SHERBORN: John Ralph Garbutt, Jr., age 89, a former longtime resident of Sherborn, died peacefully at his San Diego home on January 9, 2014. He was the devoted husband of the former Roberta Lillian Curtis for 64 years. Mrs. Garbutt died on February 11th of last year.
Born on March 11, 1924, in Worcester, he was a son of the late John Ralph and Myrtle (Chaffee) Garbutt. Even in his youth, Ralph was a hard worker. He had both an early morning and evening coal furnace route, stuffed newspapers and worked in the mailroom at the Worcester Telegram, and he also drove a milk truck! While carrying all of these jobs, in addition to his studies at school, Ralph was president of both his Y group and Argus, Treasurer of the camera club, and a student council member.
Ralph studied one semester at what is now the University of Massachusetts prior to being called to active duty with the Army. Ralph was awarded a purple heart during the Battle of the Bulge and received two Silver Star Medals. The first for capturing three enemy soldiers with an empty bazooka while taking out a German Half-Track that had his men pinned down, the second for reconnaissance work deep in enemy territory. Ralph also earned a Bronze Star Medal for Valor, and was decorated by the Russian Army for distinguished service in battle.
Returning with the first wave of GIs to the U Mass Campus, Ralph became president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon and during his tenure purchased a house for the fraternity. He also worked as a headwaiter, house painter, and truck driver for Curtis Lumber while in college.
Ralph and Roberta began the happy years of married life as he began his career as an auditor at General Electric. He was later employed in key marketing and then as National Sales Director in the Small Appliances Division. After his retirement he rejoined the workforce to serve for six years as National Sales Director for Black and Decker.
A deacon and trustee for the Plymouth Congregational Church in Framingham for many years, Ralph joined the Church of Latter Day Saints in 1971. Dedicated to his new faith, he served as Bishop, High Councilor, High Priest Group Leader, Stake Patriarch, and temple worker.
Much of Ralph’s life was spent in giving and love, particularly caring for his beautiful handicapped daughters, Heather and Holly, who died in 2006 and 1996 respectively. When Roberta became gravely ill, it was Ralph who cared for her and stayed by her side until her death.
Also predeceased by a sister, Ann Garbutt Shaw, he is survived by two sons, Scott Hunter Garbutt and his wife Vicki, and Mark Vernon Garbutt and wife Apua; his daughter, Beth Keyworth and husband William; twelve grandchildren, Kylee West and husband Jon, Matthew Keyworth, Peter Keyworth and wife Niki, Taryn Nader and husband (Mike), Joseph Keyworth and wife Karoline, Brittany Budinger and husband Josh, Lara Carbine and husband Kyle, Julie Wilding and husband Logan, Jennie and Alexandria Garbutt, Alisha Beecher and husband Garret, and Christian Garbutt and wife Natalie; and twelve great-grandchildren, Drew, Jack, Sarah, and Sam West, Hazel and Simon Keyworth, Max Nader, Cormac Budinger, Madison Beecher, and Layla and Theo Garbutt, who will all miss him very much.
Visiting hours will be at the John Everett & Sons Funeral Home, 4 Park Street at Natick Common, on Tuesday, January 21st from 4 - 5:30p.m. Ralph will be laid to rest privately at Pine Hill Cemetery in Sherborn beside his adored wife and daughters.