Draper, Utah - T. Benjamin Rishton passed away after complications from heart surgery on July 14, 2021. He was surrounded by his son and grandchildren. Ben was born November 5, 1927 to Theo Beckstead Rishton and Thomas Rishton in Salt Lake City, UT.
He graduated from Jordan High School in 1946. At the age of 16 in 1943 Ben joined the Merchant Marines. His job was delivering supplies to the Pacific Fleet. He loved sailing and planned on being a sailor until, as he put it, he met a little girl from Draper. After WWII he re-enlisted to serve in the Korean War from January 1952 to December 1953. He returned and married Marilyn Lowe Huff Rishton on January 16, 1948 in Salt Lake City, UT. They were later sealed in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple.
Ben and Marilyn moved to Pocatello, ID in the early 1950's where they adopted their son, Kip T. Rishton and welcomed their daughter, Karalee Rishton into the world. The family moved back to Salt Lake City in 1965 and then to Draper in 1968. Ben worked at JCPenney for many years until he purchased Midvalley Shoe Repair and Leather in Murray, UT. He built a thriving business and became an advocate and friend of the biking community. He was fond of the many biker clubs with a soft spot for BACA - Bikers Against Child Abuse and The Patriot Guard Riders. Ben was an overly devoted and adoring grandfather, the connection with his grandchildren was truly admirable.
He is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Marilyn Lowe Huff Rishton, his daughter Karalee Rishton Montano and sister-in-law JoLyn Stout Fitzgerald. He is survived by his son Kip T. Rishton, son-in law David Lee Montano, grandchildren Brynn Kara Anderson (Jason), Trisha Taliulu (Benjamin) and Matthew Montano. He leaves seven great grandchildren, Conner Anderson, Samantha Anderson, Owen Anderson, Molly Anderson, Benjamin Jr. Taliulu, Joshua Taliulu and Nadia Taliulu.
Viewing will be Thursday, July 22, 2021, 11:00 am at Goff Mortuary, 8090 S. State Street. Graveside will follow at 12:30 pm at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E. 10600 S., Sandy.