David Leonard Dunkley
1960 ~ 2013
The family of David Leonard Dunkley expresses appreciation and love for a respected husband, caring father and grandfather. After a courageous battle with cancer, David passed away on January 13, 2013 surrounded by his loving family.
David was born in Provo, Utah, to Donald K. Dunkley and Betty Josephine Smith on April 16, 1960. He grew up with one sister, Lori Perkins (Ramon B.) Morgan. He also enjoyed his association with his uncle J. Paul (Johanna) Smith.
David's growing up years were spent in Provo and Duchesne, Utah. He attended Provo and Timpview High Schools, where he was a member of the first graduating class. He also attended Brigham Young University. David served an honorable mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Kaohsiung, Taiwan. David married Terri Jean Thiel on December 17, 1983. The marriage was later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple. They are the parents of three children: Brandi Lynn (Nathan) Palmer, Jonathan Don (Adrienne) Dunkley, and Justin Ray Dunkley; and grandparents of two grandchildren, Camri Lynn and Sawyer Kim.
After having grown up with a love of all construction machinery, David worked as a heavy equipment operator in the excavation industry. As a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, David served in many positions, including Bishop for several years. David grew up loving to watch and play baseball, and was a member of the Timpview High State Championship Baseball team. Another of Dave's passions was his drum set! He kept the beat for numerous bands, including his favorite, "Flight". David's greatest joy, however, was found in serving others. Because of his incredible love for people, he will be remembered by so many angel friends. Thanks to all of you.
Heartfelt thanks to Maple Creek Home Health and Hospice, especially to our sweet caregiver, Carma Karsten, as well as dear friends and neighbors who have made our journey a beautiful one.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, January 22, 2013 at the Provo East Stake Center, 667 North 600 East, Provo, Utah. Friends may call at the Berg Mortuary of Provo, 185 East Center Street, Monday evening from 6 until 8 and at the church Tuesday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment, Provo City Cemetery. Condolences may be emailed to info@bergmortuary.com.
Brent Gunderson (1978)
I have never known a more genuine or better friend and person than David Dunkley. I feel very fortunate to have had the opportunity to grow up with him for a time in Duchesne, where we shared the same birth date and many wonderful growing up experiences. After he moved away to Provo, we looked forward to the times that we could invite his band to come to Duchesne to play for our dances. After high school, I was thrilled to be able to serve as a missionary with him in Taiwan.
I do not know a person who is more authentic and real and without guile than David Dunkley. As far as I can tell, everyone who know him admired and respected him because of his authenticity. The world is a much better place as a result of David Dunkley’s life. He will be greatly missed but his influence will live on forever in the lives of his family and the many other people whose lives he touched just by being a truly loving and authentic human being. Thank you Dave.
Brent Gunderson
Brook B. (Petersen) (1978)
As his music teacher, my mother Mrs. Bredenbroker always said that David was one of her favorite students. Not only because of his talent on the drums, but his fun personality. Even years after he moved away, and years after she retired, she would mention David when she talked about fun memories she had of her teaching experience.
I did not really know David well when we went to school. But, I was glad to have been in touch with him a few brief times on this web-site through e-mail. He was indeed a joy. I wished we'd had been better acquainted in person, way back in school.
Brook B. Petersen (Class of '78)
Mike Buckley (1978)
I am currently deployed in Afghanistan and just found out about Dave's passing. My heartfelt condolences and prayers to his family. I spent several of my formative elementary years with Dave and consider him a friend to this day. I will never forget running through the ditch outside of the elementary school with him, Shane, Craig, & Johnny as we tried to be John Wayne and Dean Martin and the "Sons of Katie Elder." I also have no idea how many times we climbed D-Hill and I think the teachers just got tired of telling us not to and gave up--it was a great time to be a little boy and the friendships made then still resonate with me today...I went back many years later and I could not believe they even let us near it the hill. I am really glad we got to talk during the 25th reunion and am a better person for knowing him and being in his life... rest in peace Brother, may you find the peace you seek and may you walk with the Lord at your side.
R/
Mike
LTC Clyde "Mike" Buckley
-- Talon 6 --
Commander, 84th EOD Battalion
JTF Paladin-East
Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan
clyde.m.buckley@afghan.swa.army.mil
clyde.buckley@us.army.mil
endurance_cycling@yahoo.com
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