Our beloved husband, father and grandfather, David Liddle Buhler, unexpectedly passed away from natural causes on Tuesday, July 16, 2024 at home in Salt Lake City. Dave was born July 13, 1957, to Robert Earl Buhler and Phyllis Liddle Buhler. A member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as a full-time missionary in the Washington D.C. Mission from 1977-1979. In 1981 he met the love of his life, Lori Goaslind, while both were students at the University of Utah. The story of their meeting quickly became a favorite amongst family and friends.
They married on July 7, 1982, in the Salt Lake Temple and together raised five children. He graduated from the University of Utah in 1983 with a double major in History and Political Science, then earned a Master of Public Administration degree from Brigham Young University in 1985. He returned to school later in life and earned a PhD in Political Science from the University of Utah.
Dave became interested in politics at a young age and worked for several political campaigns. He served on the staff of U.S. Senator Orrin Hatch from 1979 to 1984, was a member of Governor Norm Bangerter’s senior staff from 1984 to 1988, and managed Governor Bangerter’s successful re-election campaign in 1988. Politics led to public service, where he served as Executive Director of the Utah Department of Commerce from 1989 to 1992. He was then recruited to be Vice President over the Western States for the National Assessment Institute for eight years. He concurrently served as a Utah State Senator from 1994 to 1998. Dave returned to public service when he was appointed Associate Commissioner of Higher Education in 2000. During that time he also served from 1999 to 2007 on the Salt Lake City Council, which included two terms as Council Chair. From 2012 to 2019 Dave was honored to serve as Utah’s eighth Commissioner of Higher Education. He worked closely and enjoyed his association with the Board of Regents, the Governor and legislators, the presidents of Utah’s eight public colleges and universities, and talented and dedicated colleagues in the Commissioner’s Office and higher education institutions. He worked to increase access for Utah students to a high quality and affordable higher education. He stepped down to return to the classroom and pursue his dream of teaching as a Professor at the University of Utah. He taught hundreds of students about Utah politics, and was a favorite amongst his students. He was looking forward to teaching this fall semester during this tumultuous election year (probably much more than he was looking forward to the actual election).
Dave was a devoted family man and loved to spend time with Lori and their children, especially during family vacations to Midway, San Diego, Washington D.C., New York City, Hawaii and elsewhere. In recent years Dave and Lori discovered a new passion for traveling in Europe and were able to visit many countries including France, Ireland, England, Germany, Italy, and others. They were especially touched by visits to WWII sites including Normandy.
In addition to serving a mission, Dave held callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as a counselor in the Bishopric of the Mountain View Third Ward, as a member of the Hillside Stake High Council and the Foothill Stake High Council, as Bishop of the Foothill 7th Ward, and in various capacities in the Young Men and Sunday School organizations. Dave and Lori also served as JustServe specialists for Salt Lake County. He loved ministering to young and old and set an example as a follower of our Savior, Jesus Christ.
He was preceded in death by his son, Matthew, his parents and grandparents, and his sisters Susan Taber and Linda Sillitoe. He is survived by his wife of 42 years, Lori, children Jennifer (Don) Willie, Spencer (Ashly) Buhler, Emily (William) Pittam, and Allison (Andrew) Goaslind, and by seven grandchildren including one born 9 days prior to his passing. Two more grandchildren are expected in November and December. He is also survived by his brothers Douglas (Jaydene) and Stephen (Maria), and sisters Kathy (Brian Ballard), Janean (Mark Ottesen), Annette (Wayne Andrus), brothers-in-law Douglass Taber and John Sillito, and many nieces and nephews.
We are devastated by his sudden passing, but we find comfort in knowing he is with his son Matthew again, made possible through the Atonement of Jesus Christ. At this difficult time, one of Dave’s favorite scriptures comes to mind which brought our family comfort after Matthew’s passing, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27) Through Jesus Christ we know we will see our husband, dad, and grandpa again and that he will greet us with open arms.
A visitation will be held on Friday, July 26, from 6:00-8:00 PM at the Wasatch 3rd Ward located at 2215 E Roosevelt Avenue, Salt Lake City, UT 84108. An additional visitation will be held on Saturday, July 27, from 10:30-11:30 AM at the Wasatch 3rd Ward. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 27 at 12:00 PM also at the ward.
Those wishing to view the service via Zoom can click "Watch Service" or follow the link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84283055041
So sorry for our loss. David is my first cousin too soon removed. Sad at his passing joyful for his reunion on the other side.
I will miss you fiercely.
So sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family.
We are so sorry to hear about the passing of your husband and father. You and your family are in our prayers. Love Sandy and Lonny
I am so sorry. I am sending love and prayers to you and your family. It is a hard time. Take care and know you are loved!
I was so sorry to learn of Dave's sudden and unexpected passing. I have always enjoyed my association with Dave and even though we lived far apart and saw one another only on rare occasions, I looked forward to our conversations. He was always kind and expressed sincere interest in me and my family. His accomplishments are many and of great interest, but I have been most impressed by his strong faith and the manner in which he led his life. We have been blessed having been raised by good parents and grandparents and their goodness is reflected in posterity like Dave. My prayers go out to Lori and the entire family.
I am a student at the University of Utah. I came into David's class to do a presentation for student elections. David was a very kind and ambitious person. He invited me to take his class many times. I am saddened to hear his passing and know he was an accomplished and great Christ-like family man while on earth.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Dave was my coworker for 4 years at the University of Utah, and was a friend and mentor. I'll never forget that when he heard me tells story about how my grandmother knew former Congressman Mo Udall, Dave gifted me a pin from Udall's presidential campaign. Or the time he learned I was going to be alone for Thanksgiving and invited me to celebrate with his family. I wish I could continue to benefit from his kindness, his wit, and his experience. I will miss him dearly.