An exceptional man of great courage and dignity, Kenneth Parry Burbidge, Jr., passed peacefully from his mortal existence on Friday, December 18, 1998, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was surrounded by his devoted family and close friends.
Ken was a man who made a difference whether it be as a loving family man or in the business arena. He was respected, admired and loved by all those whose lives he touched. An exemplary human being, his example and influence transcended all religious and political lines. Ken was a counselor and leader and his abilities will be greatly missed.Ken was born on November 4, 1930, to Kenneth Parry and Lucia Larsen Burbidge in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from East High School in 1948, University of Utah, 1954, and received his MBA, cum laude, from University of Southern California, 1956. He married his college sweetheart, Sally Rich, on July 16, 1954, in Ogden, Utah. They were later sealed for all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple.
During the Korean conflict, Ken willingly served his country as an Air Evac Medic engaged in rescuing downed pilots behind enemy lines.
Upon completing his education, Ken focused his career on the securities industry. A truly self-made man, he started as a broker, rising through the ranks to become a Senior Vice President and manager of Dean Witter Reynolds from which he retired in 1993. However, he was a key player in the development of this industry as we know it today, including several of the current subsidiary businesses of Morgan Stanley Dean Witter.
At the time of his passing, he was actively involved in the functions of the University of Utah, serving on the Board of Trustees, past chairman of the Health Sciences Committee, and as an ex-officio member of the President's Club. Ken received the Distinguished Alumnus Award in 1994. One of his choicest assignments came from co-chairing the Rice-Eccles Stadium Financing which resulted in the remodeling and restructuring of this beautiful new facility. He was able to enjoy the fruits of his labor this past fall as he cheered for his beloved Utes.
As a great contributor to the community, he served for 10 years on the board of St. Mark's Hospital; first president of Ballet West; a member of the Governor's Bicentennial committee for the Arts; board of directors of Mountain West Financial; leadership gift chairman for Rice Stadium expansion; president and board of the Alta Club; National Assn. Of Securities Dealers; director of Browning Arms Co. and Chesapeake Energy Co. He also enjoyed membership in the Chesapeake Duck Club, The Springs Country Club in Rancho Mirage, California and as a life long member of the Sigma Nu fraternity. He was also a faithful member of the LDS Church.
He thoroughly enjoyed time spent with the boys; hunting, playing golf, bridge and gin rummy games.
Ken was a devoted family man and is survived by his only true love, Sally; his loyal brother and friend, John M. (Sandy); loving son, Clark Rich (Betsy); devoted daughters, Jill B. Wiscomb (Don) and Karin B. Cook (Todd); 14 grandchildren who knew him as "Big Daddy" and will forever treasure his memory: Travis, Maren, Chelsea, Hailey, Howie, Elissa, Emmy, Katie, Coulson, Molly, Candace, Jake, Carly and Jason.
Funeral services will be held at 12 noon, Tuesday, December 22, 1998, in the Mt. Olympus 2nd Ward, 3862 East Oakview Drive, Salt Lake City. Family and friends may gather Monday, December 21 from 4-6 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive and at the ward from 11:15-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment will be in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.
Ken received a successful lung transplant in October of 1995. The family wishes to express their appreciation to the physicians and medical staff of the University Hospital, especially Dr. Barbara Cahill and Roger Campbell, his physical therapist. Deep gratitude is felt for the donors family who made the decision to give their loved ones lung to Ken. This generous gift added three precious and wonderful years to his life.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to: Kenneth Burbidge Endowment Fund, c/o Ballet West, 50 West 200 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84101 or to Kenneth P. Burbidge Jr. Endowment Fund for Pulmonary and Lung Transplant Medicine, c/o Health Science Center, 50 North Medical Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah.
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