David W Means' Obituary
David W. Means
1955 - 2025
David W Means “Dave”, left this earthly life peacefully, passing away the morning of Friday, May 2, 2025. The days leading up to Dave’s passing and his final moments were brightened by family and friends who gathered by his side, sharing their love for him, reminiscing on memories made with Dave over the years, while making a few more memories with him. As a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, uncle, and friend, Dave will be missed by many, until we meet again.
Dave was born on November 25th 1955, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to William F Means and Colleen E Farrer. The oldest of seven children, he was a big brother that always looked after his siblings and led by example.
As a Skyline Eagles graduate (Class of 1974) he once shared “there are work days that I would trade to be back at Skyline.” As noted in a commemorative yearbook, sharing what he learned over the years, he said “only set goals (or wish) for things you really want – some of them happen!”
A faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served a Church mission in Taiwan, Republic of China. This kindled a love for sharing the gospel with others that continued throughout his life, and helped develop his linguistic skills including a fluency or proficiency in four languages.
Dave graduated from the University of Utah (The U) with a Master of Science in Engineering (Systems / Industrial), and a Minor in Mandarin Chinese (1977 - 1983).
Dave was interested in subjects beyond engineering since he met the love of his life, Brigitte, at The U. In 1979 Dave and Brigitte married and were sealed together for time and eternity in the Salt Lake City, Utah Temple. In 1980, they welcomed their first son, Christopher (Chris), and later a second son, Jonathan (Jonny), born in 1986.
Throughout his 28-year career with the US Government within the Department of Defense (DoD), Dave pursued opportunities outside of Utah, where his skills could better serve his Country and its Allies. This not only provided growth opportunities for his career, it taught his family valuable lifelong skills. They quickly learned that “home” can be anywhere, including new States and Countries, and it can be fun to be a new kid in school, to make new friends, and to have new neighbors. Or as Dave would say, it can be fun to shake things up a bit!
A gifted speaker, known for his ability to carry out long conversations, his “work” was really the only thing he could never talk about. Honorably and with the utmost respect, he refrained from ever discussing any work related matters.
With a love for action (spy) movies, especially James Bond, 007, close family and friends often referred to Dave as the “International Man Of Mystery”.
It’s no wonder Dave is loved by so many wonderful people, from sharing his love for the gospel, to making new friends and meeting new neighbors. He called many places home between Utah, California, Taiwan, France, Belgium, and The Netherlands. Known not only for his kindness and willingness to give the shirt off his back, he’s also known for his contagious smile, laugh, and playful sense of humor.
Perhaps a dog whisperer of sorts, Dave always had a love for his four-legged friends. He was kind and gentle, and always had a treat to share. As the family grew, particularly his extended family, he encouraged “hound dog exchanges”, or pet friendly family gatherings where he would affectionately spoil the many pups in the family.
Dave is survived by his spouse, Brigitte, their sons, Chris (Laura) Means and Jonny (Jessica) Means, and seven grandchildren (Justin, Allison, Anna, Abigail, Mason, Finley and Parker Means), as well as his mother, Colleen Means, and his siblings; Linda Sansom (Greg), Mary Ferguson (John), Billy Means (Connie), Susan Olson (Keith), Julie Wardle (Brook), and Deborah Nord (Darren). Preceded in death by his father William F. Means.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:45 am, Saturday, May 10, 2025 at the Fruit Heights Church Meetinghouse, 901 S Mountain Rd, Fruit Heights, UT 84037, where a viewing will be held 90-minutes before services.
What’s your fondest memory of David?
What’s a lesson you learned from David?
Share a story where David's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with David you’ll never forget.
How did David make you smile?