David Rees Wolsey

In Loving MemoryDavid Rees WolseySeptember 25, 1973 - September 17, 2025

With profound sadness, we announce the death of David Rees Wolsey on September 17, 2025. David was born on September 25, 1973, on Long Island, New York, but spent most of his life in Maryland and Utah. David passed away from a seizure, a condition he suffered with during much of his later life.

David was a natural athlete who loved to rock climb, mountain/road bike and ski. As a very young child, he was stricken with a serious childhood illness that left him unable to walk without assistance. Through determination and grit, David overcame that condition and went on to play lacrosse at his high school and at Brigham Young University, to win cycling tournaments in the western US, and ski black diamonds all over Utah, Colorado, and California.

David graduated from BYU’s Marriott School of Business, and during his years of working in the corporate world, he became friends with those at the top of the corporate ladder as readily as those who were entry level. Although David had difficulties with his health, he never let that deter him. David personified persistence. His persistence became essential for five years during summer breaks from college studies when he worked as a wild land urban interface specialist with the Forest Service. This work had him flown into areas being devastated by wildfires and required hiking with heavy gear under extreme and unpredictable circumstances to preserve homes and lives. He had brilliant ideas for businesses. At the time of his death, he was preparing for hip-replacement surgery that would enable him to more actively pursue those ideas.

David was loved by so many and devoted his life to serving others. After suffering serious head trauma, he felt uncomfortable relying on others. Consequently, even when he felt sick or lacked strength, he never stopped trying to show his love for those who were helping him by in turn working and serving them in whatever ways he could.

David will be remembered for his quick wit and love of good jokes. On a 6-hour car ride one summer with our parents, he told one joke after the other, nonstop, and kept them laughing the entire time.

Although he had a great mind for business, he was also a gifted handyman. Without any training or instruction, he was able to take a less-than inspirational historic 1820’s house and create something so magnificent that it was featured in a New York newspaper. Nothing phased him as he dabbled in electrical work, plumbing, laying tile and installing hardwood. David was as meticulous as he was brilliant.

David was especially influenced by his experiences while serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Papeete, Tahiti. He learned two languages: French and Tahitian, which he spoke fluently. He loved that place, and he loved the people he served there. He often spoke of his time there and cherished his lifelong friendships made there.

Of all his earthly treasures, his most beloved is his son Rowan. His love for Rowan was boundless. David took pride in watching Rowan mature into the outstanding young man he is. Always quick to sing Rowan’s praises, he often spoke with pride of his son’s goodness, intelligence and athleticism. He wanted to give Rowan everything and often spent countless hours trying to find him the perfect gift. David loved Rowan enough to know the greatest gift he could give was the stability Rowan had with his mother, Ashley. Although the separation was difficult, he often said that Rowan needed the constant stability of a life with his mom, stepdad, and siblings, and he appreciated how Ashley afforded him time with their son. His moments with Rowan were cherished.

David is survived by his son Rowan, his siblings R. Wayne Wolsey, Jr., Ann E. Latta (William), Mary-Kathleen Olpin (Jeffrey), and Jane R. Barlow (Mason), as well as many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother, Jean Reeves Gallagher Wolsey, and father, Ronald Wayne Wolsey, Sr. David will always be remembered for his kind and generous heart, his quick wit, his lifelong example of service to others, and his devotion to his family and friends. He cannot be replaced and will be missed ‘til we meet again at Jesus’ feet.

A service honoring David’s life will be held on Saturday, September 27, 2025, at 11:00 am MST at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints 21st Ward, 668 2nd Avenue, Salt Lake City, Utah. A zoom link will be provided to those wishing to attend remotely.

Care entrusted to Thibadeau Mortuary Service, p.a.124 E. Diamond Avenue, Gaithersburg, MD 20877-5009www.InterFaithFunerals.com(301) 495-4950