Robert Philip Engemann Obituary

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Robert Philip Engemann

February 19, 1935 - January 20, 2013
Provo, Utah

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“You are memorialized within: https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=575699242519722&set=pb.189458724477111.-2207520000.1390784673.&type=3&theater ”
1 of 46 | Posted by: Willie - Van Nuys, CA - Alumnus

“I was introduced to The Lettermen as a freshman in college in 1963. The fraternity had an extensive collection of LP's, and the Lettermen albums...Read More » ”
2 of 46 | Posted by: George Albrecht - falmouth, MA

“We send our thoughts, prayers and love to the family, Gregory and Candilyn Newell ”
3 of 46 | Posted by: Gregory Newell - Stockholm Sweden

“May God Bless All Of Mr. Engemann's Family In Their Time Of Sorrow. They Were His Blood Family, But He Had An Extended Family Of Millions All Around...Read More » ”
4 of 46 | Posted by: Richard J. Owen - Oklahoma City, OK

“Bobby passed away on my father's birthday. He was a very talented artist performer. Bless his family. ”
5 of 46 | Posted by: beverly erickson - venice, FL

“My thoughts and prayers are with the Engemann family and friends. It was an honor to meet Bob at a Lettermen event a number of years ago. Thank you...Read More » ”
6 of 46 | Posted by: Debbie Lewis - IL

“Bobby was loved so much by me and our entire family. He was the sweetest, most caring cousin in the world, with the most wonderful, smooth and mellow...Read More » ”
7 of 46 | Posted by: Judy Doorn (Nicholas) - Winder, GA

“Bobby was loved so much by me and our entire family. He was the sweetest, most caring cousin in the world, with the most wonderful, smooth and mellow...Read More » ”
8 of 46 | Posted by: Judy Doorn (Nicholas) - Winder, GA

“My deepest condolences to the family~friends and fans.thank you for sharing his talent with us. Lettermen music forever. God bless you. ”
9 of 46 | Posted by: Pam McKinney - OH - Lettermen fan

“We are sorry for your loss. Bobby Engemann will live on forever in the beautiful music of The Lettermen. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his...Read More » ”
10 of 46 | Posted by: Darlene & Jack Goodman - FL - fan

“Bobbie is now singing in the heavenly choir with the other 'angels'. My sympathy and prayers to his family...he will be greatly missed but never ...Read More » ”
11 of 46 | Posted by: Elsa Salzbrun (sister of Donovan Tea) - FL

“As a fan of the "original Lettermen", I had the priviledge of meeting Bob a few times. He was always kind, and a real gentleman. He will be missed...Read More » ”
12 of 46 | Posted by: Linda Coffino - Jacksonville, FL

“As a fan of the "original Lettermen", I had the priviledge of meeting Bob a few times. He was always kind, and a real gentleman. He will be missed...Read More » ”
13 of 46 | Posted by: Linda Coffino - Jacksonville, FL

“Our deepest condolence to family & friends. Unfortunately we never had the pleasure of seeing Bobby. When we made visits to Aunt Mildred in Florida...Read More » ”
14 of 46 | Posted by: Donna & Jerry Steiss - Roscommon, MI

“To Bobby's Family, so sad to learn of your loss, however, please remember that Bobby is in a very special place now and singing those beautiful...Read More » ”
15 of 46 | Posted by: Roxanne (Watts) Kitzman - WI

“Uncle Bobby was the kindest, loving uncle any girl could ask for. Even though we were busy in our own lifes he always made sure that I knew that he...Read More » ”
16 of 46 | Posted by: Ruth Garza - Draper, UT - Niece

“I was working at Capitol Records when The Lettermen started recording for them. Although I never met Bobby, I have always been a huge fan. I was...Read More » ”
17 of 46 | Posted by: Nancy Haight Max - Rockwall, TX

“I wish I knew him better. But whenever I think of Uncle Bobby I see him with a smile on his face. And I think that I love him. ”
18 of 46 | Posted by: Alexandra Lake - Uncle

“I first met Bobby in 1967 when he and Jerry Wilson were Stake Missionaries in the Burbank area. He began my journey in learning about the church and...Read More » ”
19 of 46 | Posted by: Philip Hartung - San Jose, CA

“I have never met Bob, but have always held the greatest admiration for him. As a long-time fan of the Lettermen, his music has brought much joy to...Read More » ”
20 of 46 | Posted by: Michelle McCallion - Bridgewater, CT

“Our family has many fond memories of elder engemann. Many weekends mom drove 17 miles to the train station to pick him and his companion up so they...Read More » ”
21 of 46 | Posted by: katherine bauman - bismarck, ND

