Howard Ridge "The Rose Man" Robert Howard Ridge, 93, of Salt Lake City, Utah passed away July 20, 2006. He was born October 8, 1912 in Salt Lake City to Robert and Frances Ridge. In 1931, he graduated from Cyprus High School in Magna, Utah, and in 1937 married Edith Mary Nielson. Howard and Edith co-owned the Copper Printing Company in Magna from 1935 until 1972. As publisher and photographer, Howard received numerous awards from the Utah State Press Association for two weekly newspapers, The Magna Times and The Garfield Leader. He also served as executive secretary of the Magna Water District for 10 years and was instrumental in procuring $500,000 in water rights that allowed the town to develop. Howard was a multifaceted individual with many interests, but his overriding passion was golf. In the early 1940's he established the nine hole course record of 29 (seven under par) at the Copper Club in Magna - a record that still stands today - and also captured the Utah Copper tournament titles in 1942 and 1946. He taught golf for many years and continued to teach well into his 90's. He loved to camp in his trusty truck and camper. He was an avid fisherman and hunter, using his innate instincts and uncanny sense of direction to his advantage. In the early 1950's, he patented a wingshot shooting aid and started a company to market it, Gunsights, Ltd. Howard was loved by all who knew him for his intelligence, humor, generosity and patience. He was a wonderful storyteller as well as a wonderful listener. He was always available to help in whatever way he could and delighted in giving a-way roses from the 450 rose bushes he constantly nurtured. "Daddy Fix It" was known for being able to fix anything and everything around the house and yard. (His attempts at mending the tears in his clothing from the rose thorns amazed and amused us all.) He was one of the kindest, most endearing and loving persons we knew. He set a wonderful example for everyone around him, and impacted and influenced our lives in more ways than he could have known. He will be deeply missed. Of course, he would not want us to draw too much attention to him or be sad because of his absence, but instead continue to appreciate the natural beauty and humor that surround us in life. We're sure he's making a few witty and wry observations of his own even now. He was preceded in death by his wife; and is survived by three daughters, Rebecca M. Price, Leslie R. (Maxim Holloway) Nelson, and Michele R. (Steven) Thiese; five grandchildren, Holly (Michael) Barton, Bryce (Corrie) Perkins, Kim (Sergio) Rendon, Matt (Meghann) Thiese, and Ben Thiese; seven great-grandchildren, Gregory, Hannah, Sarah and William Barton, Paige and Annie Perkins, and Maggie Graeff; and brother, Nathan (Jan) Ridge. We are very grateful for the wonderful care given to Howard by Dr. Daniel Clegg, Dr. Thomas Higgins, the University of Utah Medical Center, and the staff at Avalon Valley Rehab Center. We know Howard would also want to thank his many caring and supportive neighbors. A viewing will be held Monday, July 24, 5-7 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive, Salt Lake City. Funeral services will be held at Wasatch Lawn on Tuesday, July 25, at 12 noon, and family and friends may call one hour prior to services. Condolences can be shared with the family at www.mem.com
