I’ve had the opportunity to see some great musicians over the years. As a boy I would attend performances of the Pittsburg Symphony Orchestra, sitting high up in peanut heaven at the Syria Mosque and watching world-class performers such as Isaac Stern, Vladimir Horowitz and Roberta Peters.

Since then, it has been my privilege to become acquainted with many great musicians and performers here in Utah – the Osmonds, David Archuleta, Michael McLean and Mormon Tabernacle Choir conductor and arranger Mack Wilberg,  just to name a few. And many of them have become dear friends.

One of them is Bob Engemann. That is why I was saddened to hear about his passing in Provo last week. He was truly a giant among men – not only in the entertainment business but to all who knew and loved him. In fact, of all the stars shining in Utah’s firmament, I would be hard-pressed to name anyone who shone brighter and for longer than Bob.

To the general public, talk about Bob often begins and ends with his membership in the Letterman, the legendary group responsible for such hits as “When I Fall in Love,” “The Way You Look Tonight” and “Theme From A Summer Place.” The trio’s silky smooth harmonies, 20 hit singles, nine gold records and five Grammy nominations led to Billboard magazine proclaiming the ensemble as the top “adult contemporary and romantic group of all time.” 

But for those of who knew him, Bob was so much more than an entertainer.

He was a devoted family man who retired from the Letterman near the height of the
group’s popularity to spend more time with his wife Betty and their children. He was active in the community and a faithful member of his church – someone whose love, compassion and service to others endeared him to everyone. And Bob was an avid Cougar fan who raised great sums of money for academic programs and to build LaVell Edwards Stadium at his alma mater, Brigham Young University.

For all his acclaim, Bob was unfailingly humble. No one was less impressed with Bob than Bob. He was too down to earth to talk up his success, and he was more interested in hearing others’ stories and celebrating their lives than in touting his own.

Bob also was generous with his time and talents. He was instrumental in promoting and coaching scores of performers in Utah, helping them to find an audience and realize their potential. For my part, I knew I could always count on Bob to get the Lettermen and other entertainers to perform at the charitable fundraisers I hold each year for the United Families Foundation. 

In all facets of his life, Bob made a difference, and he will continue to do so as the people he mentored and inspired follow in his footsteps by serving and sharing their talents with others. While we will be poorer for his absence, I take some comfort in the knowledge that the heavenly choir is ecstatic about the addition of its newest member and his signature baritone voice.

Bob was a friend to all who knew him, regardless of their station in life. And as the angel Clarence remarked to George Bailey in Frank Capra’s movie “It’s a Wonderful Life:” “No man is a failure who has friends.”  By that measure alone, Bob Engemann was a tremendous success.

He will be dearly missed.

Sen. Orrin G. Hatch, R-Utah