Epilogue
Thanks to all who have stayed with me on this journey. It was always about getting to this closing segment. It’s the one unwritten piece of history that needs to be stated clearly, unambiguously. I don’t expect readers to blindly accept my premise; it is simply my take after years of reading and writing about Del Webb, The Man and the Company.
I have a very basic philosophy about what makes for a life well lived: It is never about what a man or woman can gather, accumulate or take from life…it’s about what they are able to give back. It’s why Del’s story is so significant.
Delbert Eugene Webb: 1899-1974:
The one thing Del Webb appeared to understand better than others; it was never about him. As great, as compelling and as remarkable as his story was, his life’s work was embodied in those around him; those he trusted to help shape the legacy; those he inspired to be more than they even thought possible.
His career spanned nearly 50 years. The projects are too many to list. The quality of work was as good as or better than any builder that ever lived. He made a fortune. He made others around him wealthy. His reputation preceded him. People genuinely liked him. Sun City residents loved and adored him.
Life for Del was never about any of those things. He was a proud man, but always remained humble. He was a quiet man and always let his actions do his talking. He loved when those around him got the credit and the accolades they deserved. There wasn’t an arrogant bone in his body.
As much as this story has been about Las Vegas, the New York Yankees, massive building projects that employed tens of thousands, coming back from the brink of failure and the rise to one of the best of the best, it wasn’t the end game. It was so much more.
This story’s header was “Del Webb’s Sun City” for a reason. What was built here was the ultimate exclamation point on a life well lived. It was the culmination of a life’s work; the story of Del Webb, The Man and The Company that changed a nation.
It would be redundant to name names; it took a massive effort for Sun City to succeed. It will never be repeated. New communities are different, but that’s a discussion for another time.
All of which brings me to this final point: Del Webb, Jim Boswell, Robert H Johnson and John Meeker had a higher calling. Anyone with the proper skills can build houses, shopping centers, office buildings and the like. No offense to good contractors, but Sun City was something wholly different.
They wanted to leave a lasting imprint; one that set them apart. They wanted to create a community where there was more than just a bunch of homes, one with a way of life that would give seniors something to look forward to, hunger for. They exceeded beyond anyone’s wildest imagination.
The Webb Corporation changed a nation and forevermore shaped a concept, an industry that has spread across the country. No matter how new or how nice, no one has done it better or more affordably. To this day, Sun City is still the model for efficiency and effectiveness.
Upon his death, he provided for his first wife Hazel and his second wife Toni. The vast majority of his assets were put into the Del E. Webb Foundation. It was intended to fund hospitals and research. To this day, they have donated millions of dollars to worthy causes. Even more amazing, they will continue to do so for years to come.
