De Wayne Davies' Obituary
De Wayne Davies passed away on Monday Sept 21st at the age of 69. Born in 1946 in Salt Lake City UT to Wayne Oliver Davies and Doris Strong Davies, he graduated from East High School in 1965 and served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Belfast, Ireland and on the Isle of Man. Afterwards, he attended the University of Utah and married Georgia Law in 1969. Together they had one son, Tyrone Davies, and De began a career in hotel management and worked at the historic Hotel Utah. De and Georgia later divorced and he moved to Washington DC, where he continued his career in the hotel industry and lived with his partner Mark Moreno. Throughout De’s life, he devoted his spare time to helping raise awareness about the AIDS epidemic via a number of charitable organizations. De’s partner Mark died of AIDS in 1992.
De was a loving father and grandfather and throughout his life, he managed hotels in Salt Lake City, Washington DC and San Francisco where he retired. After retiring, De moved back to Salt Lake City where he volunteered his time as an HIV health counselor. He is survived by his son, Tyrone, Tyrone’s wife Marisa, and three grandchildren. He is also survived by his sister Colleen Payne, her husband Weldon Payne, and their four children.
A small memorial service will take place on Wednesday September 30th at 7 pm in the first floor social room at the Brigham Apartments in downtown Salt Lake City (201 S Temple, Salt Lake City, UT 84111). All are welcome to attend. For those who cannot find street parking, there may be some special spaces available. Contact Tyrone Davies at 801-596-3890 for parking details or any questions about door access. There will also be a grave dedication the next morning. For further details please contact Tyrone Davies at 801-596-3890. Any who wish to, may send flowers to 1968 East 2100 South Salt Lake City 84106.
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