David Hamblin

1938 - 2026

David Curtis Hamblin

December 15, 1938 - February 19, 2026

Salt Lake City, UT - David Curtis Hamblin was born on December 15, 1938, in Washington, D.C., to Lawson and Ida Hamblin. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on February 19, 2026.

David's happiest childhood memories were of the summers he spent in Provo, Utah, on the family farm. He often spoke of those days with affection, recalling the work, the land, and the deep sense of family connection. David was the third of five children. Lawson and Ida's first child, Robert, lived only six weeks. Robert was followed by Marilyn, David, Elaine, and Jean. When David was in the fifth grade, the family moved permanently from Washington, D.C. to Provo. David attended and graduated from Brigham Young High School where he lettered in basketball and baseball.

David enrolled in Brigham Young University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in Zoology. At age 21, David took a break from his studies to serve a two and a half year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Swiss-Austrian Mission, where he spoke German and developed a lifelong love for the people, the mountains, and the culture.

During the summer of 1961, while David was serving his mission in Austria, he met a gorgeous, vibrant BYU Study Abroad student - Charlotte Britsch. That chance meeting began a beautiful partnership that would define his life. David and Charlotte were married two years later in the Salt Lake Temple on August 16, 1963. They spent their honeymoon driving across the country so David could attend graduate school at NYU, where he earned his MBA. During their short time in New York City, they created friendships that have lasted to this day.

David began his professional career at Smith, Kline & French Laboratories in Philadelphia and later moved his family to Los Angeles to work for Olson Industries. The family's years in Los Angeles were especially meaningful. The friendships formed there became lifelong treasures, particularly with the ""Burrs"": the Hinckleys, Roses, Daytons, Woodwards, Cannons, and Bennions. These relationships enriched their lives for over 55 years and reflected David and Charlotte's gift for building deep and lasting connections.

David's career and humanitarian efforts took him around the world. He traveled to Africa over 60 times, developing a great love and respect for the beautiful people there. Later in his career, David had the privilege of working alongside his son Matt-an experience that brought him great pride.

David served faithfully in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including as a Bishop and later as a Patriarch, where he served for over 15 years. He considered it a profound privilege to bless and counsel others and carried that responsibility with humility and devotion.

David and Charlotte dedicated themselves to humanitarian work in Mozambique, where they founded the nonprofit organization No Poor Among Us. Eventually becoming No Poor Africa, the organization exists to help girls stay in school, graduate, become self-reliant, and unlock opportunities. No Poor Africa provides tutoring, counseling, mentorship, daily meals, agricultural and leadership training, and real paths to employment.

David's drive to serve the people of Africa was deeply rooted in his desire to serve as the Savior would serve. He felt strongly that the Savior was his partner in the work he and Charlotte carried forward in Africa, and that conviction allowed them to overcome the constant barriers placed in their way. Their efforts have reshaped thousands of lives.

Above all else, David's devotion to Charlotte, his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was his greatest joy. Nothing mattered more to him than his family. He loved gathering them, supporting their pursuits, offering counsel, and watching them grow and develop.

David was led by devotion to his Heavenly Father and the Savior, and by unwavering friendliness, kindness, and optimism. He valued one-on-one time with others and had a remarkable gift for making every person he encountered feel like the most important person in the room. His Christlike attributes left a lasting imprint on countless lives.

David is survived by his beloved wife, Charlotte, and their children:
Shauna Foutz (Kevin Foutz), and her children Rachel and Jake Dallin; Makenzie and Dylan Wanta; Brenna Foutz; and Gabrielle and Zane Cook.
Todd Hamblin (Alisa Hamblin), and his children Jacob and Haley Hamblin; Tess and Carson Lord; Benjamin Hamblin; and Luke Hamblin.
Matt Hamblin (Emily Hamblin), and their children Brooke Hamblin; Jessica and Zach Thorley; Josh Hamblin; and Sarah Hamblin.
Melissa Cutler (Scott Cutler), and their children Jack and Elizabeth Cutler; Audrey Cutler; Matthew Cutler; and Roman Cutler.

Viewings will be held at the Federal Heights Ward, 1300 E. Fairfax Rd., Salt Lake City, UT on Thursday, February 26th, 2026 from 6-8 pm, and on Friday, February 27th, 2026 from 9:30 – 10:45 am, followed by the funeral service at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to No Poor Africa, continuing the work that meant so much to him.
https://www.nopoorafrica.org/