1939-2018
Surrounded by his loved ones, David Clayton Dunford returned to his heavenly home on May 29, 2018. He was the second of nine children born to L. Clayton and Elizabeth Bitner Dunford in Salt Lake City on April 17, 1939. He lived a full and meaningful life. He loved his family and serving others. In his youth he learned the value of hard work while laboring in the Dunford family bakery.
While attending East High School, David developed a lifelong love of music and played the upright bass in various bands for school dances and assemblies. He graduated from the University of Utah where he met his sweetheart, Janet Bowman Cannon. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on November 22, 1963 and were married for 42 years until her passing in 2006. Together they raised a family of six children and built a home centered on love and hard work. He taught his children a job worth doing was worth doing well. Honesty and integrity were the pillars of his character.
David was a man of many talents and enjoyed many hobbies including gardening and being in the outdoors. He was a successful businessman by day and a musician by night. He formed his own band, the Dave Dunford Quartet, playing his bass Friday and Saturday nights at his “dance jobs” at the Fort Douglas and Salt Lake Country Clubs.
He was anchored in his love of the Gospel and served faithfully throughout his life. Some of his memorable callings were being a missionary in Australia, serving as Bishop, and as a Salt Lake Temple ordinance worker.
David married Judith Billeter in 2009. He is survived by Judy and his six children who love him greatly: Melissa (Stuart) Wright, Mary-Elizabeth (Alan) Farrell, John (Cindi) Dunford, James (Marcia) Dunford, Stephen (Jennifer) Dunford, Suzanne (Richie) Clark, and thirteen grandchildren who lovingly called him Papa. Judy’s family also shared in their great love of Grandpa Dave. While we will miss him dearly, it brings great comfort and joy knowing that he has returned to the loving arms of his beloved wife, Janet.
A viewing will be held on Sunday, June 3rd, from 6-8 p.m. at the Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park Mortuary located at 3401 South Highland Drive. Funeral services will be held Monday, June 4th at 11:00 a.m. at the Wasatch 2nd Ward located at 8170 South Short Hills Drive (3425 East), with a viewing prior to the funeral proceedings from 9:30-10:30 a.m.
The family wishes to express our deepest appreciation and gratitude to the staff at The Abbington and Brighton Hospice for their tender and loving care.
In lieu of flowers you may send a donation to the LDS Church Humanitarian Fund.
