Daryl Stanley Pullan of South Salt Lake City, died Saturday, July 9, 2016. Until just a week before his death, Daryl was able to spend his days at home—as he wanted—listening to the music he loved and surrounded by pictures and mementos of people he loved. He celebrated his 69th birthday on June 30th and spent a great deal of time with family and friends in the weeks preceding his death, attending a blue's concert, going out to lunch, taking phone calls from across the country and visiting family in the front yard of his mother's home.
Daryl was born June 30, 1947 in Salt Lake City to Juanita Stanley Pullan and Paul Pullan. He attended West High School and Utah Technical Community College, receiving a degree in accounting. Daryl had a sharp mind and a spot-on memory for political history and all things "blues" related. His playfulness and quick wit secured him the eternal love and admiration of 16 nieces and nephews, many of whom he dubbed with nick-names that have stuck with them throughout their lives.
In 1978 Daryl married, Mary-Beth Saunders. They later divorced. A lifelong friend, Tammie Cook has been Daryl's trusted partner and companion for decades. They have cared for each other through the toughest of times.
In 1996 Daryl suffered a stroke which significantly diminished his ability to speak. His mental capacity, intellect and humor were never diminished. For all who cared for Daryl, the game of charades was a way to coax out what he could not say. Daryl could easily lighten the mood when his passion for an opinion would occasionally free his trapped thoughts and he would suddenly speak in a burst of clarity and color.
Daryl could at times be stubborn but it was that stubbornness--born out of a survival instinct ‚that kept him going. He survived. He thrived.
Daryl suffers no more and he is speaking up a storm.
Daryl is survived by his mother Juanita; by his partner Tammie; by his three sisters, Linda (Frank) of South Jordan, Julie (Bob) of Tempe, AZ, Janice (Chris) of Salt Lake City; his brother Gordon (MJ) of Greenfield, MA; 16 nieces and nephews; 30 great nieces and nephews; and 14 great-great nieces and nephews.
Daryl was preceded in death by his father, his brother Gene and his ex-wife Marybeth.
A special thank you to the many caregivers in Daryl's life! Linda, Jan, Mom and Tammie have been Daryl's local guardian angels-- his voice, his advocates and helpers over the last twenty years. Their untiring efforts allowed Daryl to live as independent a life as possible. Julie, Gordon and friend Norm have provided Daryl his vacation spots and his primary caregivers with respite. Thank you to the Rocky Mountain hospice team, Val, Valerie, Diana and Dr. Newman and to all the staff at Cottage on Vine. Also a special thanks to the many friends he met at the aphasia support group meeting during 15 years of attending. To all the caregivers, those named and unnamed, bless you.
A Celebration of Daryl's life will be held at Noon on Friday July 15 at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple, Salt Lake City. Calling hours will be 10:30-11:30 AM that same morning.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity in honor of Daryl.
