Our beloved dad, "Old Grampa" and great grandpa passed away Dec 7, 2020. He was born on August 29, 1936 to Reginald Arthur and Gladys Irene Godwin Babb. He married Patricia Ann Thomas on September 10, 1955. They had three children together.
Dick spent his career at Industrial Supply Company in Salt Lake City for 37 years. Dick went on to be the best salesman in the company. He retired as Executive Vice President. When asked to describe his job in one word, Dick said it was “fun.”
Dick was a people person, and it was once written in a national trade magazine that he was "The greatest entertainer since Al Jolson." He had a great sense of humor and told many entertaining stories.
Dick loved to golf and play handball. He also loved camping, especially in the motor home. He felt that the time spent on the houseboat was kind of like camping, too.
Dick may have left us physically, but his legacy lives on through his children and grandchildren. He was an avid outdoorsman. He loved to hunt and fish, and this love he passed on to his children who, in turn, passed it on to their children.
One of Dick’s best attributes was his ability to solve problems not only in business situations but in his personal life as well. A very dear friend often referred to him as “The voice of reason.”
Dick was a very generous person. He loved giving gifts. It didn’t matter if he knew you well or if he had just met you.
Dick had a saying: “There are two kinds of class – first class and no class” and he lived his life by that saying.
Dick is survived by his "bride" of 65 years, his son, Russel Dean (J'Amy), his daughter, Leslie Ann (Douglas) Burkett and his brother, Garry of San Diego, CA. He is also survived by six grandchildren, three step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and three step-great-grandchildren. Dick was preceded in death by his daughter, Pamela Rae, his parents, and his brothers, Raymond, Eugene, and Stanley.
A memorial service to honor Dick’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 22 at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 East 10600 South, Sandy. Visitation will be 6:00-7:30p.m. Friday and 10:00 a.m.-10:45 a.m. Saturday.