Deacon Robert Bambrick

Friday, Oct. 15, 2021

Deacon Robert Bambrick, 92, passed away on October 7 at home surrounded by his family. Bob had battled colon cancer for several months.

God was Bob’s first love, then his wonderful family, and then his country.

Bob was born to Cecilia Trepczynski and Robert W. Bambrick in Detroit, Michigan. He grew up in St. Clair Shores, Michigan, and graduated from Lakeview High, where he played football.  Bob spent many hours on Lake St. Clair swimming and fishing every day. His worst punishment was his dad taking away his swimming trunks.

Bob served in the Marine Corps from 1946-1951, during which time he served more than two years in Cuba. He was promoted to staff sergeant before being honorably discharged. 

Upon returning home from service, Bob joined the Knights of Columbus. While actively serving as a Knight, he met his future wife, Pauline Hebben. Her dad, Louis Hebben, served in the same Knights of Columbus council and introduced them. That introduction led to 66+ years of happiness and adventure.  Bob and Pauline were married in St. John Berchmans Catholic Church in Detroit on January 29, 1955.

In 1961, Bob was hired by Thiokol Corp. He moved Pauline and his children to Brigham City. Bob worked for Thiokol until 1987, when he retired as a department manager.

The Bambrick family was very active at St. Henry Parish in Brigham City. In December 1976, Bob was ordained the first permanent deacon for the Diocese of Salt Lake City by Bishop Joseph L. Federal.  Bob served many assignments in Utah, plus simultaneously serving 25 years in the Southeastern Deanery of the Diocese of Boise under Bishops Treinen, Brown and Driscoll.  Deacon Bob loved visiting the sick and being a spiritual director to many. At the time of his death, Bob was stationed at St. James the Just Parish in Ogden. As a gardener for the Lord, he faithfully served as a deacon for 44 years.

Bob tended his personal garden daily, working the soil, sowing seeds, pulling weeds and sharing the harvest with many. He enjoyed fishing, especially with his sons and grandsons, and later with his deacon buddies Tom Buller and Doug Sliger. Bob always said, “Every minute of fishing adds one hour to your life.” Bob was also an avid woodworker. He won several first-place awards for his wood carvings at statewide competitions.

 Bob is survived by his wife, Pauline, and their children: Mary Bambrick (Utah), Anne and Kory Yelderman (Missouri), Louise and Denny Schwartz (Utah), Robert and Caroline Bambrick (California), and Paul and Alison Bambrick (Utah). He is also survived by his sister Joan D’Addario and brother Marvin Bambrick. He loved each of his 12 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren (plus two on the way) so very much. He is preceded in death by one son, Joseph; his parents; his brother Don and his wife Joann; Pauline’s parents, Mary and Louis Hebben; her brother Paul and his wife Kathy; plus, many aunts and uncles, his godparents and several nephews.

Join the family in reciting the rosary at 6 p.m. on Friday, October 15, at St. James the Just Catholic Church, 495 N. Harrison Blvd., Ogden. Viewing will follow from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The funeral Mass will be offered at the church on Saturday, October 16 11 a.m., followed by a luncheon. Bob will be laid to rest in the Brigham City Cemetery with a gravesite ceremony at 3 p.m. 

In lieu of flowers or gifts, Bob asked for prayers.