“Our deepest condolences to you Danny and Jenny and the whole family. Clearly an exceptional man. Kevin and Andi ”
22 of 46 | Posted by: Kevin & Andrea Fuller - Provo, UT

“Bobby asked me to drive with him to Ogden to hear one of the groups that were popular in the 50s. On the two hour (one way) trip we sang the whole...Read More » ”
23 of 46 | Posted by: Bud Berge - Provo, UT

“Dear Andrew and family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your dad was a wonderful man and will be missed so much. The knowledge the gospel...Read More » ”
24 of 46 | Posted by: Myra Gish - Provo, UT - Friend

“My sincere condolences to the family and relatives and close friends of Bobby. I am a fan of Bobby and the Lettermen for more than 45 years. Bobby...Read More » ”
25 of 46 | Posted by: Peter Canter Visscher Netherlands

“We have never seen Bobby perform but have thorougly enjoyed listening to the early records. What a beautiful voice he had. we wish to extend our...Read More » ”
26 of 46 | Posted by: Marion and Sandy Frost - MD

“Kenneth and Jerry Molen have known Bob since Van Nuys High School. Ken and Arda Molen lived in Bob and Betty's Ward in Indian Hills, Provo, Utah. We...Read More » ”
27 of 46 | Posted by: Kenneth Molen and Arda Molen - UT

“My husband and I wish to express our sincere and heartfelt sympathies to the Engemann family in the loss of Bobby. Yes, we knew him from the music of...Read More » ”
28 of 46 | Posted by: Patty Jarrett - NC

“To the Engemann Family, I only know Bob through the Lettermen. I never got to see him sing in person, but my love for the music that the Lettermen...Read More » ”
29 of 46 | Posted by: Mary Greenwood Van Wychen - WI

“I worked for The Lettermen as their road manager in 1966-67. Jerry Jackman their bass player, and I worked for a little less than a year for "the...Read More » ”
30 of 46 | Posted by: Craig Dunford - Mapleton, UT

“Bob and Betty's family: Please accept my sincere condolences at your father's graduation to a healthier life. His music made many of us in our...Read More » ”
31 of 46 | Posted by: Terry Wall - West Bountiful, UT

“My sincerel condolences to the Engemann Family. I feel your sorrow losing a loved one. I never had the privilage of seeing Mr. Emgemann...Read More » ”
32 of 46 | Posted by: Kelly Shaneyfelt - PA

“My sincerel condolences to the Engemann Family. I feel your sorrow losing a loved one. I never had the privilage of seeing Mr. Emgemann...Read More » ”
33 of 46 | Posted by: Kelly Shaneyfelt - PA

“As a fairly new fan of The Lettermen I never had the pleasure to see Bob perform or get the chance to meet him. However, I have greatly enjoyed...Read More » ”
34 of 46 | Posted by: Lynne Torgersen - NY

“To an enthusiastic fan of The Lettermen and Reunion such as I, Mr. Bobby Engemann has been the legend itself. Without the music of The Lettermen and...Read More » ”
35 of 46 | Posted by: Hiroshi Ohno - Tokyo, Japan

“I was a teen growing up in a semi-idyllic resort town in Massachiusetts when I first became a fan of The Lettemen. The voice magic of Jim, Tony and...Read More » ”
36 of 46 | Posted by: Ben - fan

“Bobby will truly be missed....his beautiful voice, and spirit will live on.....I was, and am a Lettermen fan....how I cherish the times I got to hear...Read More » ”
37 of 46 | Posted by: Suzanne Robbins - INDIANAPOLIS, IN

“My condolances to the Engeman family on their loss. I never met Bobby however his legacy lives on with all the beautiful music he sang over the years...Read More » ”
38 of 46 | Posted by: Karen Cononie - Monroeville, PA

“Sincere condolences to Bob's family in their time of sorrow. I have loved the Lettermen sound since 1961 when I first heard them on a radio show....Read More » ”
39 of 46 | Posted by: Phil Goulding - Liverpool UK

“I was a huge fan of The Letterman in High School and College. Listening to their music again brings back a lot of tender memories. I am so pleased...Read More » ”
40 of 46 | Posted by: Suzanne Barney - Rio Vista, CA

“Few of us can say that we balanced our committments to God, family, and life's work. Bob could. Grew up listening to the beautiful music of the...Read More » ”
41 of 46 | Posted by: Chris Robert Hansen - Waterloo, IA

“The world has lost a great talent ! ”
42 of 46 | Posted by: Maury Kopman - jacksonville, FL

“As a longtime fan of The Lettermen, I had the privilege of meeting and getting to know Bob at a couple of concerts when he sang with Reunion. A...Read More » ”
43 of 46 | Posted by: Elena Schmitt - Lumberton, TX

