David Ernest Lay

David Ernest Lay

"Gentle Giant"

David Ernest Lay, 58, Highland, UT, unexpectedly departed his mortal life in a tragic accident on January 16th, 2009.

David along with his twin sister Margaret, were born on March 8th, 1950 to Alice and the late Brainard Lay in Eureka, California.

David was one of 10 children, who spent the majority of his youth in Australia before moving to the United States. In his early years he served two LDS missions; first a building mission in Australia and second a proselyting mission in Minnesota and Canada. David honored his priesthood by serving in many capacities in the church. He sacrificed his education by leaving school early to help earn a living for his family. Later when he moved to Utah, he earned his GED with the help of his sweetheart, Marilyn Bishop Lay. They were married in the Salt Lake City temple on August 8th, 1980 and together raised four daughters until July of 1995 when Marilyn lost her courageous battle with cancer. On July 27th, 2002, David married Nancy McCandless Lay.

David will always be remembered as the peacemaker, a loving and gentle provider, and a dedicated worker. He was a highly respected and skilled heavy machine operator for more than thirty years of his life. He also loved food and eating at the Olive Garden restaurant any chance he got. He enjoyed dressing well, taking a particular liking to fine Italian shoes. He realized a life-long dream when he traveled with his wife Nancy back to his childhood home in Australia within the year preceding his death. He cherished time spent in the temple and loved to be with his family. He was the adored and favorite uncle of all of his nieces and nephews whom he teased without end. He is loved and will be missed by many.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Marilyn; father, Brainard Lay; and Father and Mother-in-law, Norma and Carl Bishop. He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Ashley (Jason), Melanie (Lyman), Bethany and Rachel. Stepsons: Steven (Robin) and Sam (Amanda). Sisters: Shirley, Barbara, (Darrel), his twin Margaret (Robert), Chris, Kathy (Kim), Jenny (Scott) and brothers: Michael (Rose), Jared (Roberta), Mark (Frances) and his mother Alice Lay.

Funeral service will be held Monday, January 26, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Highland South Stake Center, 9600 N. 6800 W., Highland, UT. Friends may visit with the family Sunday evening from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Holbrook Mortuary, 3251 S. 2300 E. Salt Lake City, and at the church Monday morning from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. prior to the service. Interment: Murray City Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to the family at: www.holbrookmortuary.com