David Strong

A grateful son of Roy Asa Strong and Helen Penrod Strong, Dave was the proud father of Lisa Strong Pulley, Derek Thomas Strong, Michele Strong Jones, DeAnn Strong Zaborowski, and Justin Michael Strong. He adored all eight of his grandchildren and his two great-grandchildren.

Dave graduated from Springville High School in 1959, earned his degree from BYU in 1965, and completed graduate studies at Stanford University in 1967. While he liked to joke that he “attempted education,” he never stopped learning.

He was the former husband of two remarkable women, Karen H. McKinnon, mother of all five of his children, and Ann Wightman. In his later years, he found deep joy with his beloved “Berkeley girl,” Verna D. Kureghian.

He had regrets–but, as he liked to say, “too few to mention.” One exception: not trying coffee until age 72. He made up for it.

He selfishly lived out his final years with Verna at his 5-1/2 acre so called “farm” surrounded by exceptional neighbors; raised some sheep, goats, and cats, and several species of birds. And planted some 250 trees. But most of all, he basked in visits from his family.

He often reflected on something his father, Roy, told a searching granddaughter:

Heaven’s entrance exam is simple–“How did you treat all that you met on life’s path?”

Dave tried to live his life by that standard.

Per Dave’s wishes, a private ceremony was held in his honor. The family kindly asks that friends honor his memory in their own way and understand that there will not be a public service.