Name: Visitation for David James Wagstaff
Start: 2015-01-14T17:30:00.000Z
End: 2015-01-14T18:30:00.000Z
Location: Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary

David James Wagstaff
1939 ~ 2015
David James Wagstaff, the center of our world, passed away Thursday, January 8th, after a valiant battle with cancer.
Dave's strength was exemplary. He was a positive, outgoing person, always interested in others. He was a kind, generous man who gave quietly to many. He was an active member of the Salt lake Rotary and served for many years on the board of Friends of Sight.
Dave was a graduate of East High School, where he was on the swim team and with friends, formed a dance band. He then served a mission for the LDS Church in Australia.
He received a Bachelor of Science degree and Masters in Business Administration from the University of Utah in 1966. His first employment was with Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, Michigan where he made many life-long friends. Later, he trained as a stockbroker with Merrill-Lynch in New York City and returned to Salt Lake to establish his career.
Dave was successful in business, founding two money management firms. In 1975 he co-founded Wasatch Advisors and in 1981 founded Alta Capital Management. He was unwavering in his ethics and honesty.
Dave was a man who lived life to the fullest. He was interested in politics and current affairs and entered into many lively conversations about both. He also enjoyed nature, swimming, hiking, skiing, motorcycles and beautiful cars. He loved classical music and was a season supporter of the Utah Symphony. Personally, he played the piano and the oboe. Both Dave and his wife Susan enjoyed traveling and were fortunate to see many interesting parts of the world.
Dave was preceded in death by his brother, Wendell Wagstaff. He is survived by his wife, Susan, his son Jon Wagstaff, his daughter, Wendee (Matt) McClellan and his grandchildren, Oskar and Simone McClellan. He is also survived by his sister, Jessie Claire (Will) Ashby.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the health care professionals at the Huntsman Cancer Center who provided such excellent care.
A memorial service will be held Wednesday, January 14th, at 11:30 a.m. in the chapel at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 South Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, Utah. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m.
In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to AML research at the Huntsman Cancer Center.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jan. 11 to Jan. 13, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for David Wagstaff

Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.

30 Entries

Susan Leatham

July 10, 2018

David hired me to live with his mom and take care of her after her stroke. I was just out of high school before I went to college. He was a great employer and I am very sad to see he has passed away. Sending condolences to his family.

Page Dispenza Walker

January 22, 2015

Dear Sue, Our hearts break to hear of Dave's passing. Our entire family will miss Dave so much. I will always see his smile in my memories. Sincerely Page (Dispenza) Walker

Rich and Dene Manwaring

January 18, 2015

Dear Sue and family,
We were so saddened to here of Daves passing. We send our deepest condolences. We very much enjoyed having Dave on our motorcycle rides. Dene and I had such a good time meeting you and going on the RZR ride in the hills of Mesquite. We will miss Dave very much.
With much love, Rich and Dene Manwaring

January 17, 2015

Dear Sure,
We love you. Dad would have wanted to be there, but there is no one to bring him. He doesn't travel well. We are in Finland until March of 2016.

We are thinking about you.

Anne and Larry Brasher

Chuck Davey

January 16, 2015

Fond memories growing up in the neighborhood with Dave and Jessie. Sincere condolences

January 15, 2015

Dear Susan, My heart breaks at learning of Dave's passing. So many times I have thought of you and have kept you all in prayer. He indeed, led an exemplary life and God's Kingdom is richer to have him on board. Know that you, Jon, Wendee and family are in thought and prayer as you make your way through this difficult time. All our love, Kathie and Paul (Michalski)

Don Laucirica

January 15, 2015

Sue
You might remember I work for Dave (and Dave Lodefink) from 1988 through 1995. Dave was generous and fair, and provided me the opportunity to excel both in business, and my with my career in the National Guard. I remember him fondly, and grieve at his loss.
Brig Gen Don Laucirica
ATAG-Army, CG
Colorado Army National Guard

Brent Buttars

January 14, 2015

I am sorry to hear about Dave passing. He will be greatly missed. As part of his team at Huntsman Cancer, I will always be impressed by his bravery and positive spirit.
Clinical Trials Office
Huntsman Cancer Institute

