Last Friday night at a Salt Lake hospital, Robert McLaren, Jr., passed into his final sleep, after a several months illness.

Because of the nature of his disease, liver trouble, no hope was held out for his recovery—and he suffered long and patiently, yet when the announcement of his death was received, it caused a wave of sorrow among his many Park city friends, for he was well known and esteemed and recognized as a man of sterling character, a devoted son, a loyal citizen, and a dependable friend.

Deceased was the son of R. H. McLaren, a citizen of this community known in almost every home, because of his always willing aid and helpfulness in hours of distress and sorrow. For over forty years he and his only son were constant and inseparable companions, and the passing on of his boy leaves him heart-stricken and alone. Sincere sympathy goes out to him and his sad bereavement.

Deceased was born in Hillard, Wyoming, on May 24, 1891. When a baby his parents moved to Park City. When about three years old, his mother died, and from that time on father and son were one, making their home together continuously in this city. Robert attended our public schools and upon reaching man's estate, he followed mining, and worked continuously at that work, until the depression closed most of the mines nearly three years ago—and "Bob" was one of the vast army of unemployed since then.

Of a quiet, retiring disposition, he was always cheerful and agreeable, and made friends will all whom he came in contact.

He was one of the first to enlist in Park City in the World's war, serving in the Fifty-eighth infantry. It is thought his health was impaired during his service—for he never was as strong or robust, after his return, as before the war. He was prominent in local Masonic circles, being past commander of Malta Commandery; held the high office of King in the Royal Arch Chapter at the time of his death; a prominent member of Utah Council No. 1, royal and Select Masters; always holding the office of senior stewart when stricken with his fatal illness.

How appropriate are the words of J. G. Holland:

Impressive funeral services were held at Masonic Hall Tuesday afternoon, under the auspices of Uintah Lodge, No. 7. The hall was filled to capacity with friends and admirers of deceased. Masonic ritualistic services we conducted by Worshipful Master H. A. Moore, assisted by the officers of the lodge. A vocal solo was rendered by Mrs. A. H. Hurley, accompanied by Mrs. Wilfred Langford, piano, and John Pike, violin; a vocal quartet, Mrs. R. P. Deihl, Mrs. Fred Gillette, Mrs. Mae Raddon and Mrs. G. B. Sheen. The funeral sermon was given by Rev. J. H. Hayes, of St. Mary’s Church, Provo. The reverend gentleman paid a high tribute to the deceased, of his high character and sterling worth as a man and citizen, and of his close association with deceased when a resident of this city.

A long cortege followed the remains to Glenwood cemetery, where in addition to the Masonic burial service, full military honors were given the deceased under the auspices of the local Post of American Legion, who attended the services in a body—a firing squad from Fort Douglas, a bugler, participating in the last rites—the color bearer being Victor Peterson, color guard, Ernest Lange and Vern Gibson, with Adjutant W. J. Bardsley, acting as chaplain.

The pall bearer were Robert B. Cunningham, Melvin Kidder, J. W. Buck and W. H. Dunn, A. R. Haustein, Rex Wheelwright, R. P. Deihl, of Malta Commandery, acted as guard of honor, in full uniform.

CARD OF THANKS

To the neighbors and friends I wish to tender my heartfelt thanks for their kindness and after the death of my beloved son, Robert. Words cannot convey my appreciation of their many acts of kindness and words of sympathy.

Robert H. McLaren, one of the best known citizens of our community, died at the Miners Hospital, this city, last night, after an illness of several months. Some three years ago, the only son of Mr. McLaren, died, and since that time deceased was a changed man, apparently unable to recover from the loss of his beloved boy and constant companion. For many years, before the death of his son, Mr. McLaren was a sort of a “good Samaritan” in this community, always ready to help those in distress, never tiring in aiding those in sickness, by nursing and aiding in every way possible. A splendid citizen, and a good man in every particular. He was a prominent and useful member of the Knights of Pythias for many years and greatly esteemed by the members thereof.

Deceased was born in New York City, on October 15, 1868 – and was a resident of Utah for many years.

Surviving him are the following brothers and sisters: J.H. McLaren, J.D. McLaren, S.T. McLaren, Mrs. Sarah Nelson, all of Salt Lake City and Mrs. Claude Herbert of Union Oregon.

Funeral services will be held at the L.D.S. Church next Sunday at 2 p.m. The Knights of Pythias will attend in a body.

The remains can be viewed at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Percy Williams, Park Avenue, from Saturday evening until time of services Sunday.