David Marlin Fillerup, Beloved Husband, Father, Grandfather, and Great-Grandfather passed away on February 27th of Pancreatic Cancer. He completed his journey in this mortal realm to go find more slot canyons in the world beyond. He is preceded in death by his Parents and 2 older brothers. He is survived by his 2 older sisters, his wife LaRue, his children Christi (Ken), Troy (Christa), Laura (Sal), Carolyn (Mike), Richard (Lindsay) and Brian (Reyna) and many grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Dave was born in Moab Utah in April of 1945 and that must have become embedded in him because he loved the desert for the rest of his life, always searching out new and interesting places to go on hikes and camping trips. His knowledge of the fun places to hike in Southern Utah was known far and wide. If there was a slot canyon in Southern Utah, he had probably hiked it. One of his favorites was “The Wave”, but he loved them all. Throughout his life, he was always up for a good hike. He even did a one day rim to rim hike of the Grand Canyon when he was in his 60’s. That was a very long day, but he got it done.
He joined the Air Force when he was 18 and reached the rank of Master Sergeant. One day, when he was on leave, he went on a blind date with a great girl named LaRue. It turned out to be the best blind date ever because she turned out to be the love of his life. They got married in the Salt Lake Temple in 1967 and had a long and loving marriage. He said that meeting her “saved him”. He was going down a path that could have ended up badly, but meeting LaRue got him on the straight and narrow and she kept him there for the rest of his life. Dave and LaRue were inseparable throughout their 50+ years of marriage. Whenever they went somewhere, it was always together.
Dave and LaRue had 6 children. Christi, Troy, Laura, Carolyn, Richard and Brian. He was a wonderful Dad, always there to support and love his kids. He was a bit of a disciplinarian once in a while and did his best to help his kids stay on the right path. When he told you to do something, you did it! He had no problem enforcing his rules. There was one time when Dave had told his son that he could not see a specific movie, but his son snuck out and went anyway. When Dave found out, he went to the theater, went in to where the movie was playing and yanked him out. He always wanted the best for his kids and did anything he could to support them. He was always there for them and was a great advice giver and sounding board.
Once he got Grandkids, it got even better. He was such a wonderful grandpa and he passed on his love and wisdom to all of them also. Then came the great grandkids and his love grew even more. The time and love he spent on all of his progeny was second to none. They all loved spending time at Papa David’s house.
While in the military, Dave and his family moved several times. That worked out quite well for him because he loved to travel. No matter where he lived, he always made sure to experience all he could from wherever he was. It seems like, when they lived in Germany, they would go on some trip or another every weekend. This love of travel gave his family so many great memories of all the wonderful places they went. He was always wanting to go somewhere or do something.
Dave was loved by everyone that knew him. He was always the first on the scene when anybody needed help and was always willing to lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a big man and looked intimidating. He liked standing next to shorter people and teasing them about how little they were. But the reality is that he was a huge teddy bear. That was evidenced by the fact that he loved to have tea parties with his great-grandkids.
He always loved reading and learning and especially loved math. He instilled that love into his children and grandchildren. Even to this day, they all remember the math games that he used to play on long trips. (Remember the love of travel?) “Tell me when I get to 0: 6 plus 9 divided by 3 times 10 minus 100 plus 50.”
He loved making up and telling stories. He would spin great tales of his trips to Mars and Venus when he was a little kid. He would regale his kids about how he and his cousin would build rockets from “energy food (frozen juice with a secret ingredient to make it invincible)” and make sure to pack lots of candy. However, his mom would always make him take a can of spinach so he could stay healthy. His cousin’s mom would make him take a can of brussel sprouts.
Dave had many, many “daveisms” that survive to this day through his kids and grandkids. Anyone that knew him has heard at least one of these.
● He’s a good man and there are only a few of us left
● You’re breathing a scab on your nose
● If I were somewhere, I’d go home
● That little bit was almost as good as a full meal
● No thanks, I just had a bar of soap (This was if you offered him some food that he didn’t want right then)
In addition to travel, he also loved his treats. His specialties were Victorias and ice cream mixed with milk. Every time any of his kids or grandkids eat graham crackers with frosting, they will definitely think of him.
Dave will be greatly missed. He was a powerful influence in the lives of all those he came in contact with. He leaves behind a legacy of many people that love and will miss him.
The funeral service will be held at the Clinton 13rd ward meeting house at 1798 W 800 N, Clinton UT. The public viewing will be from 9:30am - 10:45 am with the funeral service from 11:00am - 12:00pm. In lieu of flowers, please contribute to the humanitarian center or your favorite charity.
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Dear La Rue and family. We are so sorry for your loss. We have some fun memories of Kodachrome basin and Red Fleet family parties. May he continue his adventures in the next life. May you find comfort in your fond memories of him.
Sincerely, Paige&Randall
We have such wonderful memories of Dave!! What a great neighbor and friend, we will never forget when he took us repelling!! All of you were so great with our family. Our hearts go out to you all, you were so fortunate to have him in your lives. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, all the kids where so sad when I told them about Dave.
I'm pretty sure that I was more scared of Uncle Dave than anything else but I always knew that he was just a big tease. The Tanners and Fillerups were so often together that they became part of the family. So many camping trips, and just hanging out together trips. I'll always remember the high five, low five trick, and how he always called me Lee. Thanks for the good memories. Love and prayers for you all.
