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1956 - 2019

BORN

1956

DIED

2019

David Garfield Obituary

Name: Visitation for David Garfield
Start: 2019-07-27T20:00:00.000Z
End: 2019-07-27T21:30:00.000Z
Location: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center

David Rulon Garfield

April 8, 1956 - July 14, 2019

David Rulon Garfield, age 63, passed away peacefully from pancreatic cancer on July 14, 2019. Born in Ogden, Utah to Rulon Garfield and Shirley Davis, he died next to his devoted and cherished wife of 39 years, Nina Sparks Garfield.

David was raised in Ogden, Utah, and Broomfield, Colorado, the eldest—and sometime ringleader—of seven rambunctious siblings. His remarkable intellect and academic accomplishments led him to the University of Denver on full scholarship, where he earned degrees in economics and political science. From there, he attended Brigham Young University and received his juris doctorate.

His legal career began with Denver law firm Davis, Graham & Stubbs, then continued in Minneapolis for 23 years with Wells Fargo & Company, where he served as Deputy General Counsel for 16 years. David was highly respected by colleagues and industry peers, and was known for being good-natured, intelligent, and a keen problem-solver. His distinguished legal career ended with his role as General Counsel for the Charles Schwab Corporation in San Francisco.

As an active, lifelong member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David made a lasting impact on many of its members throughout his life. He lived by service, faith, and love, dedicating himself to various church roles including children's pianist, youth leader, seminary instructor, bishop, and high councillor. He was actively serving as Stake President of the San Francisco California Stake at the time of his death.

To all who knew him, David was an example of a life fully lived. He always looked for the good in everything and especially loved serving people. His enormous capacity for loving others was mirrored by a deep passion for learning, reading, teaching, traveling, and politics.

David's greatest joys came as a husband, father, and grandfather. He left behind an enduring legacy of wisdom, faith, optimism, and kindness by living well, laughing often, and loving much. An incredible man who shared his goodness wherever he went, he will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

David is survived by his wife Nina, children Anna (Avery), Michael (Cassandra), Blake, Evan (Kelsey), Erin (Caden), ten grandchildren, six siblings, and countless friends.

Visitation services will be held on Saturday, July 27 from 1pm to 2:30pm at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Stake Center (730 Sharp Park Road, Pacifica, CA). Memorial services will follow at 3pm at the same location. In lieu of flowers, David requested that donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association in honor of his mother.

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Jul. 22 to Jul. 23, 2019.

Memories and Condolences
for David Garfield

21 Entries

Lisa Garfield

July 17, 2020

Sorry for loss. R.i.p

Lisa Garfield

August 8, 2019

Sorry for your. May God bless you and your family

Thornton Paxton

August 4, 2019

I was one of David's young men leaders in the summer of 1972. We made a week long backpacking trip to the Conejos River in the San Luis Valley of southern Colorado near La Jara. I remember the last day of camp at the top of Navajo Canyon when we were getting ready to leave for home in Broomfield. It was Sunday and he was ready to hike out. I told him we were not going to travel on the Lord's Day. We retired for the night and. David got up after midnight on Monday morning, packed his gear and took off. We had to catch up with him. This is my memory and may not be entirely correct. But David was a young man of integrity and a great friend.

Shuja Khan

July 30, 2019

My sincerest condolences to the family. I will always remember the laugh and the smile that David carried. By far the most humble executive that I have encountered at Schwab. Thoughts and prayers to the family.

Susan Roberts

July 28, 2019

I was sorry to learn of David's passing. I was a member of the Wells Fargo Law Department and I knew him as a kind man and always had an ear open to listen. My sympathies to his family.

William & Saras Sparks

July 25, 2019

Merla just called and told us about Dvaid's passing. We are so sorry to hear this, and our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Bob Helmig

July 24, 2019

I met Dave when his family moved to Broomfield. We were just teenagers and being only a year apart in age so we were in all the church activities together. Oh, the parties and activities we had. And the dances! I can still picture him dancing in his original style. You could always count on David from two things; doing the right thing and having fun while you did it. He was a good friend, a great example, but mostly no one ever needed to question his integrity or love for the Savior.
He and I will get to catch up one day, but for now, Nina, I am so sorry for you and your family. Thank Heaven for our understanding of eternal life.

