David “Dave” Wesley Anderson was granted eternal peace on November 30th after a long struggle with cancer, leaving behind a legacy of selfless kindness and service. Dave was above all else a family man, and his main life directive was to bring as much comfort and joy to his family and friends as he possibly could. Dave was an astute helper who knew how to solve any problem. He had a rare mixture of wisdom and common sense that allowed him to both fix leaky faucets or stuck shower doors, as well as give perfect advice for break-ups or personal rows. A peacemaker and diplomat, he had the remarkable ability to defuse tension and find a solution that would end in all parties laughing and joking with one another.

Dave was born in Salt Lake City, but mostly grew up in Draper, living on the family farm with his four siblings. He had a mischievous childhood, of which only he knew every caper and misadventure. From setting fields on fire to driving off a “coyote” only to learn it was a neighbor's dog, there was never a dull moment with Dave around.

His rascally youth gave way to a young adulthood of precocious wisdom, while still maintaining his infectious sense of humor that he injected into everything. Dave took the helm of the family business at the age of twenty-three. He possessed a shrewd mind for business and the startling ability to know exactly what was the correct move, the perfect deal to take, just by intuition alone. He was no lover of numbers and charts, and was simply able to make the right decision thanks to his thoughtful lack of impulsiveness. After “thinking on it” for a day or two, Dave would always come to the correct decision.

Dave used his position in the family business to help everyone in the family. If you asked him what he did at work, what his business was, you would not hear anything about real estate or investments. Rather, he would tell you that his job was to help his family, to make them happy, and to make their problems go away.

Dave had a private but intimate relationship with God, from whom he found peace and acceptance regarding his illness. Despite the very personal relationship he had with his religious life, he did tell those close to him that God gave him strength to get through the hardest times in his life.

Dave is survived by parents Barb Hipp and Wes Anderson; wife Debby; siblings Traci, Jodee, Matt, and Krisie; children Jackson and Parker; parents-in-law Jim and Pat; brother-in-law Ron, and countless nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts, uncles, in-laws, friends, and pets, including a gaggle of rats. Dave truly touched many lives, and everyone in his family, whether they were an in-law or a blood relative, will feel both his absence and his presence for the rest of their lives.

Dave’s character through to the end was always focused on others rather than himself. Even as he became bedridden, he was always thinking of the people he held dear. It troubled him greatly that he was unable to physically assist others in his final days. He was adamant that he wanted to thank Dr. David Gill and Rachel Montague, NP for their world-class bedside manner and above-and-beyond dedication towards both this physical and mental well-being. He also wanted to thank his wife Debby and sons Jackson and Parker for their care in his final days. His selfless nature still had him thinking of what others did for him. He never had any issues expressing thanks.

Casual services will be on Thursday, December 19th from 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City. Guests are encouraged to use parking and entrance located on the north side of the building. Dave would want everyone to come as they are rather than get dressed up for him, but if dressing up makes you feel happy, please feel free to do so.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Starks Funeral Parlor. Please visit www.starksfuneral.com to share photos and memories with Dave's family.