Thad Ricks Tippets

Thad Ricks Tippets

Thad Tippets who was born on October 10, 1927 the last surviving child of Joseph M. and Retta Wixom Tippets passed away peacefully October 6, 2011. He dearly loved every one of his 12 siblings: Lucile, Nellie, Maurine, Reed, Ray, Mildred, Gene, Larue, John, Joe, Wayne and Lewis.

Thad was born in Georgetown, Idaho and moved with his family to Utah at the age of six. He graduated from Ogden High School in 1946 where he excelled in academics and sports. His nickname at the time was "Tank Tippets". He attended Weber State and played on the basketball team. Later in his life, he returned as a Machinist instructor.

In 1947, Thad married Beverly Amidan in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. She passed away on January 23, 2011. They chose to live in Washington Terrace. Together they had eight children: Randy, Scott (deceased) (Jeanette), Becky, Heidi (Wayne), Kirk, Jill (Mark), Thad Jr. (Wendy), and Amy (Bret). They have 18 grandchildren and 23 great-grandchildren.

Thad worked for the Union Pacific Railroad, Marguardt and as a Machinist, retiring from Williams International in 1991. He was very proud of the work that he did machining.

He also spent many years farming. His most recent farm was in Newton, Utah. He loved spending time on his land.

Thad was an active member of the Washington Terrace LDS 5th Ward, where he held many callings throughout the years. He loved going to church and enjoyed singing. He had the calling of a Seventy. He worked at the local cannery in his later years.

Thad was a ''Gentle Giant'' of a man, who was always willing to help those in need.

Absence is sad, but reunions are sweet. Thad is now joined with all of his loved ones who preceded him in this life, and for that, we are so thankful.

Funeral services will be held Monday, October 10, 2011 at 2 p.m. at Lindquist''s Ogden Mortuary, 3408 Washington Blvd. Friends may visit family on Sunday from 6 to 8 p.m. and Monday from 12:45 to 1:45 p.m. at the mortuary. Interment, Lindquist''s Washington Heights Memorial Park, 4500 Washington Blvd.

Special thanks to the staff of Heritage Park Care Center who took such loving care of our father in the final stage of his life.