|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,502
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,502 |
One of the four that has died in Utah from Crono
Bob Garff -- owner Ken Garff auto empire and former state representative. Boy this will wake up Utah's elite.
Most people don't have what it takes to get old
|
|
|
|
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,478 Likes: 2
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 18,478 Likes: 2 |
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 45,375 Likes: 27
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 45,375 Likes: 27 |
it's just the flu, right?
Wonder if Utah has shut down religious services?
Condolences to Mr Garff's family and friends.
Geno
The desert is a true treasure for him who seeks refuge from men and the evil of men. In it is contentment In it is death and all you seek (Quoted from "The Bleeding of the Stone" Ibrahim Al-Koni)
member of the cabal of dysfunctional squirrels?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,387
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 2,387 |
By Courtney Tanner · Published: 19 hours ago Updated: 2 hours ago Editor’s note: The Salt Lake Tribune is providing readers free access to critical local stories about the coronavirus during this time of heightened concern. See more coverage here. To support journalism like this, please consider donating or become a subscriber.
Robert H. Garff, an outspoken political and business leader in Utah for decades and among its most charitable philanthropists, died of the coronavirus on Sunday. He was 77.
Bob Garff, as he was known, became one of at least four Utahns so far to succumb to the disease and the first high-profile Utahn. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Melissa Ballard, who represents North Salt Lake as a Republican in the Utah House of Representatives. Her father served as speaker of that body from 1985 to 1987 and was a key organizer of the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.
Garff was also the longtime chairman of the Ken Garff Automotive Group, named for his father who started the company in 1932. It remains one of the biggest sellers of cars in Utah, selling everything from Chevrolets to Ferraris. There are also Garff dealerships in Michigan, Iowa, Texas, Nevada and California.
“My dad lived an amazing life,” Ballard told The Salt Lake Tribune on Sunday, pointing to him as her inspiration for getting into politics. “He is a giant in our city. And he didn’t care who got the credit for anything that he did.”
Garff and his wife, Katharine, had tested positive for the virus after driving back from a trip to Palm Springs, Calif. They self-quarantined upon returning home and feeling ill.
Robert Garff’s symptoms escalated. He was hospitalized last week and died there.
“It was really unexpected,” Ballard said. “And my mother is still battling this at home.”
Overall, 719 Utahns had tested positive by Sunday. While the state’s tally still only lists two deaths, The Tribune has confirmed at least two more — Garff and a 24-year-old woman who had a heart condition.
Ballard said that her father loved the community. She recalled how he was always saying, “What else can I do?” and “Who else can I help?” He was her model for running for office.
“I remember as a child watching and being part of his campaigns, knocking on doors and talking about issues over the dinner table," she said.
Garff is perhaps best known for his work leading the 2002 Winter Olympics as the chairman of the Salt Lake Organizing Committee. The group was rocked by scandal after an investigation into scholarship payments used by Utah to win the bid and host the games. Several committee members resigned in disgrace. Garff was not involved in the bribes, but he selected Mitt Romney to take over as CEO for Salt Lake City’s festivities.
There was some controversy that Romney and Garff were both members of the dominant Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints here. But in a 2007 article in The Boston Globe, Garff defended his decision and faith: “It would have been a disaster if we just picked a stranger and they didn’t understand the mores of this community.”
Garff was also a former area Seventy in the church.
On Sunday, Romney issued a statement saying that Garff’s death “breaks my heart.”
“Bob’s contributions to our state, to our economy, and to our church will be heralded by many,” he said. “But for me, it was his sound and principled leadership as the Chairman of the Olympic Winter Games of 2002 that is most compelling. The scandal that surrounded the Games could have overwhelmed our collective commitment, but Bob’s genuine goodness, clear-eyed optimism, and can-do management experience helped to reignite our confidence and community spirit.”
Scott Howell, a former state senator who also worked on the Olympics, called Garff one of the best friends he had in politics — though they were on opposite sides of the aisle. And businessman Paul Huntsman, also owner and publisher of The Tribune, said he got to know Garff over the last two years. The two men did philanthropic work together and Huntsman said he was a frequent customer of Garff’s.
“He really had incredible kindness toward people, which stood out,” Huntsman said. “He was so generous with his time and his genuine interest.”
Garff and his family also donated millions to charity, particularly the American Cancer Society. The family also started their own nonprofit, The Success in Education Foundation, to increase literacy in the state and award scholarships.
We are devastated to learn Bob Garff has passed away. He was a compassionate, visionary and generous husband, father, friend, businessman and community giant. Bob loved the U and was passionate about supporting students. Our hearts are with his wife Kathi and the Garff family.
Garff was a major contributor to the University of Utah, funding a business school building. Last year, the university announced the Garff family would pay half of the $35 million in donations needed to expand the south end zone at Rice-Eccles Stadium, where the football team plays and where the opening and closing ceremony of the 2002 Winter Olympics were held. When finished, that end of the stadium will be called the “Ken Garff Performance Zone.”
