David Curtis

David Curtis came into the world the much adored youngest child of Joan and Marv Curtis. Without guile and pure of heart, he was the favorite and fought over baby brother, goodnaturedly reveling in the teasing and attentions of four older siblings.

David was raised in and by the Utah wilderness, from the foothills to the canyons to the deserts. He spent countless hours adventuring with his family and friends on skis and bikes, in harnesses and saddles, with fishing rods and golf clubs. David loved the natural world and relished time spent exploring and experiencing all the beauty it had to offer, especially in the company of people he loved. Dave found great enjoyment in the wonderful capacity and function of his body. He was more machine than human on a bike, the prettiest telemark skier we've ever known, and at home climbing a slab of rock. He was always more interested in encouraging others in his favorite activities than excelling himself. He would happily (and modestly) pace himself to his companions on a bike and turn somersaults down a steep face on his skis to make the activity more fun.

David attended Ensign Elementary, Bryant Jr. High, East High School, and Brigham Young University. His curiosity and creativity was unbounded. Dave sought learning the way most of us seek air. He found genuine fulfillment in growth: in knowledge and faith and character. With his tender heart and generous spirit, he was a friend to all. At school and beyond, he amassed a collection of stellar friends across many cities, states and continents. He regularly engaged those around him in philosophical discussions, searching for greater understanding and perspectives in his quest to live with faith and doubt, accepting both. Dave's interest was always in building deep and meaningful connections, initiated with his winning smile, fostered through his sincere interest and concern, and cemented through his thoughtfulness, focused attention and presence. To spend time with Dave was to feel seen and loved.

From 2006-2008, David lived in Fortaleza, Brazil as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. On his mission, David grappled with anxiety that he later came to understand as Scrupulosity. He returned with a deep love for the people he encountered and for Feijoada, a favorite Brazilian meal. While studying neuroscience at BYU, David met "his person," Kaitlyn Bastian. Kaitlyn was truly David's partner and confidant. They almost always agreed because they were so alike, but they enjoyed the sudden surprises of disagreement like stumbling on an unknown trail in a favorite hiking area. They were married on July 20, 2013, and days later, they moved to Lubbock, Texas where David attended medical school at Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. At the same time, he completed a masters degree in Neuroscience and Pharmacology. While in Lubbock, their son Theo (6) was born, and they delighted in him. In 2018, David and Kaitlyn returned to Salt Lake to pursue a Residency in Pathology at the University of Utah.

As a resident, David again displayed an incredible work ethic, and proved that his smile and good nature persisted on call in the middle of the night. He found new outlets for his curiosity and desire to learn by engaging in many research projects, organizing study groups, leading as the Wellness Champion, developing an app to streamline their processes, and constantly trying to improve and share his study methods.

During this time, Kaitlyn and David had two more children-Ada (4) and Mae (1)-and thrived as a family, eating lots of peanut butter, creating elaborate pretend worlds, and loving each other best and dearest. Dave and Kait's kids are their greatest accomplishment and joy, and David was completely smitten with them. He loved their creativity, their independence, their feisty sweetness, and their courage. He loved their weaknesses and their strengths. He loved sharing what he loved with them: biking, camping, skiing, rock climbing and exploring. He loved them. David helped his children do hard things by encouraging them and always hoped to lead by example. As a partner and a parent, Dave was selfless, patient, gentle, affectionate, open, interested and so much fun.

In April 2022, just weeks before completing his residency, David was diagnosed with a grade IV glioblastoma. This terminal diagnosis was a devastating blow to the future he happily anticipated with Kait and their kids, and to the potential and possibility awaiting him in his medical career. Dave took care to live authentically and with integrity, difficult though it was. He tutored us as he explored his faith and his fears, and he blessed us with his vulnerability and openness. David died on April 18, 2023. We find joy imagining his reunion with his mother Joan, his brother Peter, and many other loved ones. David is survived by his wife Kaitlyn and three kids, Theo, Ada, and Mae; father Marvin R. Curtis Jr.; siblings Ben and Dana Curtis, Marie and Jim Jackson, Jane and Ben Durham, and Catherine and Brendan Turner; and many well-loved nieces and nephews.

In typical David fashion, he donated his body to the U of U School of Medicine. Instead of a viewing, we will hold a gathering from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on Friday, April 28, 2023, and 12:30 to 1:45 pm on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at the Founders Park stake building,11685 South Kestrel Rise Road, South Jordan, Utah. Memorial services will be at the same location on Saturday, April 29, 2023 at 2:00 pm. For those unable to attend, memorial services will be streamed via Zoom: https://zoom.us/j/93061574781?pwd=ekNDV1RrSDJxUjFrZ1lYYVFibHV3Zz09

Go here for additional service details: https://memorialsource.com/memorial/david-cannon-curtis

In lieu of flowers, donations to Kaitlyn and the kids are welcome.

Go Fund Me: https://gofund.me/c8003ebe

Venmo: https://account.venmo.com/u/Kaitlyn-Curtis

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