Bill Burton

January 14, 2015

Sue and Family
I just found out today about Dave's fight with cancer. I will always have wonderful memories of Dave and our growing up years as neighbors. It was Dave who introduced me to big game hunting, and was there when I shot my first big game animal. I have wonderful memories of going to Flaming Gorge Water skiing and hunting. May the lord bless you in these times of sorrow.
Bill Burton Breckenridge CO

January 14, 2015

Dear Sue and family, we are so sorry to lose our friend Dave. He was such a good example to all of us. We enjoyed our association with him through the years, whether on business or on motorcycles or cards. Dave had such a great attitude in his fight against his last challenge. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We are out of town and wish we could be with you today. Our love to you all. Dave and Jeanie Free

Anya Ragnhildstveit

January 14, 2015

Dave will not be remembered for his existence but for his legacy, passion, and inspiration. I am so fortunate to have met him-he has influenced my career and attitude towards life. He inspired me to do things I had not imagined were possible and not only was he someone I looked up to, he was my friend. I send my blessings but wish he were along side each and every one of us.

Patrick Porter

January 13, 2015

Dear Sue, Jon, Wendee, Matt and the entire Wagstaff family,

It was my pleasure to first meet Dave back in the mid 1980's when I was a new broker with Prudential Bache Securities and "Dave and Dave" of Wagstaff and Lodefink came to our office to introduce their investment philosophy and encourage us to use their skill to manage investments for our clients. I was always impressed by Dave's amiable personality and professionalism. It was great to read all the condolences from those who knew him so well. I feel fortunate having known him. May God bless all of you until you meet with him again.

Wayne & Laurie Scott

January 13, 2015

It only seems like yesterday when Laurie and I were first married. We house sat for you. We loved your family and am saddened by the loss of Dave. He is now preparing a place for the rest of the family and having a wonderful reunion with other loved ones.
Wayne & Laurie Scott

Tony Kimball

January 13, 2015

Over fifty-seven years ago Dave and I were students at the Music Academy of the West in Santa Barbara, CA. We stayed in the same boarding house and spent many hours together in transit, on the beach, and in the boarding house. He was as compatible a person as I've ever met: all good qualities, none bad. We kept in touch for a few years, but our missions to different parts of the world and moves to different parts of the country eroded our contact. I can see from the postings that his fundamental good qualities continued through his life and were appreciated by all. He remains one of my fondest memories.

Don and Nansi Hobbs

January 12, 2015

We are so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was a dear, true friend, dating clear back to the days at Ford Motor Company in Dearborn, MI. We will miss his visits, his lively conversation, and his wisdom. Our prayers are with the family at this time of sorrow and loss.

January 12, 2015

I am so sorry to hear about Dave's passing. We were Rotarian's together and I will sincerely miss him. My thoughts are with you and your family during your time of sorrow.
Frances Gillmor

Jack Magdiel

January 12, 2015

How could anyone be as blessed as me with the incredible friendship of 50 years with Dave? The memories, the humor, the support, and most importantly, the love are beyond words. Dave was with me during my most challenging times. Dave was there to share the joy of my successes. He was my brother. He was my dad. Dave understood my challenges and was so supportive of my rides on the Yo-Yo. Seldom does a person come along with the honesty of character as Dave. The world is a better place because of Dave. May we all honor his example as we continue our journey through this life? Please know of my love Sue, Jon, and Wendee. I sincerely share your loss.

