David John Oliver
August 16, 1938 ~ September 27, 2021
Cedar City, Utah – David John Oliver, 83, of Cedar City, passed away peacefully from that mortal life on Monday, September 27, 2021. October 2, 2021 at Ogden City Cemetery under the direction of Southern Utah Mortuary.
David was born on August 16, 1938 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to one of three sons (Richard and Douglas) to loving parents, Mary Jane (Jones) and John Oliver. He developed into a leader among his peers, serving as president of the 1956 senior class and vice president of the seminary while attending South High School in Salt Lake City. He then served a dedicated mission in the Southern State Mission of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (primarily Georgia and Florida) from 1958 to 1960. He set an example for his future offspring of the importance of keeping commitments (even when faced with significant adversity) by faithfully fulfilling his mission after the untimely death of his beloved mother Mary Jane in November 1959. Upon returning from missionary service, David was married and sealed for time and eternity to high school lover Carol Ann Kendall on August 17, 1961 in the historic Salt Lake City Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. They both graduated from the University of Utah before loving and patiently raising six children. David held a variety of senior executive positions while in California, Washington, Tennessee, Indiana, New Jersey, and Arkansas, and earned a master’s degree in business administration while in San Francisco. These assignments provided opportunities for lifelong friendships in each location and, more importantly, service opportunities such as branch presidents in Sparta, New Jersey, and several senior councilorships in the Zion stakes. After retiring from his career in 2000, David and his beloved Carol were able to use their skills, talents and life experiences to bless the lives of others as international educators in Jinan, China through the BYU China Teachers Program. They also served as senior missionaries in the West India Mission, where David served as the first counselor in the branch presidency. In addition, David and Carol served as senior missionaries at the St. George Utah Visitor Center and Historical Sites. Well-read in the doctrine of Jesus Christ, David promoted gospel learning while serving as a gospel teacher throughout his two professional careers. He also served in a student community and as a lecturer in the LDS institute at Southern Utah University.
David valued God’s natural beauties. He enjoyed fishing in the Uintah Mountains (Granddaddy Lake Basin in particular) with his brother Richard and father John, and hiked the Wasatch Mountain Range with his high school and college friends. He shared this love and enthusiasm for nature with his family by organizing unforgettable fishing trips during his adulthood. David also gravitated toward golf in his youth (inspired by Arnold Palmer) and eventually became a “scratch” golfer. He also shared many rounds and, more importantly, meaningful conversations with some of his children. David was a talented tenor who joined vocal ensembles at South High School with some of his best friends such as Richard Geertsen, David Parker, and Ande Anderson. He was also a member of the Salt Lake Symphonic Choir and the 1957 Sigma Chi Quartet. David shared his vocal talent throughout his life, singing as a soloist (or with his family) at church services and civic events. In fact, he was fond of music from a variety of genres, including 1950s quartets like the Hi-Lo’s and the Four Lads, performers like Neil Diamond and John Denver, and classical music.
With his joyful service on earth as son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend now completed, David leaves his loving and loyal eternal companion of 60 years, Carol Ann, brother Richard and sisters Suzanne, Sharon and Stacey. His father John and mother Mary Jane (Jones) preceded him in death. His legacy lives on through his descendants, which include his six children: Mark David Oliver and spouse Robert (Quon) of San Francisco, California; Douglas Kendall Oliver and wife Theresa (Pina) from Camas, Washington; Lisa Patria Oliver Pusey and wife Loren from Lehi, Utah; Spencer Christian Oliver and wife Aimee (Moline) of Snohomish, Washington; Jon Anthony Oliver and wife Lynne (Shepherd) of Charleston, Illinois; and Jensina Victoria Oliver Christian and spouse Nathan of Shoreline, Washington; his twenty grandchildren (Patria, Sarah, Jeremie, Hannah, Emma, Katie, Emily, Kendall, Jackson, Clara, Erin, Brooklynne, Freddy, Joey, Katelyn, Bridget, Ian, Aftyn, Jacob and Mathis) and nine great-grandchildren ( Selma, Henry, Phoebe, Ray, Jack, Rose, Esther, Alina and Chloe). His eternal descendants are delighted that David has been relieved of the physical challenges of the past five years and has the opportunity to reunite with his loving parents Mary Jane and John, his brother Douglas, and his extended family until we can are to be with him again. Online condolences can be sent to www.sumortuary.com
Published by Deseret News from September 29th to October 1st, 2021.
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