David Carl Engh

David Carl Engh

Last love letter written by his sweetheart, Joan Engh

David Carl Engh, our beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother and friend slipped away from us on July 3, 2025 and returned to his Heavenly home.

David was born to Henry and Dorcas Ardella Engh on April 13, 1938. He was named David which fit him perfectly for it means, Beloved. He grew up in a large family and felt his role was needed to be a peacemaker. He took this responsibility very personally and fulfilled it to the very end of his life. One of his favorite scriptures is found in Ephesians 4:32, “Be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another.”

David met his sweetheart, Joan Palmer early on and after graduating from Olympus High School they were married in the Salt Lake Temple June 28, 1957. He always said he knew within minutes she would become his eternal sweetheart. For the past 68 years he has told her how beautiful she was. Dad and mom loved just being together supporting one another and enjoying life. Dad never missed a day without telling mom she was his eternal sweetheart, and he loved her.

Together they raised 6 children: Mark, Calvin, Julie, Stanford, Lynette, and MaryAnn. Their posterity includes 25 grandchildren and 41 great grandchildren.

From an early age he worked in the greenhouse business. He loved the beauty of nature and soon found his love of growing plants to beautify the world around him. His entire career was growing and producing bedding plants. Each year he grew thousands for his customers and was known statewide for his plants. He was given the opportunity one year to name a new marigold that had not been given a name by the seed producer. After much thought he decided to name this beautiful large yellow marigold, Princess Julie, after his first daughter. For years people would preorder this marigold making sure they would have this stunning flower for their yard. He always said his favorite flower to grow was the deep red geranium and you could always find this geranium in his own garden.

Dad had a deep love for the gospel of Jesus Christ. At age 14 he was given his first calling by his beloved Bishop, Bishop Oliver. From that time on he was never without a calling in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He served in many callings, and each one was his favorite. To name a few he served as a temple worker for over 30 years in the Jordan River and Draper temples, a teacher, scout leader, counselor, Bishop, Stake Presidency, and as Stake Patriarch in the Lone Peak Stake for 23 years, giving over 800 blessings. Those 23 years were a spiritual high for him. He thought about each blessing 24 hours a day. He was always so impressed with the young people who came. He appreciated those older beautiful souls desiring their blessing before their life was completed. He tenderly blessed all who came and blessed them as Father desired. He was always in awe of the faith and the desire of those who wanted to sincerely know of their father’s love for them and wanting to have their very personal questions answered. He would tell everyone to go home and pray and with work they would find their answers. His patriarch calling drew his very being close to the Lord. He always indicated he grew more in those 23 years and was humbled to the very core. With a sincere heart he often bore testimony of Heavenly Father and his Savior Jesus Christ. He would say with deep love and personal knowledge that he didn’t just believe, but he knew Them personally.

He treasured his time with his grandchildren, and they affectionately called him “Gramps.” When he became a great grandpa, he was known as Grandpa Great! He was always at sporting events, school events, milestones and would always want to go get a “dounie” (donut) with them. They will always imagine hearing him say, “Catch that Tomorrow, Pretty and Good, Cake and Cookies get done, people get finished.” When they would ask for his advice he would say, “Keep the Faith.” His posterity is his greatest joy, and his love never stopped. He was proud as he saw their desire to do right and be right with the Lord. He was not only proud of his posterity but said they were his eternal jewels.

Dad was a people person and his smile and sparkling blue eyes made friends wherever he went. People loved him and felt his spirit. As a family we loved to sit at his feet and hear his life stories, bare his testimony and love for the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and most of all feel his sincere love for each of us. He was our teacher, our supporter and always lent a shoulder to cry on. We will miss him dearly and look forward to being with him forever.

He is survived by his children Mark (Terese), Calvin (Leslee), Julie (Kent), Stanford (Christine), Lynette (Gregory), MaryAnn (Andrew). His Sister Judy (Bill) Peterson and his brother Daniel (Connie) Engh.

He is proceeded in death by his sweetheart Joan. His parents Henry and Dorcas Ardella Engh. Brothers Henry, Paul, and Dennis. His sister Jeannette Nelson and his beloved grandson, Tyler Engh.

We as a family would like to give a very heartfelt thank you to David’s caregivers who have served Him with tenderness, love and compassion. We could not have done this without each of you! Vili, Beverly, Lei and Kanani. Rose, Maria, and the entire Aspire Hospice team. Thank you to all the staff, his new friends and the Pioneer Branch at Spring Gardens Assisted Living in Draper. We would also like to thank the members of the Lone Peak 3rd Ward, and the many neighbors, friends and family who have shown our father great love and Christlike service.

A viewing will be held Wednesday July 9th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints located at 11570 South Wasatch Blvd, Sandy.

Funeral Services will be held at the same location, Thursday, July 10th with a viewing prior to services 10:00-10:45. Funeral at 11:00 a.m.

Interment will be at Memorial Mountain View Cemetery

3115 Bengal Blvd. Cottonwood Heights, Utah.