J.L. McCarrey, III

January 12, 2015

With heartfelt thanks for the privilege of associating with Dave for many years, we express our sincere condolences to the family. Dave was remarkable in every way, and, like each of you, we will miss him much - as there is so much to miss. We are very grateful that he was able to travel north to spend time with friends in Alaska this past August. Thank you for sharing Dave with us and many, many others. Please let us know if we may help in any way. Our thoughts, prayers and best wishes will continue to be with you all. Warmly, J.L. and Barbara McCarrey

January 12, 2015

I have been a client of Dave's since the early 1980s. I have really enjoyed his friendship combined with his professional ethics and competency. Thanks to his guidance and service, many retiring employees of Campbell Scientific will have reasonable income security. I know that I will miss his guidance and always delightful interaction. Please accept my sympathy and condolences. Paul Campbell

January 12, 2015

THERE ARE MEMORIES AND GOOD TIMES TOO NUMEROUS TO MENTION. DAVE WAS A TREMENDOUS INDIVIDUAL FULL OF LOVE AND SO GENEROUS. HIS IDEAS NEVER QUIT COMING AND WERE ALWAYS EVOLVING. WHAT A BLESSING TO BE ASSOCIATED WITH BOTH DAVE AND SUE FOR NEARLY 50 YEARS. WE ARE SO MUCH THE BETTER BECAUSE OF THESE TWO GREAT INDIVIDUALS. ALL OUR LOVE TO SUE AND FAMILY AND BEST WISHES THAT ARE SO RICHLY DESERVED. LOVE RJ ANDTRICIA DALLEY

Kent Norton

January 12, 2015

Dear Sue, Jon, Wendee, Matt and family:
My friendship with Dave has been one of the great blessings of my life. It was more than just a happenstance family connection through Aunt Oma; he was a greatly admired mentor in terms of business and professional conduct, and community service -- and he was just a lot of fun to be with. We talked and laughed about many common interests, and had many memorable experiences and good times together. Sue: Janie and I would like to be counted among those you can count on for support. If ever there is a need where an extra hand would be helpful, please don't hesitate to call on us. We'd welcome any opportunity to break bread together, or stay in touch in any way. No one loved Dave more than you and your family, but we are among the many, many others who loved and appreciated this fine man. He will be greatly missed, but we believe the separation is temporary. May you be blessed with peace in that knowledge.
Our love, and warm best wishes --
Kent & Janie Norton

January 12, 2015

We are honored to know and associate with Dave. He was such a great neighbor, friend and community member. It was a delight to serve on community boards with him and see his generous spirit in action. We will miss having him in the neighborhood and send our love to Sue and family. Sincerely, Michael and Linda Dunn

Tom Hansen

January 12, 2015

Sue,

I am so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. Our hearts and prayers go out to you and your family at this difficult time. May the Lord be your strength and comfort.

Tom and Cheryl Hansen

Ted and Pat Stagg

January 11, 2015

A great guy, a great friend and a great Rotarian. We'll all miss Dave. The world lost a wonderful guy. Our condolences to the family.

Colin Grant

January 11, 2015

Dear Sue and family. We offer our love and prayers at this time. We will miss Dave yet look forward to meet again soon. Keep Climbing. Love Colin and June.

Taryn Nenow

January 11, 2015

I'm just stunned by the news of Dave's illness and passing. I'm so sorry for Jon, Sue, Wendee and the rest of the family. I will never forget Dave's smile and love of life. Jon and I sure gave him and Sue a run for their money in our younger, but in spite of everything, Dave was always extremely cordial to me, even to the point I was invited to Cabo...Which was an amazing trip from the GIGANTIC suitcase I brought which took up almost the whole trunk, to the colorful sites Dave and Sue got to see with Jon and me "in action!" ;-) I love Dave and your family so much and I wish you peace, comfort and love during this tough time! xoxoxo Love, Taryn

Dennis Gordon

January 11, 2015

Susan and Family, my sincere condolence to you and family with the loss of a truely brave, honest and outstanding gentleman. I have had the privilege of knowing Dave in both personel and business fiellds, a wonderful friend andn colleague. We will all miss David, the integrity he provided to the business world will be a great loss along with with personal friendship.

Dennis H. Gordon MD

Terry Wagstaff

January 11, 2015

Susan, We are truly sorry to hear of David passing. He was a good friend and cousin. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Terry & Abby Wagstaff

January 10, 2015

I was in the orchestra at East High School and we both played the oboe. I will miss David. He was a good friend.
Frank Eldredge

Bob Gillam

January 10, 2015

Dave was a marvelous friend over 20 years and an enthusiastic fishing partner here in Alaska. I will miss his wit and friendship

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