…Delpha Triptow, 1921-2017, Salt Lake City, professional genealogist. She served as a Family History Consultant in the LDS Church for more than 60 years. And aided new genealogists. like Arlene Eakle, who appeared on the scene at the Genealogical Society of Utah Library (now the Family History Library) whenever she could.
Delpha’s cheery “Hello!” with a smile lighted up the floor. She never failed to greet me when I arrived for work or to eat lunch in the lunchroom. One time I heard my name from afar and turned to see her waving from the corner as I emerged from the historical facade of ZCMI.
She headed the Salt Lake City Cemetery Project and enlisted the work of all of us to copy tombstones and compare them with Sexton’s entries. She worked long hours on the World Conferences on Records in 1969 and 1980, sponsored by the LDS Church. She assisted me in the gigantic exhibit hall in 1980–the largest of its kind ever. And greeted attendees, showed them where booths of interest were located, turned the cranks for fresh apple cider and homemade Jefferson ice cream as the people lined up around the hall.
My condolences to her family and to the genealogy world at large in losing such a valiant and accomplished star. Your favorite genealogist, Arlene Eakle http://arleneeakle.com
PS In our professional work, we all stand on the shoulders of those who have gone before us. What a consolation it is to have known Delpha Triptow and learned from her. How grateful I am.