Barbara Desmond

Barbara Jean Desmond
1932-2018

After 64 years of marriage, Buddy and Barbara are survived by their four children, Michelle Zwahlen, Bret Desmond, Denise Fiack and Lorri Lau (Chris); eight grandchildren, Geddy Desmond, Mackade Skinner, Ariel Desmond (Christian), Erika Buckley, Shenille Fiack, Desmond Lau, Jasper Lau, and Sage Lau.

Barbara Jean Desmond was born May 19, 1932 in Santaquin, Utah to Wendell Duel and Opal M. Larson.  Barbara graduated from Payson High in 1950 and moved to Salt Lake to attend LDS Business College.  She nannied for a mutual friend until she graduated college and got a job working for KSL.  Barbara’s best friend set her up on a blind date with a man named Buddy, and the rest is history.  When Barbara retired from bookkeeping at Skyline High, she took up quilting and reading.  She made quilts for her kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and even donated quilts to various charities.

Buddy Clifton Desmond was born September 20, 1930 to William J. Desmond and Lennie Memmott.  He grew up in Helper, Utah fishing and hunting with his dad.  After graduating from American Fork High in 1948, Bud moved to Salt Lake and served in the Army National Guard for several years.  He got a job working for Utah Power and Light, where he retired from some thirty years later.  Bud shared his love for fishing and hunting with his kids and then his grandkids.

Barbara and Bud were married on November 12, 1954 in Santaquin, Utah, and were later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple.  They were active members of the LDS church, holding many church positions throughout their lives. They had four children that they raised in their Salt Lake home.  Bud and Barbara began square dancing in 1969, they came to hold various positions for local and state boards.  They later traveled with the exhibition group, The Salt Lake Steppers.  Bud and Barb went on various adventures across the states, and found delight in going on cruises with friends.  They were family enthusiasts, and so spent much of their retired years attending family events and gatherings.  As Bud and Barb entered their golden years, it was time for a change.  They sold their family home, bought a condo with a garden for Barbara to attend to, and a trailer home in Yuma, Arizona to get away from the cold Utah winters.  This is where they picked up their secret pass time of shuffleboard, and took the senior community by storm.  Bud and Barbara enjoyed spending time with their eight grandchildren.  They often traveled out of state for birthdays and graduations, and to watch games and performances.  As time drew on, Bud and Barb’s love for each other never faded.  They were side by side up until their last moments together.  Barbara was kind, loving, intelligent, patient, forgiving, and supportive; and set a great example for all those around her.  Bud was honest, understanding, supportive, loving, and caring; and showed us how a man should treat a woman.  Bud and Barb’s love story began its next chapter when they clasped hands, and stepped out of this world, into heaven.

Funeral services will be held Saturday March 10, 2018; 11 A.M. at the LDS Chapel, 6350 S. Rodeo Lane (1545 E.). A viewing will be held, Friday March 9, 2018; 6-8 P.M. at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 E. Bengal Boulevard (7600 S.), and the day of the service at the church from 10-10:45 A.M.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Best Friends Animal Society of Utah at utah.bestfriends.org/donate.