Sally Rich Burbidge Cassity

Sally Rich Burbidge Cassity "Gram Gram" A grand lady with an extraordinarily giving heart peacefully completed her mortal mission on Thurs. September 27, 2007 due to unexpected and extensive complications following major heart and arterial surgery. Sally spent her final evening in great spirits and good humor surrounded by family and giving of herself to others as was always her desire.Sally was a compassionate woman who could be found almost any day of the week involved in activities that uplifted others. Whether her kind acts and charitable way of life touched family or the Healthcare, Arts, University of Utah or Civic communities, her cup was always full in bringing joy and hope to those who were made better by a life well lived. Sally was born on November 23, 1930, to Clark Lowe and Dorothy Scowcroft Rich in Ogden Utah. She graduated from Ogden High school in 1948 and from the University of Utah in 1953 with a BA in Education. She also taught 5th grade at Polk Elementary in Ogden. She married her "Knight in Shining Armor", Kenneth Parry Burbidge, Jr., on July 16, 1954 in Ogden, Utah. They were later sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake Temple. Ken passed away following a long illness in 1998 during which Sally was both his patient and faithful nurse as well as his comic relief when a smile was desperately needed. Sally was fortunate enough to find happiness and contentment in marrying F. Burton Cassity February 10, 2001. They were great companions for each other and enjoyed the last 6 1/2 years together in service, travel, laughter and love. Sally loved being in her garden, dancing whenever she felt the beat and doing needlepoint. She was a lover of all things crimson but most of all she was a dedicated cheerleader for the varied activities of her children and grandchildren. She loved to travel and especially enjoyed extended family vacations. It didn't matter to her if the location was local or exotic, she could be seen setting the pace and making sure everyone was having an experience to remember as well as appreciating the local culture and history. If there was a massive water-fight between teenager laden rafts while shooting rapids in Idaho, you could bet that Sally was right in the middle of it. She particularly enjoyed summers in Sun Valley, winters in Palm Springs and was renown in family circles for her Thanksgiving dinners, Christmas breakfasts and her special ice cream Santa Clauses. Sally had a wonderful sense of humor that lit up the lives of all around her. During her life, Sally's civic and charitable work was nonstop. Whether she was fulfilling critical roles on the Ballet West, Kingsbury Hall, Libby Gardner Hall of Music, University of Utah Alumni and Red Butte Gardens Boards, University of Utah Board of Trustees, as self-appointed construction manager on the Burbidge Athletics Academic Center, or "Fairy Godmother" of the Utah Marching band, her efforts were tireless and those whose lives have been bettered by her work are beyond measure. Additional devotions in her life included long time membership and community involvement in the Junior League, Town Club, Salt Lake Country Club, Springs Country Club in Rancho Mirage and various charitable healthcare foundations connected with the University of Utah Medical community. She was also a proud life-long member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. A great example of her ability to take the initiative and make things happen occurred 21 years ago when she decided that the University of Utah needed a marching band and an upgraded music program. After providing Countless uniforms, instruments and scholarships, the result is now enjoyed by all as one of the finest marching bands in the country. Her involvement with the University of Utah has also included extensive fundraising for such facilities as the Alumni House and the pre-Olympic upgrades to Rice-Eccles Stadium and sponsorship contributions along with Ken for the Burbidge Athletics Academic Center. Because of her lifelong service Sally was honored to be the recipient of the University of Utah's Distinguished Alumni award, the School of Music's most prestigious Camerata Award and having the Utah Band Rehearsal Hall dedicated in her name. While she was always gracious in receiving such awards she never got over the surprise and the feeling of being overwhelmed that others would think her efforts were worth special recognition. She would have been just as happy marching with "The Band"! Sally thoroughly enjoyed time spent in evenings out, dinner groups and playing golf or tennis with Ken, Burt, children, grandchildren and her many, many dear friends. She was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and a devoted family matriarch. She is survived by her husband Burt, her sister Maryann Finley, three children, Clark Rich Burbidge (Leah), Jill B. Wiscomb (Don) and Karin B. Cook (Todd), 15 grandchildren who she loved with all her heart and who will forever treasure her memory and knew her by numerous names, but "Gram Gram" was her favorite, five step children and 25 step grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sweetheart Ken as well as her father and mother. Funeral Services will be held at 12 noon, Friday, October 5, 2007 at the Monument Park Stake Center, 1320 South Wasatch Drive in Salt Lake City (on 1300 South, two blocks above Foothill Blvd). Family and friends are invited to gather Thursday, October 4th, from 6-9 p.m. at Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary, 2350 East 1300 South in Salt Lake City, Utah or Friday, Oct. 5th, from 10-11 a.m. at the Monument Park Stake Center. Interment will be in Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park, 3401 Highland Drive in Salt Lake City, immediately following the service. The family would like to thank the attending doctors, nurses and specialists who spent the better part of 11 straight hours helping her in her last great effort as well as all those who contributed to the happiness of Sally's wonderful life. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions to the Sally and Kenneth Burbidge Pulmonary Chair, Central Development Office, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112 or the Sally Burbidge Marching Band fund, Central Development Office, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112. Online condolences may be delivered to www.larkinmortuary.com