Grant Babcock Obit

HELPER- It is with great sadness and broken hearts that we announce the passing of Sheldon Grant Babcock on July 10, 2016 after a long illness. Grant was a devoted son, husband, dad, best grandpa, great grandpa, and friend to many.

He was born on April 10, 1929 in Hiawatha, Utah to Vardes Andrew Babcock and Mary Albertson Babcock. He grew up in Castle Gate (Willow Creek), Utah and graduated from Carbon High School in 1947, and the College of Eastern Utah in 1948.

He married Lorraine Chesnik on June 30, 1950. They lived, loved, laughed and danced together for the following 66 years. She was his sweet Lorraine to the very last day. They became parents to a beloved son, David, and cherished daughter, Shelly.

Grant had a great interest in automobiles. He followed his dad into the coal mining industry to buy his first car. He was a proud member of the UMWA, and served as a moderator between labor and management for many years. He was the last survivor of a mine explosion, which claimed the lives of nine of his friends and co-workers on December 16, 1963. After serving on the rescue team for two days he walked away, never to return again. In 1965 he established his own business, Grant’s Distributing Company, and managed it successfully for the next 32 years.

He loved the outdoors, fishing, hunting, and snowmobile riding with family and friends. Grant was a life member of the Price Elks Lodge #1550. He served every chair office and was elected Exalted Ruler in 1965-66, during the lodge’s glory days with 900 members. He also served on the Board of Trustees for 20 years, guiding the principles of the lodge and supporting community charities. Grant lived by their code of Charity, Justice, Fidelity, and Brotherly Love. For 50 years, he placed the Elks Memorial flags on deceased member’s graves at the Helper Cemetery, because an Elk member is never forgotten.

Grant was a gentle man who had the ability to build or repair everything and anything including a broken toy or a broken heart. One of his most enjoyable hobbies was automobiles. He owned many and was an expert mechanic. His favorite was a 1930 Ford Model A Roadster, which he restored to perfection with his son. He was a member of the Pair-A-Dice Car Club and won numerous trophies at car shows.

He and Lorraine were honored as Grand Marshalls of the Helper Christmas parade in 2004, which was great fun. He was a member of the S.N.P.J. Lodge #689 in Helper and served as President for 30 years from 1986 to 2016. He was co-chairman of the Slovenian Day Picnic for 25 years.

After he retired, he and Lorraine traveled the world from Hawaii to Rome, and Canada to Mexico, and many great places along the way, but his favorite place was their home at 5th Avenue in Helper, among his friends and loving family.

Survived by his wife, Lorraine; son, Dave (Gaye) Babcock, Spring Glen; daughter, Shelly (Jim) Stephenson, Houston, Texas; grandchildren, Michelle (Sam) Slaughter, Stefanie (Dave) Mumford, Chas (Emily) Morris, and Jenna-Raine Morris; six great granddaughters, Cheyanne, Ashlyn, Kaydi Jo, Faith Marie, Isabella Raine, Mackenna; one great grandson, William Grant.

He was the last leaf on his family tree. Preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Bill and Frank; two sisters, Leona Coles and Vivian Laursen; his loving in-laws, Joe, Jennie, and JoAnn Chesnik Couch.

Dad was deeply loved and admired. We shall miss him every moment until we meet again. How sweet it is to love and be loved.

Special thanks to the staff and caregivers at Pinnacle Nursing/Rehab and Symbii Home Health.

Funeral Mass, Thursday, July 14, 2016, 10:00 a.m., St. Anthony Catholic Church. Vigil service, Wednesday evening, 8:00 p.m., St. Anthony Catholic Church. Family will receive friends Wednesday and Thursday at the church one hour prior to service. Interment, Mt. View Cemetery, Helper. Arrangements entrusted to Mitchell Funeral Home of Price where friends are always welcome daily and may share memories of Grant online at www.mitchellfuneralhome.net. In lieu of flowers please make contributions to the Price Elks Lodge #1550 to support their charity programs.