“I first saw and heard Bobby sing with The Lettermen at the Fox theater in Atlanta. GA. I have enjoyed listneing to his marvelous voice in the...Read More » ”
44 of 46 | Posted by: Carolee Fish - Atlanta, GA - Fan

“My deepest condolences to Bob Engemann and his family and friends. I have been a fan of The Lettermen since 1961 and I grew up listening to their...Read More » ”
45 of 46 | Posted by: Virginia Pereira - HONG KONG

“Bobby was a shining example of Christ-like love and he endured to the end. Nephi declared: “Press forward with a steadfastness in Christ, having a...Read More » ”
46 of 46 | Posted by: Kathryn Engemann - Salt Lake City, UT

Robert Philip Engemann returned to our Heavenly Father on January 20, 2013, surrounded by family and close friends. A joyous day, being reunited with his eternal companion Betty, and returning home with honor. Bobby was born in Highland Park, Michigan on February 19, 1935 to Paul Robert and Lillias Susan Nicholas Engemann. He married the love of his life, Betty Irene Crail, for time and all eternity on August 18, 1961 in the Los Angeles LDS Temple.

After attending Brigham Young University, a stint in the U.S. Air Force, and serving a two-year LDS mission in Minnesota, in 1959 Bobby became a founding member of The Lettermen, the #1 "adult contemporary and romantic group of all time", according to Billboard Magazine. This phenomenal group enjoyed 20 hit singles, 46 consecutive hit albums, 9 gold albums, five Grammy nominations, sold well over $100 million worth of records and with top hits such as "The Way You Look Tonight", "When I Fall In Love", "Theme From a Summer Place", and "Goin' Out Of My Head/Can't Take My Eyes Off of You", The Lettermen captured the hearts of young lovers throughout the world. In 2001, The Lettermen were inducted into the Vocal Group Hall of Fame, along with The Four Freshmen, The Bee Gees, and others.

Bobby and Betty enjoyed years of traveling the world with The Lettermen for concert tours, forging lifetime friendships and creating lasting memories. Bobby's family was his first priority. He loved spending quality time with his children, with countless hours coaching youth sports, attending practices and games to cheer on his family; he was an avid athlete himself leaving baseball behind to follow his singing career. However, he was a family man and wanted to spend more time at home with his wife and their four children, thus, he ended his touring years and started his next life chapter. At that time, he began producing records and music for Capitol Records, United Artists Records and Hanna-Barbera television productions, producing stars such as Cheryl Ladd, Kurt Russell, Josie and the Pussycats and Scooby Doo. He also founded and was President of Independent Recorders, Inc. in Los Angeles where hit records were recorded by such artists as The Beach Boys, Paul Anka, Mac Davis, Bobby Gentry, and Olivia Newton John, among others. Bobby fondly remembered those days as creative and exciting times.

In 1977, Bobby and Betty moved from Studio City, California, to Provo, Utah to join his Alma Mater, BYU, as a Development Officer, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars in funds for the University's major building projects, including what would become Lavell Edwards Stadium, and academic programs. Over the years, he kept his vocal talents sharp by singing with several performing groups, including Reunion, with former Lettermen Jimmy Pike and Ric De Azevedo of the famous King family, as well as Star and Galaxy. Over the years and even recently despite his health, Bobby managed, promoted, and coached numerous local talents, having a dramatic influence on local performers with his uncanny ability to bring out the best in anyone.

Bobby was a magnificent man, not only in word but in deed; his fame never influenced his priorities. "He lived the life the Savior wanted him to live", remarked his brother, Karl Engemann. Bobby's life was rooted in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and was dedicated to missionary work and diligent in his callings, including BYU High Counsel. He changed the lives of many through his testimony of the gospel of Jesus Christ, and was the ultimate example of Christ-like charity, love, and enduring to the end. He truly fought the good fight – he was our superhero. "Able to sing whole notes with a single breath – LETTERMAN".

Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Betty; he is survived by his brothers, Karl (Geri) and Bill (Kathryn); sister, Jean (Ed) King; children, Andrew (Dana), Lizanne, Melissa, and Danny (Jenny); foster daughter, Betty (Raymond) Begay; 19 grandchildren, 20 great-grandchildren, and countless extended family and friends who he loved with an eternal love that's forever and ever!

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am, Saturday, January 26, 2013 at the Edgemont South Stake Center, 350 E 2950 N, Provo. Family and friends may call on Friday evening from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, or on Saturday morning at the Ward Chapel from 9:30 to 10:45 am. Interment will be at East Lawn Memorial Hills. Condolences may be sent through his obituary at www.bergmortuary.com.

