Robert Helu Bracewell, age 46, died surrounded by loved ones on July 19, 2020, after complications from a radioactive Pokémon bite and months of battling a terrible criminal named liver failure. Robert was born on December 15th, 1973 in Salt Lake City, UT to Louisa Alatini and Frank Bracewell. Robert was the only baby boy born that day in Cottonwood Hospital starting his life early as a known ‘Ladies Man.’

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Soon after he was born, his parents made the move to his Dad’s hometown in Jacksonville, Florida. Robert had a wonderful childhood; he was the oldest of five. Weekends were spent fishing, crabbing, and shrimping with his Dad and younger brother Eric. Robert attended Biltmore Elementary where his parents discovered him unleashing (more like displaying) his sweet Ninja skills on two brothers bullying Eric. The adventures of Robert and Eric are many and infamous in our family. Late one night, they accidentally lit their bunk bed on fire while looking for a toy with a cigarette lighter. They escaped death but not their dad.

Robert spent a lot of time at his Grandma Godbold’s farm where he shared a horse with his brother, named Commanche. At 16, he had a riding accident where Commanche fell on him knocking out his teeth. Robert seemed invincible.

After the passing of his father, their family then moved back to Utah, leaving a trail of broken hearted teenage girls behind and an expensive phone bill for his mom.

Robert liked to joke and tell people he had two wives. His first Wife Daionna Nish, whom he met as soon as he moved from Florida, blessed him with his first three kids; Ariella, Falanisi ‘Eric,’ and Deanna. His second wife, Christina Smith, blessed him with Dilian Smith and his baby angel Aryana Alyssa Smith Kimball Bracewell.

In 1997, he was in a car accident that resulted in him being almost completely blind. He did not let that stop him from living a full life, but occasionally used it as an excuse to get out of things he didn't want to do. Robert dealt with his blindness with humor; if he could make a situation awkward or uncomfortable, he would. He loved to make people laugh and also loved to argue.

He really liked to stir the pot with political talk. Even though he was blind, he could see more than most with his big heart.

Bob loved going on camping and fishing trips with all 5 of his kids shoved into a minivan, and they loved it as well. Those trips were always full of "Dad jokes" and laughter.

Robert was best known as “Super-Dad” to his kids, who want to thank him for years of service catching Pokémon.

Rob loved to persuade and defy the odds. His death was pronounced twice. After the first time, he came back just to shock the ICU nurses and to wait for all his kids and siblings to be able to say their good-byes. Robert passed away as soon as his kids were home safe, making his last mission on this Earth complete. We’ll miss you Robert, you old stubborn ASS.

The sun will set for you Dad. We love you.

He is survived by his wife of 16 years, Christina Kimball-Smith, ex-wife of 10 and friend of 31 years Daionna Nish; his beautiful children Ariella (James Travis), Deanna, Eric, and Dilian; the little loves of his life, his grandchildren Liam and Aria; mother Louisa Alatini Bracewell; siblings Eric Bracewell (Lauasa), Charlene (Ofa Pututau), Suliana (Ti’o Uasilaa), and Frank Bracewell (Lisia); beloved nieces and nephews Louisa, Toe’lau, Rodney Jr, Pepesina, Frank Brinson, Vaiola, Aunofo, Ame, Suliana, Clarence, Sositine, Benson, and Emma.

Preceded in death by his father Frank Brinson Bracewell and daughter Aryana Smith Kimball Bracewell. We know you’re busy fishing with dad and hunting Pokémon with Nana.

We would like to thank the Nurses and Doctors at the University of Utah Hospital and Jordan Valley West Hospital.

A staggered viewing will be held Thursday, July 23, 2020 from 12:00 – 2:30 PM at Memorial Murray Mortuary, 5850 South 900 East, Murray, UT, 84121 with a graveside service to follow at 3:00 PM at Memorial Redwood Cemetery, 6500 South Redwood Road, West Jordan, UT, 84123.

To comply with Salt Lake county’s mandate on facial coverings, face masks are required at all services and viewings. Social distancing will be enforced. For those unable to attend services, Memorial Mortuaries and Cemeteries is offering livestreaming of the services. Please see instructions below.

Joining by computer

• Go to zoom.us in any internet browser

• Click “Join Meeting”

• Enter the meeting ID – 8015661249

• A box will open saying “https://zoom.us wants to open this application”. Click “Open Zoom”

• Click “Join with Computer Audio”

• Click “Mute” in the bottom left hand corner so that your audio does not interrupt the funeral services

Joining by phone or iPad

• Download the Zoom app

• Open the app and select “Join a Meeting”

• Enter the meeting ID – 8015661249

• Select “Join without Audio”

• Select “Call using Internet Audio”

• Select “Mute” in the bottom left hand corner so that your audio does not interrupt the funeral service