Dr. David N. Later's Obituary
David Nelson Later, 70, returned home to his Heavenly Father on July 9, 2026. Our devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, doctor, and friend passed peacefully with loved ones by his side. His kindness and service touched everyone who knew him.
Dave was born on July 25, 1955, in Gettysburg, South Dakota to Wendell Cordon Later and Vera Mae Nelson Later. He grew up the fourth of six children. He loved each of his siblings and had many fond memories of their childhood together. His dad worked for the Bureau of Indian Affairs and as a result Dave had many interesting experiences living on Native American reservations in San Carlos, Arizona; and Owyhee, Nevada.
Dave attended Mountain Home High School in Mountain Home, Idaho where he enjoyed playing football, basketball, wrestling, and track. He was captain of the football team and lettered in both football and track, a reflection of his athletic ability and natural leadership.
Dave spent the summers working on his Grandpa Wesley Nelson’s dairy farm in Logan, Utah. He helped with moving sprinkler pipes and hay bales. He had a special relationship with his grandpa and loved him dearly. Grandpa Nelson lovingly referred to Dave as “Smiley.” Those summers on the farm instilled in him a strong work ethic that became one of his defining qualities, and one he passed on to his children.
Dave served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Belgium, France, and served honorably for 2 years. He loved his mission and how much it helped him to grow spiritually.
While attending BYU, Dave enjoyed working as an usher at the Marriott Center. A lifelong sports fan, he loved the opportunity to watch the basketball games while he worked. He also volunteered at a nursing home to prepare for med school. He learned to love the patients that he worked with and spoke often about how much he enjoyed caring for them.
During those college days, Dave met his sweetheart, Collette Regehr. They were married on October 21, 1978, and he lovingly referred to her as “wifey.” Together they raised 5 wonderful children, Steven, Sherri, Scott, Christie, and Darren, who were his pride and joy. He often told his wife that his children were his best friends.
Dave served faithfully in many church callings throughout his life, many of which were leadership positions. His favorite calling was working with the young men, helping with scouting and coaching the church basketball team. At heart, he was just a big kid, and the young men loved him for it.
Dave earned his Doctor of Optometry degree from Southern California College of Optometry. While in school he lived close to the beach in California. He became an avid boogie boarder and went often with his classmates. He loved taking his family to the beach where they all developed a love for the ocean.
Dave was a well-respected eye doctor in the community and built a successful practice in Sandy, Utah. He loved his patients, building lasting friendships with many of them. His attention to detail was unmatched, and he took pride in making sure every prescription was exact. As many of his patients would say, he stuck with them until he got it just right.
Dave had a deep love and passion for hunting that he instilled in his boys. Some of his most treasured memories were made hunting alongside his sons and older brother, sharing adventures that strengthened their bonds and created traditions they will carry with them for years to come.
Dave had a lifelong love for animals, especially horses. He had a habit of bringing home various animals. One day he arrived home with a horse named Sassy, much to his wife’s surprise (and dismay). He loved giving his children and grandchildren the opportunity to ride her and experience the same love for horses that he had.
Dave found his greatest happiness in the time he spent with his family. He loved being outdoors: camping, fishing, riding 4-wheelers, or hunting. One of his favorite things to do was watch his kids and grandkids in their many activities. He loved any opportunity to get the family together and was the first to jump in and have fun. He always looked forward to family vacations and the opportunity to be together making new memories.
As his family grew, Dave found great joy in being a grandfather. He was a proud and devoted supporter of his grandchildren and rarely missed a chance to cheer them on at their sporting events, performances, and activities. He especially loved listening to them play the piano and other musical instruments. Whether he was in the stands, in the audience, or celebrating with them afterward, he loved watching them grow and took great pride in each of their accomplishments.
Dave courageously battled Parkinson’s disease for 18 years. Throughout his journey, he faced each challenge with courage, resilience, and an unwavering spirit. He seldom complained and didn’t allow his diagnosis to define him or diminish his love for life. His family will always remember his perseverance, his ability to keep moving forward, and his determination to endure to the end.
In his later years, even as he was no longer able to participate in many of the activities he once enjoyed, Dave’s greatest joy came from watching his children and grandchildren make memories of their own. Seeing them laugh, play, and enjoy being together brought him immense happiness.
Those who knew Dave will remember him as a quiet, dependable man with a kind heart and a steady presence. He didn’t seek attention or need many words to show how much he cared. His love was demonstrated by his unwavering support and the time he devoted to his family. He lived by a simple phrase, “It will all work out.” Those words reflected his deep faith, positive outlook, and trust in the Lord’s plan. No matter the challenge, he faced life with hope over worry. His family will forever hear his voice reminding them, “It will all work out.”
Dave is survived by his “wifey,” Collette Later; his children, Steven (Kasey) Later, Sherri (Shayne) Perry, Scott Later, Christie (Bryan) Griffith, and Darren Later; his older brother, Richard (Carol) Later; three sisters, Karen (Mark) Stephens, Sandy (Galan) Mooso, and Janice (Monty—deceased) Wells; 10 grandchildren, Sarah, Grant, Katie, Daniel, Jaxon, Brielle, Ty, Brynlie, Millie, and Joshua; and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his father, Wendell Later; mother, Vera Later; brother, Robert Later; brother-in-law, Monty Wells; and two granddaughters, Gracie and McKayla Perry.
His family finds comfort in knowing that he is no longer limited by his earthly body and is running free and serving alongside his loved ones in heaven.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 9880 South 3100 East, Sandy, UT 84092.
Prior to the funeral service, a viewing will be held from 9:00–10:30 a.m.
Interment following the services will be held at Larkin Sunset Gardens.
The family wishes to thank the wonderful staff at Crescent Senior Living and Canyons Hospice for their loving concern for our entire family.
A Zoom link for services will be provided upon request.
In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Parkinson’s Foundation:
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