David Melvin Libby

David Melvin Libby Jr was born July 26, 1952, in Santa Monica, California, to David Melvin Libby Sr. and Doris Marie Palmer. He passed away peacefully, surrounded by those who loved him most, on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, after battling chronic illnesses for 30 years. David was a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and loved to create community and belonging wherever he was.

David, or Davey, as his two big sisters called him, was born and raised in sunny Southern California. He loved baseball, surfing, football, and of course Disneyland. One of his greatest claims to fame was being at Disneyland on its opening day, a few days before his third birthday.

Davey graduated from Thousand Oaks High School, where he played baseball, tennis, and football. Many of his youth shenanigans are still unknown to his children, as he “lived it up” until he converted to the Church of Jesus of Christ of Latter-day Saints as a teenager. Despite opposition, David chose to serve an LDS mission and was called to serve in the New Zealand Mission in the early ‘70s. While serving, he witnessed and participated in many miracles and faith-affirming experiences. He developed an unparalleled respect and love for the people of New Zealand and Māori culture, which lasted his entire life. After his service, he attended Brigham Young University, where he played football as a flanker back. After sustaining a life-threatening injury, he promised the Lord he would never play football again if He would spare his life. It was during his recovery that he met the true love of his life, Deborah Fisher. After a brief two-week courtship, they were engaged and married on April 21, 1976.

David left BYU to provide for his growing family, which now included their first son, Chris, born in 1977. Shortly after their second child, CariAnn, was born, they bought their first home in Magna, UT, where they lived for 15 years.

David and Debby added two more children, Patricia (Tricia) and Jamie (aptly nicknamed the destroying angel by David), to complete their family. Many fond memories were had with neighbors who became more like family. Highlights included the annual (slightly illegal) fireworks shows with the Palmer cousins, game nights filled with treats, and walks around the block that were more devoted to conversation than to exercise.

The Libby family made an annual pilgrimage to Southern California every summer to visit Grandpa and Grandma Libby, Aunt Mary & Uncle Charlie, Aunt Jo, and beloved cousins Justin and Michael. Of course, the promise of a trip to Disneyland was the tried-and-true bargaining chip that kept complaints at bay during those loooooong drives—long before tablets or cell phones came to the rescue.

David lived a life of service, teaching his children the value of hard work and helping others. Many, many family home evenings were spent helping neighbors put in their grass, weeding their gardens or doing anything else that needed to be done. David felt most alive while in the service of others.

Following a work accident, David returned to school and earned his Bachelor of Science in record time. Shortly after graduating, he secured a job at Liberty Mutual Insurance, where he loyally worked his entire career.

David loved his faith, family, football, and Disney, but he was also passionate about Christmas. Celebrating the joy of the birth of the Savior, Santa Claus, and the magic of the season was his trademark. David created, painted, and built elaborate wooden sets he lovingly and painstakingly put up in the front yard year after year, much to the chagrin of his teenage daughters. He even installed outdoor speakers so Christmas music would play from dusk until 10:00 pm.

David was diagnosed with a rare and debilitating bone marrow disease, systemic mastocytosis, in the early ‘90s. We are grateful to the staff at the Huntsman Cancer Institute, particularly Dr. Dinenger & Dr. Tashi, for the loving care they provided for decades.

David retired from Liberty Mutual Insurance Company as a Senior Workman’s Compensation Claims Adjuster.

Later in David’s life, he was unable to do many of the things he once loved, yet he found happiness and joy in Disneyland, cheering on his beloved Cougars, playing chess, watching Hallmark movies, and, of course, Christmas.

In 2025, David moved to Ashford of Draper, where he was given loving care. He particularly loved playing (and winning) bingo with the fellow residents. Special thanks to all the staff, caretakers, and others who tirelessly attended to him.

In March of 2026, following hospitalization, the painful decision was made to put David on hospice. Special thanks to Renew Hospice, and particularly Shauna and the CNAs who lovingly cared and advocated for the comfort and dignity of David during his last days.

David is survived by his wife, Deborah Fisher, who tirelessly cared for him for so many years. His three daughters, CariAnn (Brian) Rowe, Patricia (Klint) Hobbs, and Jamie (Cody Sandall) Libby. Grandchildren, McKenna, Katelyn, Parker, Azuree, Allayna (Rand), Preston, Hunter, Justin, Matthew, Emily, Cole, MaQuelle, Chaz, and sweet Saveah. Great-grandchildren, Rhett and Abigail. In his passing, David was surely welcomed with open arms by those who went before him: his son, David Christen Libby; his parents, Doris and David; his in-laws, Chad and Patricia, and Charlie; and his beloved dogs, Sparky, Oreo, and Carlton.

All are welcome to attend services to celebrate his life and impact. A viewing will be held on Tuesday, April 7, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Larken Sunset Gardens, 1950 E Dimple Dell Rd, Sandy, UT. Funeral services will be held at the Traverse Mountain Stake Center, 2030 W Chapel Ridge Road in Lehi, UT. Wednesday, April 8, 2026, at 11:00 am with an hour viewing beforehand. Following the funeral services, the graveside service will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens. The funeral will be livestreamed via Zoom and can be accessed by clicking the “Watch Services” button above.

David will be forever loved and remembered by those who knew him. We are grateful that families are forever, and relationships continue past this life. We know we will see you again, Dad, in your perfect, resurrected body, free to do all the things you were unable to for so long.