David Dastrup

David Max Dastrup passed away on November 24, 2018 at his home in Orem, Utah.

Max was born in Salina, Utah on September 28, 1948 to Ross B Dastrup and Velma Thail Ottley. He spent his “Tom Sawyerish” growing-up years in Salina, Orem, St. George, and Vernal, developing the athleticism that earned him a place on his high school baseball, basketball, and football rosters. During his time at Dixie College, he served on the college Student Council and as LDSSA activity coordinator.

After completing faithful service as a full-time missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Scotland, Max earned Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Recreation Therapy from Brigham Young University, and worked at the Youth Center of the Utah State Hospital. “Little did I know,” he wrote, “that over 30 years later I would still be involved in this labor of love.” There he met his sweetheart, Claudia Holdaway, and they were married in the Provo Utah Temple on December 15, 1973.

Max shared with his six children the most important things in life: the gospel of Jesus Christ, a healthy work-fun balance, and BYU sports. He remained a focused provider and protector, even through the daily struggle for breath called pulmonary fibrosis. We rejoice that he now has “no cords, no cannulas, and no concentrators.”

Though Max’s one-of-a-kind love for people, wordsmithery, and humor cannot be replaced, we know he lives on. He continues to block for his wife of 45 years, Claudia Holdaway Dastrup; his children, David (Tamara), Travis (Emily), Brigham (Christa), Sam (Emily), Elizabeth (Andrew) Mills, and Angela (Tyson) Willis; and his 26 living grandchildren. He is survived by his five siblings, Carolyn Sampson , Neal, Dan, Janice Goltz, and Jeff.

We are grateful to Heidi and her colleagues at A Plus Hospice.

Funeral services will be held Saturday, December 1st at 11 AM at the Vineyard 5th Ward chapel at 1810 West Springwater Drive, Orem, Utah. Viewings will be held on Friday evening, November 30, from 6-8 pm at Sundberg-Olpin Mortuary at 495 State Street in Orem, and on Saturday just prior to the funeral from 9:30-10:30 am at the church. Burial will be in the Provo City Cemetery.