Obituary: Benjamin Burdett

Benjamin Burdett 8/7/1910~11/15/2005 Benjamin Burdett, age 95, of Salt Lake City, UT, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Tuesday, November 15, 2005 in Salt Lake City, UT. Ben was born August 27, 1910 in Evanston, WY to Ernest George and Minnie Hortense (Spence) Burdett. The family moved to Salt Lake where he attended and graduated from East High School and the University of Utah. He worked many years for KSL Radio as both an Engineer and Salesman. He found he had a natural ability as a salesman, and later worked for various companies, finally retiring after many years with Costume Jewelry Inc. of Salt Lake City. Ben was an active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and served in the California mission. He served in many positions within the church in both ward and stake callings as well as in the Salt Lake Temple. He was a member of the bishopric and helped build the Garden Heights Ward Building. He loved the gospel and felt fortunate to have served in almost every organization; He loved working with people, and they loved him. Ben was an avid artist; he was always sketching wherever he went. His legacy includes many sketches and beautiful watercolors. He enjoyed the tranquility of the mountains, and was anxious to help others see the beauty in almost any setting in nature. He loved being with his family, and felt fortunate whenever they would visit and include him in their outings. He was proud of the accomplishments of each of his children and grandchildren, and always encouraged them in their pursuits. He felt strongly about the value of education, and told them they could be whatever they wanted to be. His strong upbringing taught him the value of work which he in turn passed on to his children and grandchildren. Survivors include his wife; Wilma Maria (Salisbury) Burdett, son; Ben W. (Barbara), daughters; Joan, and Sue (Cliff Billingslea), eight grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. He was the last member of his immediate family having been preceded in death by his parents, five brothers, Ernest, Harold, Marion, Karl, and Howard, and one sister, Geneva (Brown). Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 19, 2005 at 1:00 PM in the Wilford Stake Center, 1765 East 3080 South, Salt Lake City, UT. Friends may call on Friday from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 South 2300 East, Salt Lake City, UT and at the Wilford Stake Center on Saturday morning from 11:45 am-12:45 PM prior to the services. Interment, Elysian Burial Gardens, 1075 East 4580 South. In lieu of flowers, please send contributions to the Perpetual Education Fund of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.holbrookmortuary.com.