David was one of the last "Renaissance Men". The Lord gave him many talents which includes the God-given voice, a high intelligence, PhD Associate Professor at several colleges, consultant for energy issues, entrepreneur, published many articles, property management, realtor, evangelist, pilot builder, remodeler, long-range shooter, hunter and cowboy (he and his son, Wes, rode in the 100th Anniversary Pony Express).
He was born on May 8, 1941 to Jean and Lillian Braithwaite and passed away on April 21, 2024- after a valiant 10 month fight with esophageal cancer. His sister, Sheila, was born a few year later. However, this marriage did not last and were divorced later on. Lillian then met Jim Vigos (who was not a nice man) and were married.
Lillian was known for her beautiful alto voice and had a chance to go to Hollywood. She declined as she decided to be a wife and mother. Her singing voice was also passed to Sheila and David, as both sang as a team in the early years in many LDS wards. After a few years, David told his mother that he wanted to quit this endeavor and did so.
David was a child prodigy studying under the tutelage of the well-known Clara McMaster. He sang with the Utah Opera Theater in several of their Puccini operas. When David was 11, he had the lead in Amahl and the Night Visitors. As the years went by, he continued singing in several venues. David was 15 when he sang on the television show "Talent Quest" and won first place.
He went to local schools and then Highland High and continued to sing in many productions, he was especially noted for singing "O Holy Night". He was in the first graduating class of Highland in 1969. David then went to the University of Utah where he graduated with all of his degrees. He was Summa Cum Laude, a member of Phi Beta Kappa- with a 3.97 GPA in Graduate School. He and his friends started a trio where he continued to sing. Later on in life he would teach at University of Utah in Salt Lake City, City College in Seattle, Westminster College in Salt Lake City and Golden State University in San Francisco.
David married Anita Allien in 1962. This marriage produced two sons, Westin and Brandon. He and Anita later divorced and she moved to California with the boys. David flew his plane many times to visit the boys. Then tragedy. His beloved son, Brandon, at 14 was killed in a pedestrian sidewalk by a 16 year old girl. David then went to California and brought Brandon back to Salt Lake City. He then planned the funeral for his beloved son and sang "I'll Walk with God". The death of Brandon left a hole in his heart until David's death.
On February 2, 2002, he married his beloved wife, Ursula Diemer, who was a flight attendant. They were then able to travel and enjoy life. They remained married until his death.
He is survived by his wife, Ursula and son. Wes; brother Randy and Sunny Vigos, his sister, Sheila; brother, Kent (deceased, who destroyed all of his cassettes with David's voice on them. Therefore there are no records of David's voice); Braithwaite brothers and sisters and spouses, Mary Jean Workman, Vickey and Wayne Sevy, Owen & Janell Braithwaite, Diane & Dale Cox, Alan & CeCe Braithwaite, Lynette & Michael Graham, Eileen Howe, Robert and Penny Braithwaite; Ursula's brothers Mike and Marianne Nabrotzky, Ronald and Sheryl Nabrotzky. In addition many dear nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held May 2, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 Highland Drive, Millcreek, UT (801) 466-8687.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.6