Frank Crawford Roberts, born May 20, 1947 in Salt Lake City, passed away August 14, 2024. He was the cherished son of Frank Harold (Harry) and Thelda Crawford Roberts. Frank is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Jacqueline Pratt; his daughter, Julie Lynn Roberts Stout (Bob Hagert); his sons, Ryan and Tyson, and a surrogate son, Mitchell Pratt (Renee).
He was the proud grandfather of Tanner (Kjersti) Tovey, Emma Stout and Ariez Roberts, and a happy grandfather of Taytum Jacqueline and Thomas Drew Tovey. Frank was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Holly Layne, his parents, his brother D. Crawford Roberts, his grandparents and several “Pratt” boys. He is survived by his two beloved sisters, Thelda Bowers and Delores Schultz, as well as many “relatives/in-law”, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Frank was a U.S. Army veteran, and his remarkable life was defined by his dedication and accomplishments. He graduated from South High and attended the University of Utah before earning a professional diploma with honors as a residential electrician from Ashworth College in 2023. Frank’s interests included being a self-taught classical guitarist, and an avid runner who completed 18 marathons including the Boston Marathon, Deseret News Marathon, and St. George Marathon, as well as two ultramarathons. He was also an avid boater and fisherman, a published poet, an entrepreneur, an inventor, and a “jack of all trades.” Frank co-founded the Institute for Change, an inpatient and outpatient substance abuse treatment program, and competed in and medaled in the Utah Senior Games. He was especially proud to be called “Papa” by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at Elysian Gardens, 1075 E 4580 So, Millcreek, Utah on Friday, August 23, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. To honor Frank’s life and celebrate his legacy, a gathering will be held at Jordan Park/International Peace Gardens, 1060 S 900 W, Salt Lake City, Utah on Sunday, September 22, 2024, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. Friends and family are invited to join us in honoring our beloved father, grandfather, grandmother, and friend.
Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page and this obituary page.
