On Tuesday afternoon, July 14, 2020, Terry Lynn Tippets transcended this life and entered the next at the age of 70 after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by his loved ones, gracing them with his sense of humor and classic Terry grins up until his final breaths.
Terry loved surprises. He loved to receive them, and when the opportunity arose, he loved to share them with his family and friends, usually as gifts. His sudden illness and passing was his last surprise to the loved ones he left behind. It’s fitting that, without much warning, he chose to make such a dramatic exit from this mortal coil. He loved to have fun and put on a show, most often after watching one of his favorites, Pride and Prejudice, wielding his flair for the dramatic and delivering orders in a snooty British accent. One day, he swore he would buy a pair of riding boots and dress like Darcy.
He never did, much to everyone’s relief. The same flair for fun and drama can be said about his admiration for John Wayne films—just switch the British accent with a country accent and replace the riding boots with cowboy boots, spurs, and a rifle.
His lust for life was catching. The passions he nurtured ranged from racing his Audi TT on the Salt Flats to camping, hiking, fly-fishing, and simply being with family and friends. He was never happier than when he was with his longtime wife, Sally, driving through the valleys and canyons of Utah, seeking breakfast at a favorite restaurant or discovering a new place to call his favorite, conspiring with her about future plans and dreams as they searched for hideaways that they could call their own.
Terry served in the U.S. Army in 1969, stationed in Germany. Later, his work in electrical engineering, building and designing power stations, took him all over the world. He loved being an engineer and took great pride in doing his best, always. Getting his PE license signaled his devotion to his field and allowed him many opportunities to utilize his knowledge of electricity in unique ways, such as in forensic applications.
Tip, as he was known to many people who knew him best, was easy to love. He was always willing to goof around, and he never stood too much on ceremony unless it was related to his faith. He served in many positions in his religion and loved opportunities to serve others, doing so up until his passing, by caring for the love of his life, Sally. They were best friends and intellectual equals, sharing a voracious passion for reading books of every sort, attending musicals, and talking the night away, at times till dawn.
He will be missed. It’s believed that he’s now reunited with his recently deceased father, Lynn Mair Tippets, and his mother, Dorothy Bertha Turner Tippets. He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 32 years, Sally Vee Tippets (nee Anderson), and his eight children: Kelly (Mark), Danielle (Jason), Nicole (Stoker), Anjanette (Nathan), Lynn (Melissa), Jana (Brett), Cassi (Aaron), and Leslie (Justin). He will also be fondly remembered by his sisters, Karen and Kathy, and by his 21 grandchildren.
A viewing will be held for those who wish to see him on Saturday, July 18, at the Rock Chapel in Farmington (272 North Main) from 10:00 am to 11:00 am. A family prayer will be at 11:00 am, and the graveside service will follow at 11:30 am in the Farmington City Cemetery (500 S 200 E).
I have many fond memories of Terry. We met when I was an electrical engineering student, and his enthusiasm for the field and encouragement about the possibilities were valuable to me. He certainly had a passion for cars, skiing, and Sally (among others, and not necessarily in that order)! I know he'll be missed. Condolences to the family.
Sorry for your loss another rose parker gone
I worked with Terry ever since he came back to SLC as an engineer in the consulting business. He was always fun to be around and positive. I was so sad to hear of his passing. I will miss him.
Sally, we live in your last neighborhood in Farmington. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. We are so sorry for the time of separation you now face, and pray God's peace, help, and love will be with you all your days. We are thankful for the things you and Terry taught us through your comments and testimonies in our ward. Thank you for the joy for life and faith you shared with us.
Terry taught my brother and I to play "fish" when we first met in our pre teens. Later in life he dragged me out to the airport and we started jumping out of airplanes together. If there is a metaphor there I don't know what it is but I'll never forget either experience because of Terry's exuberance. Always "on" always up for the action. He'll be missed.
Sally and Family,
I was saddened to hear of the passing of Terry, my heart aches for you. What a wonderful sense of humor, always a smile, a true friend. May God bless and comfort you in your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you always at this difficult time.
Terry was a really good friend of mine, one of my favorite memories is hiking Kings peak with him, it was really tough. He was a really good friend to me and my dad, I'll always have those great memories, and the laughs that we shared. My heart goes out to his family.
Sally and family,
Ann and I were saddened to see this notice.
Terry was one of our favorite people at Spectrum. He was always friendly and enthusiastic.
I liked having him in the next door office. I will never forget the day he and I spent on the salt flats. He was so happy with his 130 mph achievement.
We hope you and your family will be comforted by the memory of his gentle manner.
Jody and Ann Good