Robert Vaughn Groat

Robert V. Groat, 77, a prominent local architectural designer, passed away in his home in Cottonwood on July 3rd after a long illness. He was comforted in his last hours by his daughters, Amy Sloper and Hylah McGrane, who cared for him in the last years of his life. He is also survived by his brother, Dorman, and his stepdaughter, Emily Amini. He was preceded in death by his wife, Debbie Lake.

Bob was born and raised on a small farm near Melvin, Michigan. He went to Peck High School and studied drafting at Ferris State College. His architectural career was interrupted by service in the Army, where he was stationed in San Francisco and Fort Huachuca, Arizona. He worked for large architectural firms in Detroit and San Francisco before moving to Sedona in 1974 and starting his own business. There, he built a home on the banks of Oak Creek in Hidden Valley, near Cornville, which he eventually sold to John McCain.

Over the years he designed many luxury homes and businesses throughout the area-including Sinagua Plaza and the award-winning Desert Hills Bank (now Flagstar) in Sedona. He was known for his low-profile, mid-century designs that blended into the landscape and his rejection of all modern CAD technology—preferring to hand-draw even the tiniest details.

Bob was loved by all for his infectious personality and love of life. He loved the outdoors, hiking, backpacking, and traveling to new places. After retirement, he traveled throughout much of Europe. He was also known to love a good martini. His energy, enthusiasm, and eternal optimism will be greatly missed by his many friends and family.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date, but has not been scheduled yet.

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