July 24, 2019

Nina and Family

We were so surprised to hear this news! We would like to express our sincere condolences.

We have always had the greatest respect and love for Dave and yourself and your great kids.

It is great to have knowledge of he plan of Salvation but it still does not make it easy.

You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.

Love
Dale and Dodie Sprout

July 24, 2019

Reading this summary just reminds me of the wonderful life of Dave Garfield. I just love him and miss him already. But more than that, I'm thankful that our paths got to cross in this life. What a great gift. Sending love from Korea to all of the Garfield's. We love you all so much.

Nicole Reisberger

July 23, 2019

I will remember Bishop Garfield as the first bishop I had interviews with. He was a wonderful man! I remember the day you Garfield's were moving to Minnesota. Wells Fargo had just acquired the bank and as I was there to say good bye, I witnessed Bishop round up the family for a prayer because there was uncertainty in his job at that very moment. I have no doubt his faith and devotion to the gospel and you all have greatly blessed your family. A strong patriarch leader in faith, goodness, life skills, camping skills, Beatle lyrics, and love. He had the best smile. We are the guitars gently weeping. -Nikki Flanagan-Reisberger

Dani and Thad Steele

July 23, 2019

All our love to you, Nina and family, at this time. David was an exceptional human.

Lynne Garon

July 23, 2019

My deepest sympathy on the loss of David. I had the pleasure of getting to know David a fews years back. I was his Personal Trainer for a few years. He was so much fun and I loved hearing how he embraced his religion and how involved he was in it. He talked often about his love for Nina and all of his kids. David always had a smile on his face. I loved our Tuesday morning workouts. David was a huge bright spot in my life. He made a lasting impression. His warm smile and love of life will always be etched in my mind. All my love to Nina and the family!

Lewis Bautista

July 23, 2019

Nina, We send our best love and support to you in this difficult time. David and I, when he served on the Minneapolis high council, had wonderful conversations while on the road to and from the prison in Minnesota where he taught the inmates about the faith, repentance and hope. Leslie and I send our most sincere love to you and the family. A truly great and good man! Lewis and Leslie Bautista

Patti Lewis

July 23, 2019

David always had a smile and a teaching moment or good discussion with a lot of fun mixed in. Thank you, cousin, for our time together and all the fond memories I will forever cherish.

Patti Lewis

July 23, 2019

David always had a smile and a teaching moment or a good discussion which didn't preclude a whole lot of fun. Thank you, cousin for our time together.

Lohr LeSueur

July 23, 2019

Nina,

We are profoundly saddened by David's passing. He is a very unique person with great intellect but an equal measure of humble practicality. I had the honor to serve with David on the High Council in the Mpls Stake and he was always "The Bright Spot"... and although I did not always look forward to the many meetings we had, I always looked forward to being around David.

Although he will be sorely missed, I am confident he is already engaged in eternally important things on the other side and is bringing his strong and loving nature forward...and he is smiling.

July 23, 2019

Losing a loved one is never easy, but our loving God promises to give the strength and courage you'll need to endure, and to cope with the pain of your loss. He also promises to hold your hand every step of the way. (Isaiah 40:29, 41:10, 13) May loving memories also sustain your family during this difficult time. With sympathy Ann Smith.

Patsy Ann Valdez ives

July 23, 2019

A life full and well lived!
Your Broomfield High School classmate of 1974.

Peggy Warumzer

July 22, 2019

I supported this legacy of a man for 13 years. I am saddened by his passing yet enlightened by his faith. God bless you, David, and your loving family. You are in our hearts always...Peggy and Jim and family

Dirk Bak

July 22, 2019

David always had a smile and made you laugh. He was very smart, witty, and fun to be around. He will be missed.

Bob Stumpf

July 22, 2019

David was a class act and an individual of great intelligence and character. I was honored to know him.

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