Garff also supported Proposition 8, California’s same-sex marriage ban, donating $100,000 to the cause in 2009. That caused intense pushback against the family in the state, with several gay-rights group boycotting the family’s dealerships.
On Sunday, Ken Garff Automotive also released a statement, calling the executive “a pioneer in the auto industry and the biggest cheerleader to every employee.”
It continued: “Robert loved his family immensely and will be missed by them as well as his employees and many friends.”
Many more leaders lined up with condolences. Gov. Gary Herbert said that Garff “touched countless lives and gave so much service to our state and its people.”
Speaker of the House Brad Wilson added: “His influence in our state will be deeply missed.”
Garff also served on the board of Intermountain Healthcare and is a former chairman of the Salt Lake Chamber of Commerce. He lived in Bountiful and had five children and 21 grandchildren.
In training to be an obedient master to my two labs
Shooting, fishing and hunting
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 11,666
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 11,666 |
it's just the flu, right?
Wonder if Utah has shut down religious services?
Condolences to Mr Garff's family and friends.
Geno I keep seeing that phrase pop up. Is anybody really saying that it is just the flu? So far, the flu is ahead in the U.S. as far as deaths, by the way. 10 to 1, actually. Why no comments on every flu death? The question that I have seen is whether the response has been justified by the threat. Is that not a legitimate question to ask?
Broncos are officially the worst team in the nation this year.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,502
Campfire Regular
|
OP
Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,502 |
it's just the flu, right?
Wonder if Utah has shut down religious services?
Condolences to Mr Garff's family and friends.
Geno I pretty sure the Mormon church has put their Easter conference on HD TV and not open to public. IIRC one of the temples was closed down to positive Crono. Not sure if it was in Utah. Biggest nest that was stirred up was the mass reception at public airport SLC international by 100s of "Saints" welcoming home missionaries. Romneys torn up because Garff was a big bucks donor to him.
Most people don't have what it takes to get old
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 95,992 Likes: 18
Campfire Oracle
|
Campfire Oracle
Joined: Jan 2016
Posts: 95,992 Likes: 18 |
Ecc 10:2 The heart of the wise inclines to the right, but that of a fool to the left.
A Nation which leaves God behind is soon left behind.
"The Lord never asked anyone to be a tax collector, lowyer, or Redskins fan".
I Dindo Nuffin
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 11,407 Likes: 1
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 11,407 Likes: 1 |
it's just the flu, right?
Wonder if Utah has shut down religious services?
Condolences to Mr Garff's family and friends.
Geno Biggest nest that was stirred up was the mass reception at public airport SLC international by 100s of "Saints" welcoming home missionaries. . I flew in and out of SLC from Mid-December up until 2 weeks ago every Monday/Friday. I can say I'm glad to be working local to home for the rest of the year....
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 45,375 Likes: 27
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 45,375 Likes: 27 |
Well they are a rather close knit group of folks.
Reminds me, I should call a very good LDS friend in Virginia who will need to be very careful with this stuff given prior health issues.
Stay safe, giver of Science to this place.
Geno
The desert is a true treasure for him who seeks refuge from men and the evil of men. In it is contentment In it is death and all you seek (Quoted from "The Bleeding of the Stone" Ibrahim Al-Koni)
member of the cabal of dysfunctional squirrels?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 131,916 Likes: 50
Campfire Sage
|
Campfire Sage
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 131,916 Likes: 50 |
it's just the flu, right?
Wonder if Utah has shut down religious services?
Condolences to Mr Garff's family and friends.
Geno I keep seeing that phrase pop up. Is anybody really saying that it is just the flu? So far, the flu is ahead in the U.S. as far as deaths, by the way. 10 to 1, actually. Why no comments on every flu death? The question that I have seen is whether the response has been justified by the threat. Is that not a legitimate question to ask? The reason for the concern about COVID19 is the rate of death and ease of transmission vs the seasonal flu, which gives it great potential (if not dealt with correctly) to far outstrip the seasonal flu in total deaths.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,184
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 5,184 |
" So far, the flu is ahead in the U.S. as far as deaths, by the way. 10 to 1, actually."
I don't doubt it but where did you get that information?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,148 Likes: 5
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 17,148 Likes: 5 |
Unfortunately, the timing of this was of such that Christmas and New Years-January provided the perfect opportunity for travel, mixing and spreading the virus around.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12,666 Likes: 8
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 12,666 Likes: 8 |
it's just the flu, right?
Wonder if Utah has shut down religious services?
Condolences to Mr Garff's family and friends.
Geno I keep seeing that phrase pop up. Is anybody really saying that it is just the flu? So far, the flu is ahead in the U.S. as far as deaths, by the way. 10 to 1, actually. Why no comments on every flu death? The question that I have seen is whether the response has been justified by the threat. Is that not a legitimate question to ask? The reason for the concern about COVID19 is the rate of death and ease of transmission vs the seasonal flu, which gives it great potential (if not dealt with correctly) to far outstrip the seasonal flu in total deaths. The flu's on a bicycle. Covid 19 is in a 'Vette. With a pair of Browning 50's up front.
