LAZY MD ARABIANS


In 1996 Bob wrote, "I cannot believe that it is August already. Ardath and I have been busy harvesting rocks. We're finally going to plant some lawn and a few flowers and shrubs. But the damn rocks just keep growing and reproducing. The good news is that I'll soon have enough to gravel around the barn."
Sept 1996 -The summer is almost over and I'm saddened when I realize I didn't accomplish all the things that I'd planned. Maybe it was the hot weather. Ardath and I finished our rock harvest and the lawn is starting to show signs of green. So come visit us." He always added the personal touch with a warm invitation to their home.
For more than 20 years, Bob enjoyed showing his horses either on his own or with help from his trainers. His first show horse Sherzachid, named for Bob's grandson Zach, was trained for western pleasure by Colleen Parkin. Then, Bob and his beautiful grey gelding Majic began training and showing with Melissa Bradley. Bob's pride and joy however was a buckskin gelding named Chick Me Out trained for him by Melissa.
Bob's biggest competitor in the show ring was Col. Sam Starley. It was great fun to listen to them both as they would exit the ring wondering why they hadn't beaten the other. At one show in particular, they both had saddles that looked alike. The saddles were switched by mistake on each other's horse. Sam, climbed on and exclaimed "who put these !@ stirrups so high!", while at the same time Bob climbed on his horse and yelled "who put these !@ stirrups so low!" It was a great laugh for everyone.
Bob was so very patriotic.
July 1996, Bob wrote, "This time of year is very special to me as we prepare to celebrate the 4th of July and our country's independence. It makes me wonder what life would be like to live in another country. Would we have our beautiful horses, homes, and families? This is the greatest country on earth and we are all blessed to be living here. This is also my 40th year of serving in the military, and I still get a chill up my back whenever I see our flag and hear our national anthem." Ardath says Bob would always get emotional during these times. He loved his country. Bob served many years in the military. Even after retiring with a rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4, he worked for the Guard at Camp Williams in the guard shack.
Mostly, Bob loved Ardath. He seemed to always mention her in little ways. January 1995 he lovingly writes at the end of his President's Message, "I also want to publicly thank my dear wife Ardath for all she does for me and the Utah Arabian Horse Club." Sometimes, the reference would simply be "Well I better close, the boss is calling". (August 1997) The two were always inseparable. At every show and event, you could see them taking care of each other and getting their horses ready together. He loved to watch Ardath compete. Their love and devotion never went unnoticed.
August 2005 – Front Page of the Gazette read "And the Classiest Couple in the UAHC is: Bob and Ardath Sheriff!!!
Bob and Ardath always had fun. At the Lazy MD barn parties, the two of them would jump into any good natured fun. You could count on them to
have the best costumes and the most laughs and ensure everyone had a good time.
Besides being many times officers and board members for the Club, Bob and Ardath have always been very active and supportive of the Youth Organizations. 2008 found them in the sponsorship of a child in need. They were always enthusiastic about supporting the youth in anyway they could.
In April of 1996, Bob wrote:
"On the home front, Ardath and I have had some joys and also sadness. We lost a good friend in an automobile accident, a 17 yr old girl that helped us with our horses last year. You never realized how great life is until you see one lost. We also have a great new colt out of our Nariadni daughter and Mussiah. The thrill of seeing these babies born and how fast they respond is still there. If you are feeling pretty low, you can watch one of these little creatures for a while and forget your troubles. . . To close I'd like to say "Life is Good" I appreciate you all.'
How very true. "You never realize how great life is until you see one lost." We will miss you Bob. Your influence in our lives will never be forgotten. "Life is Good" and we have appreciated all you have given us.
He is survived by his loving wife, Ardath; father Neil Sheriff and step-mother Norma, Murray; sons, Scott Sheriff, Salt Lake City, Reed Sheriff, Bountiful; step-son, Russell Sessions, Santaquin; step-daugther Julie Sessions, Saratoga Springs; 7 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild; brother, Lawry Sheriff, South Jordan; sister, Patricia Hibler, Pleasant Grove. He was proceeded in death by his mother Margaret Sheriff and brother, Everett Gleed Sheriff.
Bob loved his family and loved being "Grandpa!"