Robert Henry Heygster

Robert Henry Heygster, age 75, passed away Tuesday evening September 26, 2023, in his home in Justin, TX, surrounded by his wife, their sons and their spouses, and his dog Chico. Cancer had been a part of his life for a few years, and he chose to keep it to himself. He wanted life to go on as usual, giving his all, to his family and friends, until his last few days. He was born in Takoma Park, MD and is the second son of William and Gertrude (Ramsey) Heygster. Bob is survived by his wife Lynne (Dashiell); sons, Marcus and wife Elise, James and wife Janelle; five grandchildren and one great grandchild; brother William and wife Anita; nieces, Katie and husband Chris, and Kassie and husband Bob.

He enjoyed boating, golfing, woodworking, spending time at the beach, and camping when the kids were young, taking us from Maine all the way down the east coast to Key West. Traveling to different places for Christmas like campgrounds and even Las Vegas was an adventure for him. 

Bob graduated from Wheaton High School in 1966 excelling in academics and Track & Field winning awards for the high jump. He took classes at the University of Maryland but left school for work. He entered the US Navy in 1971 and after bootcamp became a Utilitiesman with the United States Naval Construction Battalions, also known as Seabees. Upon leaving bootcamp he earned the Academic Award.

Bob worked at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, DC starting in 1969 just as his father and grandfather had before him. He started as a journeyman for plate printing currency and stamps, progressing to plate printer, Foreman, and retiring as Superintendent in December of 1990. While there he was awarded for implementing hearing safety protection and protocol.

After retirement Bob became a Hearing Instrument Specialist, testing, counseling, and selling hearing aids. He was born deaf in one ear and wore hearing aids for most of his life.  He worked for Littlefield's Hearing Aids in Salt Lake City, UT from the mid 1990's until 2014. During that time he made many friends in the industry, traveled across the country teaching continuing education credits for the industry, and worked with state legislature supporting the integrity of licensing, and maintaining the industry as it had been established.

Bob was honored to be a member of the Masonic Lodge. He was initiated, passed and raised in 1970 in Wheaton Lodge No. 228 in Wheaton, MD. Bob joined Canyon Lodge No. 13 of Salt Lake City, UT in April 1992 and served for many years in various positions. He served as Worshipful Master of Canyon Lodge #13 in 2011. Bob also served as a Trustee of Canyon Lodge for several years thereafter. Bob was awarded Lodge Secretary of the Year in 2009 by Most Worshipful Grand Master Loyd E. Davis of the Most Worshipful Grand Lodge of the State of Utah.

Bob was awarded the Hyrum Award on May 01, 2012, by Canyon Lodge #13. This is the highest individual honor and award that can be conferred on a brother in a Masonic Lodge. He worked in the quarries of Masonry for over 50 years and is sorely missed by the brothers who had the pleasure of knowing him. "His memory [we] cherish in our hearts."

He was a very funny man.  He could make anyone laugh. He could tell a joke or a story better than anyone and didn’t mind embellishing when he thought the story called for it. If I would say, “now Bob that’s not quite right.” He would remind me to “never let the facts get in the way of a good story”.  He loved the Simon & Schuster Mega Crossword Puzzle Books and kept up with them as they were published and knew the answer to every question.  Bob loved to watch baseball, football, and golf. He had been an avid golfer for many years. His best relaxing time would be sitting in his recliner doing his crossword puzzle while watching two sports at the same time flipping back and forth.