Daryl Donald Begaye

At the side of loving family and friends, Daryl Donald Begaye’s spirit departed his dear Mother Earth on May 8th, 2023, at the age of 48.

Daryl was born February 3rd, 1975 in Fort Defiance, New Mexico, to parents Gloria Harry and Jimmy Begaye. Despite facing physical difficulties, Daryl spent his life dedicated to loving his family—first has siblings and mother, and eventually his love and wife Christina “Crissy” (Martinez) Begaye. He was “that brother” who always made sure his family were okay, and he knew of their love for him.

In November 2021, Daryl met his wife Crissy—initially online, and after messaging each other for only a day, in-person. They felt an immediate soul connection and loved and supported each other as Daryl completed a program he was participating in at First Step House. They spent Thanksgiving and Christmas together and “every-day between.” Not even the three baby car seats he discovered in the back of Crissy’s car on their first meeting would deter him from embracing this new family. Daryl and Crissy were married on October 6th, 2022, in Midvale, Utah.

Daryl immediately loved Crissy’s children and grandchildren as if they were his own, and felt a particularly strong bond with stepdaughter Redencion. He cherished walking Redencion to school in the mornings, picking her up in the afternoons, and serving her breakfast, lunch and dinner on a silver platter. His tender care for Redencion will be dearly missed.

Daryl traveled extensively with his family and enjoyed time with them in Florida, Nevada, and Colorado. He loved to make necklaces and sell jewelry and was passionate for fry bread and lasagna.

Daryl is survived by his wife Crissy Begaye and stepdaughter Redencion Redemption Martinez; stepchildren Robert Lucero (Samantha) and Santana Martinez-Abeyta (Vance); siblings Charlene Tyler (Tom), Steven D. Begaye, Franklin D. Begaye, and Eli A. Lee (Cynthia); father-in-law Robert Martinez; 14 grandchildren by marriage and numerous nieces and nephews. Daryl is preceded in death by his mother Gloria Harry, father Jimmy Begaye, brothers Frankie Begaye and Jimmy Dean Begaye, grandfather Tom Harry, and niece Kayla Rae Begaye.

A viewing will be held at 10:00am on Saturday May 13th, 2023 at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints chapel located at 185 “P” Street, Salt Lake City, Utah. A service commemorating Daryl’s life will immediately follow the viewing, beginning at 11:00am. If you are wanting to view the services virtually you may do so by selecting the "Watch Services" button above.