“When Tyranny becomes Law, Rebellion becomes Duty”
Colossians 3:17 (New King James Version) "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him."
|
|
|
|
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,924
Campfire Regular
|
Campfire Regular
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,924 |
it's just the flu, right?
Wonder if Utah has shut down religious services?
Condolences to Mr Garff's family and friends.
Geno AFAIK the Mormon Church has essentially shut down world wide. No Church services. Even missionaries are being called home to the US. And the pending world conference coming this weekend will be virtual.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 11,666
Campfire Outfitter
|
Campfire Outfitter
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 11,666 |
" So far, the flu is ahead in the U.S. as far as deaths, by the way. 10 to 1, actually."
I don't doubt it but where did you get that information? CDC 24,000 and 155 pediatric Weekly U.S. Influenza Surveillance Report
Broncos are officially the worst team in the nation this year.
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 31,292 Likes: 10
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 31,292 Likes: 10 |
I assure you, Utah is wide awake.
Cleverly disguised as a responsible adult.
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 23,506
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 23,506 |
it's just the flu, right?
Wonder if Utah has shut down religious services?
Condolences to Mr Garff's family and friends.
Geno Furbarski said he kicked Covids ass after he caught it....Still wondering why this specimen of health hasn’t volunteered to have his plasma turned into a treatment for others who are sick? 😎
Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog “Molon Labe”
|
|
|
|
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 45,375 Likes: 27
Campfire 'Bwana
|
Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 45,375 Likes: 27 |
it's just the flu, right?
Wonder if Utah has shut down religious services?
Condolences to Mr Garff's family and friends.
Geno I keep seeing that phrase pop up. Is anybody really saying that it is just the flu? So far, the flu is ahead in the U.S. as far as deaths, by the way. 10 to 1, actually. Why no comments on every flu death? The question that I have seen is whether the response has been justified by the threat. Is that not a legitimate question to ask? Well, in a few cases I seem to remember it being referred to that or "just another cold virus" (which I believe it is rather closely related to in certain cases). But as others have pointed out, the speed it's spreading in some areas, combined with the lack of antibodies in most folks exposed to it, are creating something not seen in modern times. Sure, the flu "is ahead", but it started earlier and likely no one was even attempting social distancing. Maybe being more careful about hand washing and such, but not staying away from folks. Not to mention testing for "flu" is way more developed. How many times have you been in a work or social environment with someone exhibiting flu symptoms but not given too much concern to them? How many times have you yourself perhaps gone to church, the rifle club meeting, work etc when you were "coming down with something"? Maybe work because you were out of sick leave or didn't want to use it for "just the flu"? Every indication, to me at least, seems to point at this being a bit worse than the flu................but perhaps these somewhat extreme measures are having more of an effect than many think? And therefor the numbers seem to point to the flu being "ahead" at this point in time? Seems to me a lot of folks are not considering that. I, for one, know that folks in my area are being much more careful than they would be during even a bad flu year. And, based on my background I'd say being careful is having a beneficial effect in regards to infection rates and therefor illness and mortality rates. Being careful has had the likely unintended consequences of crashing the economy due to PANIC! and folks not dealing with reality. Not to mention our economic structure that works on this quarter's numbers, not the long term. Yep, it's just the flu or to put it in other terms I've heard, "the flu is worse". "The flu kills more people" and so on. People don't comment on flu deaths because we're used to them as a society, accept the losses, have vaccines and treatment plans for it, and know the outcomes ........mostly. Geno
The desert is a true treasure for him who seeks refuge from men and the evil of men. In it is contentment In it is death and all you seek (Quoted from "The Bleeding of the Stone" Ibrahim Al-Koni)
member of the cabal of dysfunctional squirrels?
|
|
|
|
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 23,506
Campfire Ranger
|
Campfire Ranger
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 23,506 |
Curiosity Killed the Cat & The Prairie Dog “Molon Labe”
|
|
|
|
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 3,750
Campfire Tracker
|
Campfire Tracker
Joined: May 2016
Posts: 3,750 |
Utah is doing just fine. We rent a facility from the Sandy City parks & Rec and we have been shut down until May 10th now. FaceBook Live works just fine for now. Last I saw of the Govt Directives it went from no groups bigger than 50 to 10 to now, no groups really, except for big family s, ha. We all do our part, everyone is helping as best they can. I work PT at Home Depot, everyone is doing their part, customers are safe and have room to keep 6ft away from each other. Cafes/Restaurants do Take Out Orders. Gun stores doing a great business, ha! Bump in the road...hope no one gets the 'drizzles"....they have bought up all the TP! Ha. This too shall Pass.
|
|
|
|
541 members (1lessdog, 1minute, 1badf350, 10ring1, 10gaugemag, 06hunter59, 58 invisible),
2,537
guests, and
1,155
robots. |
Key:
Admin,
Global Mod,
Mod
|
|
Forums81
Topics1,193,782
Posts18,515,787
Members74,017
|
Most Online11,491 Jul 7th, 2023
|
|
|
|