Robert Burnett Speirs

With great sadness, the family of Robert Burnett Speirs, 83, of Scottsdale, Arizona, shares the news of his passing on June 4, 2023. Robert, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend, was born on November 18, 1939, in Glasgow, Scotland, to parents John and Margaret Speirs. Robert finished school at the age of 16, and went to work as an apprentice in the ship yards. He met his soon to be loving wife, Joan Annie Healy, in Rowardennan, Scotland while hiking in The Highlands in 1956. They eventually moved to the United States with his family, and married on May 19, 1962. After getting married, they moved to New Zealand for three years, then over to New Zealand for three years, then cruised the world. They lived in San Francisco for a short time then returned to Scotland for a year, and began a family but eventually settled in Michigan where their family grew. Robert worked at La Salle, in the tool and dye industry until 1983. The recession of 1982 in Michigan made him relocate back to Scotland for a short time, but once again returning to the United States in 1984, this time in Scottsdale, Arizona where he settled with his famil...[more]

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nd worked for Motorola as an Electrician until retiring in 2001. Robert enjoyed playing "football" with the boys, which eventually led him into the Assistant Coach position at Chaparral High School for the boys soccer team, coaching alongside his youngest son, Jason, for 15 years. He was affectionately known as Papa Speirs. He was known to be quick witted, and a straight talker when it came to coaching. He loved those boys and they loved him! Robert welcomed everyone and always enjoyed a get together, a party, and "WEE" drink! He was loved by so many beyond just his family. Many looked to him for guidance when reflecting on their own families. Everywhere Robert went he would bring his guitar, and loved to sing a country song, and have everyone sing along. He loved the bagpipes, Ed Bruce and Frank Sinatra. He loved Loch Lomond, Hawaii, and truly enjoyed swimming in the ocean. Above and beyond, Robert's greatest passion was his family. There is no call that went unanswered from his children. Robert was always there for them, and nothing brought him more joy than his grandchildren. He loved his grandchildren. Nothing would hold him back from going out to a soccer pitch or basketball court to watch them play. He was so proud of each and everyone of them. He always took the time to coach them on soccer tricks like heading the balls, or goofy back kicks. All of his seven grandchildren truly loved and adored him with all their hearts. Robert is survived and dearly missed by his wife of over 61 years, Joan, his son Craig, his daughter and favorite and only son-in-law Julie and Ray Egea, and his youngest son, Jason and his wife, Michelle Speirs and his 7 grandchildren, Sean and Brandon Speirs, Daleina and Devyn Egea, and Shane, Cole and Isley Speirs, and his only great grandchild, Rogue Speirs. Robert is the last of the Speirs Clan of 7 other siblings. He was preceded in death by both his parents, and his older siblings, James, Christine, Sarah, Jennifer, John, Elizabeth and Margaret, and his son Derek Speirs. A public "Celebration of Life" will be held at the Hansen Mortuary at 3:00 pm on Friday, July 28, 2023. Please visit the tributes tab for the livestream link.