Robert H. Daines
1934 – 2021
On Tuesday, November 2, 2021, Robert H. Daines of Provo, Utah, died peacefully at home, surrounded by his children and his beloved wife Janet. He loved teaching, the temple, BYU, serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, his children and grandchildren.
Bob was born May 30, 1934, in Logan, Utah, to Robert Henry and Anna Merrill Daines. He grew up in New Jersey, where his family served in a small branch of the Church. He returned to Utah State University for undergraduate studies, later getting graduate degrees from Stanford and Indiana Universities.
Bob’s professional life was spent at Brigham Young University, where he taught in the Marriott School of Business for 41 years. He directed the MBA program and was department chair for 14 years, but his greatest contribution (and real interest) was in the classroom. He loved teaching, had high expectations for his students and was given every teaching award possible: the Marriott School’s Distinguished Faculty Award, the Exxon Teaching Award, the MBA Professor of the Year Award (twice), and the Karl G. Maeser Excellence in Teaching Award (BYU’s highest teaching honor). When he was given BYU’s Honorary Alumni award in 2015, he said “I always thought BYU was home.”
He was most proud of his seven children, all of whom graduated from BYU, and his 40 grandchildren and great grandchildren.
At every family gathering, Bob made a point of saying: “I love your Mom and I love the Lord” Those priorities showed. He was twice a bishop of a student ward and served as President of a BYU stake. He left Provo with 7 young children to be mission president in the Pennsylvania Harrisburg Mission. The highlight of his church service was serving with his wife Janet as president and matron of the Provo Temple, where they had also been counselor in the temple presidency.
He spent his life in service to his church and family. His priorities were always clear: love God, serve in the Church, teach powerfully, and, every summer, gather the whole family to Lake Tahoe.
He is survived by his wife Janet, seven children (Michelle Craig (Boyd); Rob Daines (Ruth Ann); David Daines (Julie); Paul Daines (Tina); Chris Daines (Maren); Kathryn Davis (Steve); Emily Crane (Bret)), 40 grandchildren and grandchildren, and 3 siblings (Larry Daines, Marilyn Cherrington, and Anna Vee Thompson).
Funeral services will be held Saturday, November 6, at 11:00 AM at the chapel on 3050 N. Mojave Lane, Provo Utah. A viewing will be held Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 PM and Saturday at 10:00 AM at the church. To express condolences visit www.nelsonmortuary.com.