Robert Palacios, 85, departed this world to our immense sorrow but heaven’s gain on October 10, 2022, in Price, Utah.
Robert was born in Sego, Utah on March 4, 1937, to Gumercindo and Maria Palacios. He spent most of his childhood in Sego and Spring Canyon, Utah. Robert loved and established a bond with the canyon, visiting when he could and recounting fondly vivid memories of his adventures there with his many brothers and sisters. His reminiscences brought a now quiet locale roaring back to life for all who heard his stories. Such was Robert’s affection for the canyon that he and his cherished daughter, Melany, made one last trek up the canyon and through the ghost town of Standardville just months before his passing.
At 16, Robert started working on the railroad, laying rail ties; a tough way for a lad to make a dollar but he was up to the challenge. Robert subsequently began what would become for him and his many brothers, a lifelong symbiotic relationship with the coal industry. Robert worked all types of mines, ranging from uranium to hard rock, to coal. Early in his mining career, he worked for Kaiser Coal company. While at Kaiser, and in 1958, Robert married Anita Palacios in Helper, Utah. Forever thereafter, she was his loving companion and kindred spirit. On earth, they shared 64 wonderful years together. A match made in heaven, which surely will continue in that divine realm when the maker so decides.
In 1960, Robert was drafted into the United States Army. He served two years, stationed in California, and received an honorable discharge. For a bit after, he and Anita resided in San Francisco, enjoying great food and wonderful events that he would continue to recall in the coming years. Utah was always home though and drew him and Anita back in 1962. Hello, again, Carbon County. Yet the mining industry was struggling locally, so Robert and Anita packed their bags for another mining destination, Carlsbad, New Mexico. The potash mines were thriving, and Robert jumped in, fully committed as he always was to his calling. In 1966, Robert and Anita were blessed with Melany’s birth. She was the apple of Robert’s eye and remained so until the day he closed those eyes for the final time. After 11 years in Carlsbad, the State of Utah beckoned again, precipitating Robert and Anita to return to Carbon County with young Melany in tow. The year was 1976. In Carbon County, Robert enjoyed a very successful career as a coal miner, earning the respect of many and helping the industry prosper. He first worked for Braztah Corp and then at the PacifiCorp, Deer Creek mine where he was a Longwall Foreman. He worked long/hard hours seemingly every day and sometimes would only come home to sleep a few hours – a “five” as he might call it – before returning to the travail. Longwalls had to be moved and Robert and his crew were sure to deliver. No doubt, Robert’s professional passion was Coal mining. It gave him tremendous satisfaction and he was proud of his and his fellow miners’ sacrifice and dedication to ensure this country had the energy supply it needed. In 1997, Robert hung up his mining gear, but the call of the mines was too strong. A year later, in 1998, the State of Utah asked Robert to provide his expertise on the State’s “Abandoned Mine Project.”
Robert embraced the opportunity and for the next five years he resolutely worked to ensure abandoned mines throughout the state were secure and safe for entry so they could be properly sealed while providing sufficient ingress and egress for nature’s critters residing therein. He very much enjoyed this experience, which gave him the opportunity to hike Little Cottonwood Canyon, St. George, and the Oquirrh Mountains.
After more than 39 years in mining, Robert finally retired in 2004. Early in retirement, Robert and his many brothers – as a collective, local legends in the mining industry – often could be found drinking a few beers and “mining coal,” which meant telling stories of their many and varied experiences in the mines. Recognizing their passion and contribution to the mining industry, S.E.U.E.P.A. awarded Robert and his brothers the “Lifetime Achievement Award” in 2007. It was a very proud, and well-deserved moment for Robert and the entire Palacios family. In his remaining years, Robert spent his days tinkering in his yard, doting over Anita and Melany, reloading bullets, tying flies, growing a beautiful garden, hiking Spring Canyon with his favorite grand-dogs, and fishing. I know that right now, Dad is hiking up a trail with Grover and Sunnee, and his brother, Pete, to their favorite fishing hole. Robert – husband, father, uncle, friend, mentor and grandpa to his beloved furries, will be deeply missed.
He is preceded in death by his sisters: Margaret, Ruby, Emma and his brothers Joseph, John, Manual and Pete.
He is survived by his wife Anita, Helper; daughter, Melany (Chris), Park City; sister, Pauline (Gilbert), Salem, Utah.
Funeral service, Saturday, October 15, 2022, 10:00 a.m., Mitchell Funeral Home where the family will receive friends one hour prior to service. Interment, Mt. View Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net