David Robert Gill

 

David Robert Gill completed his final back nine on December 12, 2023, and is now enjoying a well-earned rest at the ultimate clubhouse.  A beloved son, brother, and uncle, Dave was also an incredible teacher, wonderful coach, great golfing buddy, and cherished colleague and friend. Born to Kermit and Gloria Gill in Ames, Iowa on June 18, 1956, Dave’s life was a testament to the values of kindness and service. A consummate educator, he had a passion for both learning and sport, and he leaves behind an enduring legacy in the hearts and minds of those he artfully mentored.

After a stellar academic and athletic career at Skyline High School in Idaho Falls, Dave earned an associate degree in a single year at the College of Southern Idaho where a wonderful professor sparked a previously unrealized interest in mathematics. At Utah State University, he earned a bachelor’s degree with a major in math education and a minor in physical education with a coaching emphasis. He went on to take graduate classes at the University of Utah where his research focused on best practices for math instruction. He was also a season ticket holder and ardent supporter of the Runnin’ Utes and would have loved watching them upset that Utah County team on the day of his passing.

Dave was a legendary teacher in the Davis County School District in Utah for over thirty years. After teaching and coaching at South Davis Jr. High and Mueller Park Jr. High, he landed at Viewmont High School in 1987 because he yearned to teach a more challenging curriculum. Dave’s teaching style was a blend of clarity, enthusiasm, humor, and unwavering patience. Whether guiding students through the fundamentals of basic algebra or delving into the complexities of calculus, he had an ability to break down concepts into comprehensible parts. Dave came to school early and stayed late to provide support and instruction to individual students, some of whom had graduated and still sought his help with collegiate math classes. For decades, Dave scored Viewmont basketball games, and he also coached golf, which was a game that combined his natural athleticism and mental acuity. As a golf coach, he tried hard to get his student athletes to attack the greens more strategically by playing the hole backwards. This approach was effective, as Dave coached the Viking Golf Team to a state championship the 1995-1996 school year. A well-respected golfer and patron of several Davis County golf courses, Bountiful Ridge became Dave’s home course where he participated as both an officer and a much beloved employee for over 20 years. Until his health turned, he also worked with the Utah Section of the PGA organizing and officiating high school golf championships.

Dave was intellectually curious and civic minded. He was disheartened by the vitriol and mean spiritedness of certain modern politicians and their supporters. A true scholar, gentleman, and dear friend, Dave will be dearly missed but forever remembered by those whose lives he touched.

Dave is preceded in death by his father, Kermit Gill.  He is survived by his mother, Gloria Gill of Idaho Falls, ID, brothers Steve Gill (Lindy) of Lesotho, Africa, Doug Gill of Raleigh, NC, Jeff Gill (Kathie) of Kennewick, WA, Cindy Lanier (Mike) of Idaho Falls, ID, and 9 nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life will be held in Dave’s memory at the Bountiful Ridge Golf Course in the spring of 2024.

A special thanks to Dave’s own Man Friday, Lynn Dubois, a stalwart friend to Dave who drove him to appointments and did his shopping, yardwork, and house repairs for these past many years, and to Scott Whitaker who brought food to Dave whenever he didn’t like what was on the menu, and that was often!   Thanks also to Dave’s many wonderful neighbors and friends who have helped him through the last several years, and to the staffs at Rocky Mountain Hospice and Barton Creek Assisted Living who took such wonderful care of Dave.

Family and friends are welcome to gather in a celebration of David's life on Saturday, June 1, 2024 at noon at the Bountiful Ridge Golf Course, 2430 Bountiful Blvd, Bountiful.

 

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