Donald H. Mabey

Dad grew up with three brothers, Leo, Doug (his twin), Grant, and a younger sister Lavon, who passed away in her childhood. Life was difficult and Don learned early to do yard care and odd jobs around the neighborhood to earn money. Dad’s father would not allow the boys to be idle consequently dad learned to create and build almost anything. Dad built detailed cars from wood but built his own motorcycle by the time he was twelve. Dad also became very skilled at repairing and rebuilding cars and would often times be seen helping a neighbor or friend repairing their car.

While Don attended West High School he worked in the school’s printing department running the massive printing press. Dad enjoyed working with machines which ultimately led to his career as a mechanical engineer. After high school in 1941 dad started working for Christensen Diamonds Products. He worked in the machine shop doing tool and die work. In 1950 dad was made foreman of the Tool and Gage Department while taking night classes in engineering. In 1954 dad spent six weeks at the Diamond Research Laboratory in Johannesburg, South Africa, learning to cut, polish, and shape stones for shaping diamond tools. Upon his return he supervised the diamond tool department until 1957. Don’s entire career at Christensen included developing machines and diamond bits for drilling and grooving highways and airport runways. He traveled the world training employees and starting new locations for the company.

Along the journey dad met his sweetheart, Fay Thomas. While on leave from the Army they were married on July 8, 1943, later solemnized in the Salt Lake Temple on July 27, 1944. Dad was assigned to the Army Engineers stationed in Los Alamos, New Mexico and worked on the Manhattan Project which resulted in ending the war.

While mom and dad were dating mom told dad she wanted twelve children which did not deter dad from marrying his sweetheart. With three sons, Craig, Scott and Troy and three daughters, Janice, Lyn, and Gina, dad and mom settled in the East Millcreek area. In 1957 Dad accepted a short assignment to move his family to North Bay, Ontario, Canada where dad started the Canadian plant for Christensen. While in Canada their home became a stopping point for many young missionaries serving under the direction of Mission President Thomas S. Monson, who was also a frequent guest in their home. Dad was called to be the First Counselor in the North Bay Branch Presidency by President Monson. Dad held many callings in the church during his life. After returning from Canada Don continued his career at Christensen Diamond Products until his retirement in 1981.

There was nothing our father couldn’t do or figure out. While in his eighties he was helping grandchildren with their math and chemistry homework. Dad had an unquenchable thirst for knowledge and was always reading. Our family has lost an incredible father; he exemplified hard work, determination, trust, honesty, loyalty, and was a caring brother in his family. Dad taught us through example how to care for others as we witnessed first-hand his loving, untiring care for mom.

Dad is survived by his children Craig Mabey, Scott (Pat) Mabey, Janice (Alan) Fletcher, Marylyn (Darrell) Cheney, Gina (John) Bruening, and Troy (Shannon) Mabey, 21 grandchildren and 33 great-grandchildren. Dad was preceded in death by his sweetheart of 69 years, Fay Thomas, his parents Harry and Laurette Mabey, his three brothers Leo, Doug, Grant, his baby sister Lavon and a grandson John Briggs.

We would like to thank the staff at Canyon Creek Assisted Living, the staff at The Ridge at Cottonwood, and the staff at the William E. Christoffersen Veterans Home of Salt Lake City for their loving, respectful care of dad. A special thanks to his roommate, James Peterson who became his best buddy while at the VA.