Robert Joseph Leivian, 85, passed away peacefully on January 5, 2022. Bob was born on July 23, 1936 in Seneca, Kansas, son of William and Theresa. He lived on his family’s farm in Iowa until relocating to Wichita, Kansas for his adolescence. He then moved to Tucson, Arizona to attend the University of Arizona. He graduated and earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. After graduating and serving his country in the Air National Guard, he settled in Phoenix where he had a long and successful career in the commercial construction industry as a professional engineer.
It was in Phoenix where he met the love of his life, Frances. Together they had six children. Bob was a husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, uncle, friend and coach. He was a kind and gentle soul who took great pride in raising his children. His true passion was coaching each of his six children’s little league baseball and softball teams at St. Francis Little League. Later in life he was able to continue making memories coaching his grandchildren’s teams. Through this service he was able to touch countless lives with his unwavering example.
Bob’s faith in the Catholic Church provided a strength that he drew upon in order to battle stage 4 cancer courageously and continue to give his family his everlasting support. We are all lucky to have known him and shared in his life. He is survived by daughters Lisa, Kara, Amy (Chris); sons Bobby, Matt (Jaclyn), Joe (Bridgette); grandchildren Lucy, Carly, Nolan, August, Calhan, Christopher, Frances, Luke, Liam, Claire, Beecher, Vivienne, Quinn, Sofia, Savannah and Tristan; sisters Ruth and Berneice; brother Bill; and numerous other family and friends. He is preceded in death by his wife Frances; parents William and Theresa; sisters Florence, Marybelle and Anne; brothers Delbert and Jerry. He will be missed dearly but truly celebrated with great joy by those who knew him.
In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made in Bob’s memory to Catholic Charities 4747 N. 7th Avenue Phoenix, AZ 85013.
A Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 PM Friday, January 14, 2022 with a Rosary starting at 6:30 PM at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E Indian School Rd, Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 10:00 AM, at St. Thomas the Apostle Catholic Church, 2312 E Campbell Avenue, Phoenix, with a short reception to follow in the courtyard. Interment will be at St. Francis Cemetery at 1:30 PM. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com
Steve Hermann
My deepest sympathy to the family. Uncle Bob touched so many lives with his kind heart and gentle soul. He loved kids; with some of my fondest memories when I was a little boy teaching me how to play catch with my first baseball. So many great memories with Aunt Fran and Uncle Bob. He will be greatly missed. Much love to you all! Steve
Anthony (Charlie) Karaba
I’ll never forget Uncle Bob’s kindness and love he showed me and our family. We shared many Christmas’ at Grandma Mary & Grandpa’s Tony’s small house on Berkeley lane. He always took the time to play with all of us kids and teach us and tell us stories. He was so great and I’m just so lucky to have known him…God bless the Leivian family.
John P Faes
My condolences to Uncle Bob’s family. I always remember Bob as being very kind, genuine and a great sense of humor. When he was stationed at Lowery Air Force Base in Denver, he would come over to my parents’ house and stay the weekends. He would always be engaged with me and my 2 brothers, giving us his full attention. I miss my Mom and all of her siblings (my aunts and uncles) and now Uncle Bob. Sorry again for your loss and we will keep all of you in our prayers. John and Gerri Faes.
Jeff Randall
Good morning, my deepest condolences to the Leivian Family. I was one of the many very fortunate Apprentice Plumber, then Journeyman, then Foreman that really enjoyed Bob’s open-door policy for professional mentoring and advise, those meetings would typically become so much more. I knew Bob cared about me and my family which meant so much. I almost felt guilty taking so much of his time as I knew he had more important work on his desk but that was just Bob.
We played a little softball too at Co outings and league games, sure was glad Bob was on our team.
I saw Bob a time or two at his place on Christopher Creek, same smiles and family concerns, just a great guy that will be missed,
Jeff Randall
Judy Willcoxson
To the dear family of Robert Joseph Leivian, I’m so sorry for your loss of a wonderful father, grandfather ,uncle, mentor , friend!
We had a lot of fun with you & Fran in our younger days. My Robert Joseph Willcoxson who passes away May 28, 2021 will meet you up in heaven for a reunion!!
My sympathy is with you all as well as my love.
Judy Willcoxson
Irene and Andy Karaba
With my deepest condolences, we have so many wonderful memories of him and Aunt Fran. He will never be forgotten. Much Love and God bless the Leivian Family
Mark and Lori Olson
Bob was just such an incredible human being…..friend…father….husband…coach!!! He will be sorely missed by all he knew. He touched so many lives. Our most wonderful memories are from the St,. Francis Little League field coaching the kids. Those were the glory days. Bob was so great with all of the kids. He was kind and supportive and cheered them on no matter the score. Rest in Peace Bob. May you be in heaven reunited with Fran who was so amazing at your side.
Sending Much Love
Mark and Lori Olson
Bobby Gomez
My deepest condolences to the entire Leivian Family. Coach Bob has a very special place in my heart. Teaching others how to live life to the fullest was his specialty and he was a great example and role model for many people. He will be deeply missed and I will be eternally grateful.
Until we meet again Coach. I love you and keep “Rockin fire!”