So sorry for your loss, LaRue. He was an awesome man and my mom and dad absolutely LOVED him! That last trip down to Utah a couple years ago, when you and Dave took them to central Utah/Delta area, was just great, especially for Pop. They talked about that trip for weeks afterward! You and Dave were a blessing to them and to all of us. Dave will be greatly missed. Much love to you and all your family.❤️
LaRue, I just seen Dave’s notice of his passing. I am so sorry to hear that. How are you doing? Was Dave ill? It was so nice to see you both at the reunion we had. I wish I could give you a hug. I will always remember you and Dave drove us up to the hills for a Christmas tree. We had chili and bread. I can’t imagine both families and two trees in the one four wheeler. Send our love to your children and grandchildren. We will talk later
Love you LaRue
I’m so sorry to hear of Dave’s passing. He was always bigger than life in more ways than one. He was like a second dad during my teenage years and he was an example, at times a disciplinarian, but a comedian and an all-around great man. Sending prayers for your comfort during this difficult time.
Thanks for letting us tag along on Easter Egg hunts in Goblin Valley, rappelling adventures in the middle of no-where (Gold Hill?), Lagoon and Raging Waters. Also for taking good care of Grandma Hartner over the years. Uncle Dave told me that every kid needed to visit Kodachrome Basin, I took that to heart and drug my own kids around on adventures down there. I also remember stories like magic boulders scooting themselves across the desert in Death Valley as we shared ice cream at your house. Glad to see these Olan Mills photos of the cousins can be forever memorialized here for all to see :). Indubitably yours. Mark.
My sincerest condolences. Brother Fillerup was always a joy to be around and his smile, laugh and personality of good was infectious to everyone he came into contact with. I’m especially fond of the memories of having him as a Boy Scout leader and role model. His leadership, kindness and generosity taught me invaluable lessons that helped mold me into the man I am today. Thank you Brother Fillerup, you will be greatly missed but rest easy now, your brothers in arms have the watch now.
Sorry for the loss of Dave. A few years back he took it upon himself to reintroduce me to Ross. Dave seemed like a great man, although I did not know him well.
Condolences from Wade and Michelle Rushton.
LaRue, I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord watch over you and your family at this time and always. My prayers are with you my friend. Love Laraine Phillips
Dave was so much fun. He was always smiling and planning his next big hiking trip. He was also a great chauffeur. LaRue you have my sincere condolences and my love.
Deean Hicks
Uncle Dave was a giant among men and a fun and generous uncle.
Heartfelt love and condolences.
We are so very sorry for your loss. We love you and will remember you all in our prayers. Until we all together again, love JulieRae (Julie Fillerup Hymas and Roy Hymas' youngest daughter)
LaRue,
We are so sad to hear about the passing of Dave. He truly was a gentle giant who had a great love for his family and the outdoors.
We are so thankfull for his influence in the lives of our boys. He was a wonderful mentor who had high expectations of his scouts and did everything he could to help them reach their potential. His selfless service continues to affect and influence countless generations.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
Much love and gratitude,
James and Amy Wright
We are so sorry for the loss of a wonderful friend and want the entire family to know how much we love Dave. He is Uncle Dave to our children, Bro. Fillerup to so many people, and just Dave to us. We will never forget all the wonderful trips, picnics, Germany tour together, Just plain fun times together. Funny things, sad things, scary things, caring things we shared with him and LaRue. We pray that the Spirit will comfort the whole family and that you will remember how much we love all of you. Heavenly Father blessed us with eternal friends and we will all share the fun and wonder of the next life. Love Forever, Dale, Lauren, and kids.
I was very sorry to hear that David had passed away. Thinking of him brought back fond memories of us playing together in "Clay Gully", swimming in the Jordan River and having a lot of fun generally. We were very close during our younger years in Murray. I will miss his great sense of humor. It must of been a great reunion as he and Sterling met together again to romp and play in paradise. I loved him very much.
LaRue what a beautiful service for a wonderful man. Prayers for you and your family.
Dear Aunt LaRue,
I am so sorry for your loss. The tributes to Dave in his memorial service were splendid. Thanks for being his loving partner. What a wonderful example. It is an honor to have known and loved him.
Big hugs! Dave is a rock star and greatly loved by so many. I am so thankful for knowing him and for good memories of Uncle Dave and Aunt LaRue. Much love and appreciation, Susan and Tom
So sorry for your loss. I wish there were words that would alleviate the pain you are feeling right now. My hugs and love are with you.
Dearest LaRue, What fond memories we have of a great man! Our condolences to you and your family. I can’t think of Dave Fillerup without remembering him letting the girls braid his hair at camp! He was such a great influence on the youth!
Much love, John and Jill Davis
Dear LaRue and family,
I am deeply saddened to hear Dave had pancreatic cancer. He was going to live to be a hundred or more ! Call me whenever you want. Losing a soul mate is the hardest thing I've had to face so far.
Dave was a great friend and strong leader in our lives and he is greatly missed.
I loved camping with him, repelling, working with him with the youth and scouting. He always volunteered for girls camp and the love between you and him was very touching and special.
he confided in me one day after Simon got all of his completions for The Arrow of Light award,
"Brother Day, if I have to deal with one more son of yours and have Jeanette tell me how I need to run the scouting program. I'm quitting scouting !"
I was just thinking about inviting Brother Fillerup to my wedding. He was my scout leader in the Emerald Ward many years back. I have fond memories of him and appreciated his love and encouragement.