents, Brooks and Norma (Follett) Bryce. He was predeceased by siblings Margie, Kent and Bill.
Bob married his high-school sweetheart, Philis McBride, on June 18, 1947, and enjoyed 73 years together until her passing in 2020. Together they had eight children: Carol, Jane, Gary, Amy, Kevin, Laurel, Michael and Nathan. They also fostered Selena Shortman and Oscar Singer during some of their elementary school years.
Bob and Philis raised their family in Phoenix, where Bob worked for 35 years at Arizona Public Service (APS) mainly in the computer programming dept.
After retirement, Bob and Philis served numerous missions for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They began on the island of Mauritius, where they came to love the people they met, and then later went to Vermont, where they would visit numerous towns to film vital record archives to be used in family history research. Bob’s knowledge of computers and record keeping continued as they worked at the Mesa Family History Center. Philis loved indexing records and helping others find their ancestors.
They thrived as a team not only with family life but also in serving and helping others wherever they went. Their Lord and Savior has always been the foundation upon which they dedicated and built their lives. Their home was a place of refuge for many family members and friends, and their door always open.
Bob leaves behind: his younger sister, Janet Larson; and his posterity of eight children and their spouses/companions; 29 grandchildren; 87 great-grandchildren; and 14 great-great-grandchildren (138 total); as well as many beloved friends and relatives.
According to his sister, he and his brother, Bill, were the best brothers anyone could ever have. The rest of us would agree that he is by far “the best.”
Bob loved reading, poetry, being outdoors in nature, good music, and learning. He was a great listener and was always interested in what others had to share and would give his undivided attention to them. He taught by example with kindness, gentleness and love. He truly is a disciple of Christ.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 21, at 9 a.m., at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 1483 N Driftwood Drive, Gilbert, AZ 85234.
Graveside dedicatory services will follow at 3 p.m. at the Pima Cemetery, 487 W 800 S, Pima, AZ 85543.