David Wood Harris

1942 ~ 2021

Obituary Photo for David Wood Harris < >

Viewing:

April 11, 2021
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
1476 North 300 West in Bountiful, Utah
  • Directions to Viewing
  • Service:

    April 12, 2021
    11:00 AM
    1476 North 300 West in Bountiful, Utah
  • Directions to Service
  • David Wood Harris was born in Salt Lake City Utah on December 11, 1942 to Ruth Lillian Wood and Oley Clinton Harris. He was the middle of three children with older brother, Joseph Clinton and younger sister, Ruth LarRaine.

    David was a lifelong active member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He has a deep history of Latter-day Saint heritage; being a great grandson of Daniel Wood (Founder of Woods Cross), a great, great grandson of Emer Harris (brother to Martin Harris), great grandson of joseph H. Ridges (builder of the Salt Lake Tabernacle organ), and grandson of Venka Larsen (early convert and immigrant from Norway).

    When David was 13 months old he got pneumonia which later turned into rheumatic fever. He spent many months at Primary Children’s and LDS hospitals and more years under doctors care. He was left with a heart murmur and given activity restrictions, however being David, he was determined to be a normal boy.

    David was raised on B Street in the Avenues area of Salt Lake City. Because his father was a disabled World War I soldier, their family had very meager income. He attended West High school and was very active in the school music program. He and his sister Ruth played violin.

    At age 15, while on a trip with his father they were involved in a very tragic accident. His father was killed and David was severely injured with head trauma and broken bones. He found himself in the hospital yet again where he fought toward recovery.

    David served a mission from 1962-64 in the British mission serving under President Marion D Hanks. David loved and admired President Hanks who was an important influence in his life.

    After his mission, he started college at the University of Utah majoring in Choral Conducting and Music Education. At some point, he felt pushed to do something different so he left his beloved music and went to sales at which he excelled.

    Throughout the years, he continued to be involved with choirs including the Jay Welch Chorale and the Utah Choral Arts Society. He had a beautiful bass voice but his range allowed him to sing the tenor part which was usually more needed.

    In 1970, he met Dove Chaunine Roberts at the student Institute wards at the University of Utah. He had a very intense personality but she found it intriguing and they had a lot of fun. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on December 23, 1971. They made their home in Bountiful, Utah and became the parents of five children.

    In 1979, he started his own business called Machinery and Hardware Supply selling supplies to woodworking and cabinet shops. Having no schooling in business, but with his natural ability, good employees and the blessings of the Lord, he was very successful. In 2004,when he sold his business, he was the major supplier of its kind in the mountain west with a large warehouse and 50 employees.

    After selling his business, he was a dedicated church service missionary for Deseret Manufacturing and LDS Church Employment Services. He worked as hard as he could until his frontal temporal dementia began to take over.

    David left a legacy of hard work, honesty and integrity. He would describe his wife as the center of his world and the joy of his heart. He loved his children dearly and was completely devoted to making sure they had everything they needed. He wanted them to have the comforts and opportunities that he was not able to have. David also looked for opportunities to help many others.

    He lived his last year at the Memory Care Center at Legacy House in Farmington. His wife and children are so grateful for the staff there that treated him with kindness and respect. Our gratitude also to Inspiration Hospice for their great service. David passed away peacefully on April 5, 2021. His spirit has gone to a place where he can feel vital and useful again. David was proceeded in death by his parents and his sister Ruth. He is survived by his wife Chaunine, son James (Kendalyn), son Richard (Shannon), daughter Michelle Rahden (Andy), son Michael (Hannah), daughter Deborah Bell and his brother Joseph (Kathleen).

    Services are provided by Larkin Mortuary. A viewing will be held Sunday April 11 from 6:00 - 8:00pm and Funeral services will be on Monday April 12 at 11:00 with a viewing from 10:00 – 10:45am. All services will be held at the Church at 1476 North 300 West in Bountiful, Utah. Family and friends can attend services via Zoom.


    Guestbook/Condolences

    Our sincere condolence to the Larkin Family. May the Lord watch over and comfort you during these hard times.


    - Katherine Conrad

    Condolences


    - Kyle Keyes

    You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Love you ❤️😢


    - JoAnn Taylor Mitchell

    Our "circle" of love won't be the same without David's smile and humor. We will miss him. We are praying for Chauni and her family as they mourn and unite with love. Sharing our hugs and concern.


    - Gwen Hall

    Dear Chauni,
    🌼🍃” NO DISTANCE OF PLACE OR LAPSE OF TIME CAN LESSEN THE FRIENDSHIP (deep loving companionship) OF THOSE WHO ARE THOROUGHLY PERSUADED OF EACH OTHER’S (eternal) WORTH.
    ~Robert Southey
    I truly know these beautiful words
    with a few of my words added are not only correct but very truly comforting.
    I pray for you and your children to feel our Saviors loving arms around you as special memories are brought into your minds and you your hearts will be filled with the joyful truthful feelings that are being sent your way from those of us here as well as those on the other side of the veil.
    Sincerely,
    Julie Keddington 🌼🍃🌺


    - Julie Keddington

    Dear James ,Kendalyn and family,
    I just want you to know that I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I know that this is a special family time. I know that your father would be really proud of you and the things that you have accomplished in your lives. He was a great example to you all. Love, Aunt Anita


    - Anita Bake

    I’m very sorry to read of Bro. Harris’s passing. My only interaction with him was brief yet very significant. I was an arrogant 18 yr old in mission prep in the Bountiful Central Stake. I was sent to Bro. Harris’s home to practice teaching him a discussion. He ended up teaching me a great deal that evening about sharing the gospel properly and studying to be prepared. I never forgot that evening; stayed with me my entire mission and ever since then. I’ll always be grateful he took the time to patiently serve me a bit of humble pie and prepare me for future growth. My deepest condolences to his family.


    - Dan England

    Dear Harris Family,
    I grieve with you at this time of sadness at the loss of David. He had a full life. He left you a wonderful legacy. The Savior taught: "And ye now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man taketh from you." (John 16:22). It is my prayer that at this time your sorrow will be replaced with fond memories. He will see you again at a time and place far better than here and now. May you rejoice with your family and friends as you gather to remember him.

    Sincerely,
    Tim Baxter
    Nicholasville, KY


    - Tim Baxter

    Dear Chauni and family, we are thinking about you and wish we could be there today to join you in celebrating David’s life. His love for you and his children is a legacy that continues. Hugs to you all! Sending my love, Ruth Ann Baxter


    - Ruth Ann Baxter

    Chauni and family:
    We are simultaneously saddened and joyful at Dave's passing. I remember several choice experiences with Dave as we visited various families in our neighborhood together. I wasn't always sure what he would say, almost like Forrest Gump with his box of chocolates. But I knew his heart was inline with his upbringing. He will not be forgotten.
    --Greg & Sue Kjar


    - Greg & Sue Kjar