Robert Thomas Fitt

Robert Thomas Fitt, born February 10, 1930, in Salt Lake City, passed away November 4, 2025, on his 76th wedding anniversary at the age of 95. He was the sixth child of Cyril Felix Fitt and Olivia May Nielsen.

Robert graduated from Granite High School in 1948 and married his eternal companion, Lou Jean Newbold, in the Salt Lake Temple on November 4, 1949. A lifelong learner, he attended university for 18 years and earned degrees from both the University of Utah and Brigham Young University.

His interests were as wide-ranging as they were passionate. He enjoyed a brief stint as a Golden Gloves boxer, a participant in university theater, and a member of the Tablender Quartette, an award-winning barbershop quartet at the University of Utah and part of Eugene Jelesnik’s Talent Showcase, as featured on local television. He was a talented artist, skilled fisherman, brick mason, gospel scholar, and, above all, a loving husband and father.

Throughout his life, Robert combined artistry, craftsmanship, and faith. He worked as a brick mason and builder, later becoming an art teacher and school administrator in the Granite School District. In his church service, he served faithfully as Bishop of three wards, Stake President of two stakes, and as a Regional Representative and Welfare Specialist in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was a steadfast example of discipleship and faith in Jesus Christ.

He was always a teacher, and art remained a lifelong passion. He sketched, painted, and sculpted throughout his adult life. Each year, he sent to hundreds of friends hand-drawn Christmas cards featuring his original pen-and-ink sketches.

His greatest joy began when he married Lou Jean. Together, they built a life filled with love, learning, and laughter; and were blessed with four children: Patricia (Dan) Kirkham, Michelle (1952-2019) (Noel) Zaugg, Steven (Karen) Fitt, and Jonathan (Ileana) Fitt. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 24 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild.

Robert and Lou Jean served a senior proselyting mission together in the Germany Munich Mission. While serving there, she developed health issues, and for the rest of her life Robert was her caregiver.

After 61 years of marriage, Robert’s beloved wife, Lou Jean, passed away on November 18, 2010. In August 2011, he was sealed to Gaylene Buchanan, who passed away that same year. In time, Robert was blessed to meet and marry Myrna Pratt on October 29, 2015, at the age of 85. Robert and Myrna enjoyed ten wonderful years together before her passing in February 2025.

He was a natural teacher in every setting – whether teaching fly fishing, painting, or sculpting. He especially loved hosting “lunch-and-learn” clay sculpting sessions at the Deseret Book flagship store in Salt Lake. His favorite subject, however, was always the Restored Gospel of Jesus Christ. With a minor in Bible and Modern Scripture from BYU and a deep personal conviction, he shared the gospel with warmth and clarity that blessed many lives. His example was that of a true disciple.

Robert dedicated his life to the service of the Lord and to teaching, uplifting, and serving others. Few men have had such a profound, righteous influence on others as he did. He is loved and missed by his family and everyone who knew him. The family expresses heartfelt gratitude to all who loved, visited, and served Robert throughout his life.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 15, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. in the Mapleton 6th Ward building at 1580 N. Main Street, Mapleton, UT. 84664. Visitations will be held Friday evening, November 14, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again Saturday morning from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the same location.