Obituary of Roland Wadsworth

Roland "Bob" Wadsworth was born in Salt Lake City and grew up in Hamilton, Ohio. He had a happy childhood and was encouraged by his parents to develop his love for music. He formed his first "six-man" band in the ninth grade and was pursuing a career in music when our country called him. Bob enlisted in the United States Army in 1942. In 1945, Lieut. Wadsworth was awarded the Bronze Star medal for heroic achievement as an artillery forward observer. He was discharged in 1946, attended the University of Cincinnati, was a member of honor societies Tau Beta Pi and Chi Epsilon, graduated with a 5-year Civil Engineering degree and still managed to average three or four nights a week playing in bands. Bob decided to spent the rest of his life in Arizona, moved to Phoenix and joined with two other young engineers to found Engineering Corp. of America in 1955. Their firm designed many miles of Interstate Freeway and engineering projects for several states, counties and cities. In 1977 Bob and Phoenix architect Ross Jensen founded Wadsworth, Jensen and Assoc. Among their projects was an expansion of the Arizona State University stadium and ASU Research Park. In 1982 WJA was acquired by an international engineering firm. Bob was a licensed Professional Engineer in four states, a life member of the National Society of Professional Engineers and is listed in the 20th edition of Who's Who in the West. In 1983 Bob and his wife, Lila, founded RWGroup, Inc. Bob spent many of his early retirement years as consultant for the City of Tempe Engineering Dept. His brilliant programming skills were legend. In 1977 he moved to Scottsdale and married the "girl of his dreams." Lila had been his draftsman and engineering tech for 20 years and was a breeder and judge of Afghan Hounds. They had 36 wonderful years working and traveling together until his sudden death October 5, 2013. Bob was active in the LDS church and served as Bishop of the 8th Ward in the Phoenix North Stake from 1972 - 1976. He especially loved serving as Branch President of the LDS Phoenix Indian School for nine years. He was an excellent tennis player and never lost his deep love for music. His employees became his friends; and all who knew him loved him for his humor, kindness and integrity. Bob is survived and deeply missed by his children, Jill Heywood, Julie Wadsworth, Janice Wadsworth, Jeff Wadsworth; seven grandchildren; his beloved wife, Lila; and six Afghan Hounds. We were so very lucky to have had him in our lives. Services will be held in Tucson at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 10, 2013, at the LDS Church at 939 W. Chapala (Viewing at 9:00 a.m.). In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Afghan Hound Club of America rescue fund. Arrangements by ADAIR FUNERAL HOMES, Avalon Chapel.