David Sidney Dawes

On August 29, 2024, David Sidney Dawes, 80, of Orem, Utah, slipped peacefully over to an anxiously awaiting concourse of loved ones. His courageous and grueling battle with prostate cancer was finally over.

David was born on July 27, 1944, to Curtis Wesley Dawes and Margaret Leone Huish in Murray, Utah. After David graduated from Murray High School, he served a mission to the New Zealand Christchurch Mission. He went on to study and receive an associate degree in computer technology with a minor in accounting at LDS Business College.

David married Beverly Elizabeth Boyer in the Salt Lake Temple on April 11, 1968. They enjoyed raising their four boys and one daughter in Sandy, Utah. David spent his professional career as an accountant working for Mountain Fuel Supply/Questar. He was meticulous at numbers and finances. He was gifted in making a dollar stretch and being frugal.

David believed in giving back to his community. He served on the Midvale Sanitation District Board for several years.

David was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Throughout his life, he served in various stake and ward callings. Some of his memorable callings were serving as Bishop in the Upton Utah Ward and stake financial clerk in the Midvale East Stake.

A highlight of his life was serving a full-time proselyting mission to the Peoria Illinois Mission with his wife Beverly. After returning from their mission, David served as a church service missionary for the church dairy for many years.

After Beverly passed away in November 2009, David married Carol Peterson Austin in the Salt Lake Temple on August 12, 2016. Carol was a bright light in David’s life. Carol’s family was warm and welcoming to him. They both loved serving a mission to the Texas Dallas Mission. 

David’s dedication and love of God and family could never be disputed. He fulfilled his divine role of father by presiding, providing, and protecting in a magnificent way. His missionary spirit and zeal never died. From sharing the gospel to the nurse caring for him in the back of the ambulance to talking to any innocent bystander, his love of the gospel and desire to share it with others could not be contained. He frequently invited others to read just five verses a day from The Book of Mormon. He championed and supported all missionaries-- but especially his grandchildren. The night before he passed, he talked about his new mission call. He said that he wanted a new body, one that didn't hurt and wasn't tired. He is now enjoying his new mission call unencumbered by his disease-ridden body. His love for his family was unwavering. He loved and was loyal in the most difficult of circumstances. 

His commitment to his family was unquestionable. His most requested hymn at family home evening was "Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel." It is wondered if this was one tactic he used to teach the importance of hard work and not shirking. Not only did the message of this hymn reflect his work ethic, it was also lively and robust. Even though he couldn't carry a tune, he sang with gusto and conviction. He taught his children how to work hard and not cower from hard things.

Idleness was to be avoided at all costs. David would often create “make work projects” to help his children and others. Whether it was pruning trees, hauling rocks, or creating outdoor nativities, he served his children. It was one of the ways he expressed his love.

He loved a good game of Settlers, Splendor, or Skull King. Growing up, Sunday Parcheesi was a staple. Even though some of his children may have taunted and laughed when he lost, he handled it like a champ.

At a young age, he introduced his children to BYU football. He was enthusiastic about going to the football games with his children. Football games were an all-day event. Not only did he go to the home games, but he enjoyed a good away game whenever possible.

He honored the priesthood and was always willing to give blessings to those in need. He taught by example how to minister to others. He sincerely loved those to whom he ministered, faithfully serving one family for over three decades. His efforts were not in vain. What a sweet and joyous day when this family was sealed in the temple. He never gave up on people and believed they could change for the better.

He loved the temple and served as a temple worker in the Jordan River, Provo, and Orem temples. His testimony and conviction of the importance of family and covenants with the Lord were a foundational part of his life.

He realized one of his dreams last year when he took his children and spouses to Israel. As he approached the Garden Tomb site, he repeatedly said, “The tomb was empty. The tomb was empty.” He remarked that because the tomb was empty, we have certain hope that all will be made right—and that separation is only temporary. Blessed be the name of Jesus, the Savior and Redeemer of the world! Jesus Christ is an excellent Savior and Redeemer. “And it shall come to pass that those that die in me shall not taste of death, for it shall be sweet unto them.” (D&C 42:46). It may not always be sweet unto those left behind, but it is sweet unto him. Enjoy being free from a tormented body. Enjoy being with loved ones. Enjoy your new mission assignment. You are loved!

Remaining to cherish David’s memory are his wife Carol Peterson Austin, Michael (Kimberly) Dawes, Allen (Karen) Dawes, Douglas (Sherith) Dawes, Natalie (Wesley) Wintch, Nathan (Ashley) Dawes, Jenny (Aaron) Woffinden, Dave (Karen) Austin, Joseph (Deobrah) Austin, Pam Beistline, Daryl (McCall) Austin, and Dan (Kanessa) Austin, Amanda (Curtis) Christensen. David also has 49 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. 

Preceded in David death are his wife Beverly Elizabeth Boyer Dawes; parents: Curtis Wesley Dawes and Margaret Leone Huish; siblings: Curtis Monte Dawes, Howard Dawes, Leon Dawes, Wanda Sellers, Frank Dawes, and Geniel Pike.

Visitation will be held Monday, September 2, 2024, at Suncrest Stake Center, 95 N 600 W, Orem, Utah from 7-9:00 p.m. At the same location on Tuesday, September 3, 2024, a viewing will be held from 9:00-10:45 a.m. with funeral services following at 11:00-12:00. Interment will be in Upton, Utah. Services will be broadcast via Zoom link: https://zoom.us/j/93696006657