Ralph "Babe " Tipton

Ralph “Babe” Tipton, Meridian ID, passed away on July 5, 2017, at St. Luke’s Hospital in Meridian , ID.

Babe was born on April 22, 1927, on a ranch just north of Emmett, Idaho.  His Parents were Ezekiel Tipton, from Tennessee, and Hettie Sherrill Tipton. During his early years, Babe lived on the ranch and worked at the Emmett Sawmill. He moved to McCall, ID, to attend McCall High School and was a member of their ski team. Upon completion of high school, he joined the Marine Corps and was stationed in Southern California. He attended the University of Idaho from 1961 to 1963 majoring in Forest Management, making the Dean’s List each year, and was a member of the University ski team. He worked for the Forest Service following his formal education.

Babe was a timber faller and scaler for 25 years in Idaho and Oregon. He had a professional boxing career and also boxed in the Marine Corps. He also was a bartender I Boise, McCall, and Coeur d’Alene, ID and in Bend Oregon, receiving Bartender of the Year Awards several times. He was a smoke jumper out of McCall, ID.

Babe was a Class A tennis player and an accomplished recreational skier, and a former member of the Professional Ski Instructors of America.

Babe is survived by his loving wife if 31 years, Sue Brender. He is also survived by a son, Davis A. Tipton, a daughter, Caroline H. Tipton Brooks, From a former marriage, both of Washington, and several nieces and nephews. He was proceeded in death by his parents, ten brothers, and four sisters

Graveside services were held on Saturday, July 8, at 10 a.m. at Terrace Lawn Memorial Gardens in Boise, ID.

Babe will be greatly missed by his family and friends. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Boise Rescue Mission, The University of Idaho, or a favorite charity.