Dean Myron Davies

With resolve, Dean Myron Davies passed from this mortal chapter of his eternal journey on Tuesday, August 31, 2021.

Dean was born September 5, 1951, the seventh child of Myra Baer and Oliver Truex Davies. A gentleman from the very beginning, he let his twin sister enter the world first. He was raised primarily in Bountiful, Utah and attended Viewmont High School, where he played football, ran track, and wrestled at the state level. Meanwhile, he worked nights stocking grocery shelves and saved up enough money to buy his prized first car, a yellow 1960 Ford Starliner. Mechanically inclined, he always possessed a passion for cars and enjoyed a hobby of restoring several classics during the course of his life, including such favorites as a 1931 Model A, a 1951 Ford convertible, and a 1972 Corvette.

At the age of 19, Dean boarded his first international flight (never dreaming it would be one of hundreds throughout his life), to serve in Uruguay and Paraguay as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His two-year mission was a transformative experience for him and initiated a lifelong pattern of devoted local and global priesthood leadership callings. He went on to serve in bishoprics and on high councils; as a Stake President, a Mission President (Puerto Rico); Second, and then First Counselor in the Presiding Bishopric; and most recently, as a General Authority Seventy.

As a young man, Dean felt inspired to pursue a career in business. He was most comfortable wearing a suit and tie. "Casual" for Dean usually meant a t-shirt tucked into belted khakis and wingtip shoes. Dean completed a bachelor's degree in Agricultural Economics at Brigham Young University. Career opportunities took him first to Nebraska and Kansas before settling in California where he spent 15 years working in the field of commercial real estate investment. After a brief employment venture in Pennsylvania, Dean returned with his family to his native Utah and began working for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In this employment and subsequent callings, one of his greatest challenges and thrills was helping to acquire properties for the construction of temples around the world.

Dean married his sweetheart, Darla James, on June 20, 1973, in the Salt Lake City Temple. He was a true romantic and prioritized weekly dates and frequent getaways with his bride. He never passed up an occasion to send her flowers, and together they traveled many miles. Over a span of eight years, they added one son and four daughters to their family. Dean relished his role as provider and protector. His children appreciated his devotion to both work and play, and will always treasure memories of playing games, barbecuing, swimming, bike riding, water skiing, and taking family vacations. In time, a daughter-in law, four sons-in-law, and 17 grandchildren joined the Davies family. We will all miss the Grandpa-sponsored family movie outings, cabin reunions, errant fireworks, rides in his "old-fashioned" cars, homemade ice cream and Thanksgiving pies, singing while pedaling at the player piano, thrill rides and carnival games at Lagoon, and most of all, Saturday morning donuts and Grandpa's "famous scrambled eggs."

For the last two years, Dean was undeterred as he navigated numerous challenges related to pancreatic cancer. True to character, he continued steadfast in his work, service, and concern for his family. He remained faithful and determined to the end, and embodied the motto: "My life is like my shoes – to be worn out in service" (Spencer W. Kimball). His family feels, as he did, immense gratitude for the rich and full life he lived in 70 short years.

He is survived by his adoring wife, Darla; son Aaron (Krisanne), daughters Rebecca (Doug Larson), Jill (Richard Ottley), Sarah (Dave Waters), and Jennifer (Sean Woodland); 17 grandchildren; and siblings, Barbara, David, John, Diana, and Debra. Dean is preceded in death by his parents and two of his sisters, Myra Lee and Carol.

Viewings will be held on Friday, September 3, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., as well as Saturday, September 4, from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, September 4, at 11:00 a.m.

All services will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 900 Eaglepointe Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054.

Masks are required without exception; thank you for your consideration.