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January 25, 2013
7:00 PM to 9:00 PM

Edgemont South Stake Center
2950 North Canyon Road (350 East)
Provo, UT 84604

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Visitation

January 26, 2013
9:30 AM to 10:45 AM

Edgemont South Stake Center
2950 North Canyon Road (350 East)
Provo, UT 84604

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January 26, 2013
11:00 AM

Edgemont South Stake Center
2950 North Canyon Road (350 East)
Provo, UT 84604

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Interment

Saturday January 26 2013

East Lawn Memorial Hills
4800 North 650 East
Provo, UT 84604

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You are memorialized within:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=575699242519722&set=pb.189458724477111.-2207520000.1390784673.&type=3&theater

Posted by: Willie - Van Nuys, CA - Alumnus Jan 27, 2014

I was introduced to The Lettermen as a freshman in college in 1963. The fraternity had an extensive collection of LP's, and the Lettermen albums were my favorites for many of us. I particularly loved the harmonies and their renditions of popular tunes of the day.

I still play The Lettermen on a regular basis, as no group I know of has been able to harmonize as beautifully they do. In fact, i recently had the privilege of compiling some

... more

Posted by: George Albrecht - falmouth, MA Feb 12, 2013

We send our thoughts, prayers and love to the family, Gregory and Candilyn Newell

Posted by: Gregory Newell - Stockholm Sweden - friend Feb 06, 2013

May God Bless All Of Mr. Engemann's Family In Their Time Of Sorrow. They Were His Blood Family, But He Had An Extended Family Of Millions All Around The World Who Loved His Music, Regardless Of Whether They Met Him In Person Or Not. Please Remember That. And To Mr. Bob Engemann Up In Heaven, Thank You For The Time You Shared Your Superior Vocal Talents With The Lettermen, & With The "Reunion Group, As Well Of Your Great Solo Album. May God Rest Your Kind Soul, & Until We Meet In Heaven, God Bless You Forevermore!

Posted by: Richard J. Owen - Oklahoma City, OK - Lettermen Fan Jan 31, 2013

Bobby passed away on my father's birthday. He was a very talented artist performer. Bless his family.

Posted by: beverly erickson - venice, FL - fan of the lettermen Jan 27, 2013

My thoughts and prayers are with the Engemann family and friends. It was an honor to meet Bob at a Lettermen event a number of years ago. Thank you for your music and for sharing it with the world. May you rest in peace.

Posted by: Debbie Lewis - IL Jan 26, 2013

... more

Bobby was loved so much by me and our entire family. He was the sweetest, most caring cousin in the world, with the most wonderful, smooth and mellow voice there ever was, whether singing solo or as a trio as the original member of The Lettermen, or singing in harmony together with family, or whenever we saw each other as cousins, at family reunions, or simply just chatting or laughing. Bobby loved to laugh, sing, and just plain chat and have fun! He was always a gentleman, including when I shared with him my faith in the Holy Bible as being 100% true and accurate and what I believed as an upholder of the historic Christian faith, he didn't wince and didn't shy away from our conversation at a reunion several years ago. In fact, we had a lot of fun engaging in the conversation.
Our whole family loved him very much and will miss him. He visited our home in MI many times where we had fun laughing and hosting this wonderful cousin. My dad, Philip Nicholas was the brother of Bobby's mother, Lillias Engemann-Nicholas, and was best friends with her husband, Paul Engemann, who visited us many times, playing the violin, as well as Jeannie, Karl & Billy and the whole gang! My mother Lillian (Lil) Nicholas loved Bobby so much and he made her laugh! We sang and laughed together many times, and visited with each other at reunions in UT as well. My sisters, Carol, her daughter, Kelly, and Marsha, her husband, Tom, and daughter Jenny & family, as well as my sons, Nick and Jim, and my former husband, Joop, all loved Bobby very much and knew how very special he was to me. We will all miss him. Please accept our condolences for the entire family of Bobby. Our prayers are with each of you as you work through what surely is a big loss of this very special and dear gift to our family of Bobby's laugh, his soft, special voice, whether singing or talking, and his very special smile. We will not forget this dear and precious gentleman who we loved and will be missed very much!

Posted by: Judy Doorn (Nicholas) - Winder, GA - 1st Cousin; Jan 26, 2013

... more

Posted by: Judy Doorn (Nicholas) - Winder, GA - 1st Cousin; Jan 26, 2013

My deepest condolences to the family~friends and fans.thank you for sharing his talent with us. Lettermen music forever. God bless you.

Posted by: Pam McKinney - OH - Lettermen fan Jan 26, 2013

We are sorry for your loss. Bobby Engemann will live on forever in the beautiful music of The Lettermen. Our thoughts and prayers are with all his family and friends.

Posted by: Darlene & Jack Goodman - New Port Richey, FL - fan Jan 26, 2013

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