St. George, UT - Robert Arthur Sonju, Sr., beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, friend and "Gramps" to all, passed away on January 18, 2012 peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.

Robert was born June 27, 1923 in Denver, Colorado. His love of football led him to the University of Washington, where he played both offense and defense as a lineman. He later served in the U.S. Marines for a short time and went on to work 34 years for Pacific Telephone. He was also a convert to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

On September 16, 1943, he married Mary Margaret Chipman in Yakima, Washington. They were blessed to have two sons, Robert Arthur Sonju, Jr. and James Howard Sonju (deceased). They had a wonderful life together for 45 years until her death on December 7, 1988.

Years later, he attended his 50 year class reunion, and reconnected with classmate Lillian Bartram. They were married on January 19, 1991 in Seattle, Washington. He inherited a second family of four boys and nine grandchildren. He was a lucky man to have had two wonderful marriages. Lillian passed away October 6, 2011 and Robert was by her side until the end.

Robert is survived by his five sons and daughters-in-law: Bob (Gigi) Sonju. Jr., Vince Bartram, Gary (Tess) Bartram, Dirk (Linn) Bartram and Chad (Janice) Bartram. He also leaves four Sonju grandchildren: Bob (Leslye) Sonju, Kristin (Michael) Thomas, Amy (Yale) Morby and Robyn (Chris) Felder. He is also survived by 14 Sonju great-grandchildren; nine Bartram grandchildren; as well as eight Bartram great-grandchildren.

We will miss Gramps. His smile, personality and love for his family are what made Gramps truly one in a million. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, who always made us laugh with his dry sense of humor and perfectly-timed facial expressions. Gramps was never late, thanks to his trusty watch and could always be counted on to be right on time! He was a man who knew what he wanted, when he wanted it and thankfully we have all inherited his determination and stubbornness! We will miss this amazing man and as he always said we will "thank God every day for our family."

The family wishes to thank Dr. Erbe and all the nurses who cared for Bob at Dixie Regional Medical Center. A very special thank you to those at Beehive Homes who not only cared for , but loved Gramps.

Funeral services will be held on Monday, January 23, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., St. George, Utah. A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services at the mortuary. Interment will be in the St. George City Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.