Dr. David Smith Taylor

Dr. David Smith Taylor, age 93, passed away peacefully on Wednesday July 14, 2021 due to causes related to age. The youngest child of Albert LeRoy Taylor and Rachel Smith Taylor, David was born on December 14, 1927 in Salt Lake City. He lived on University Street his entire childhood and spent his youth exploring the foothills near the U of U. After graduating from East High School, David faithfully served an LDS mission to the Hawaiian Islands. He remained in contact with friends from the islands for many years.

David attended the University of Utah and during that period he met the love of his life, Lila Fay Cannaday at a church dance. When describing the first time they met he said, “All heaven broke loose.” They were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on September 7, 1951. Upon graduating from the U with a degree in Zoology, David and Lila embarked on a life adventure that would take them to St. Louis where he attended the Washington University School of Dentistry. He completed his studies, graduating as a Doctor of Dental Surgery.

He established a dental practice in Murray, Utah where he was also active in Murray Rotary and the Murray City Chamber of Commerce. In 1965, under his direction, a dental clinic was established at the new University of Utah Hospital. What began as a 2-chair dental clinic is now a fully accredited dental school enrolling 50 students per year.

A devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, he served as bishop of the Murray 14th Ward. He faithfully served in many Church callings throughout his life and as a tour guide on Temple Square for 18 years.

David enjoyed playing tennis, golf and hiking, but mostly spending time at the family cabin in Millcreek Canyon. He initiated annual hikes to Gobbler’s Knob and loved to visit Utah’s State and National Parks. David and Lila enjoyed worldwide travel and loved the theatre and symphony.

David joined the Sigma Chi fraternity while at the University of Utah. A cadre of LDS Sigma Chi brothers formed a study group called the “Latter-Day Sigs”. Together they developed life-long relationships enjoying successes and succoring each other during trials and hardship.

David is survived by his wife Lila Fay Cannaday Taylor and 6 children: Jeanette Throndsen (Paul), David Smith Taylor Jr (Paula), Ann Bowen (Mark) Carolyn Christensen (Spencer), Laura Alvarez (Diego), Ronald Taylor (Alex), a daughter-in-law Traci Koplin (Shawn), and a sister Marjorie Sharp (Howard – deceased). David and Lila have 30 grandchildren and 51 great grandchildren

Preceded in death by his son Kent LeRoy Taylor and grandson Austin Taylor.

A public viewing will be held Monday, July 26, 2021 from 6 - 8 p.m. at the Holladay North Stake Center building on 4409 South Albright Drive, Holladay, Utah. A graveside service will be held Tuesday, July 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. Funeral services are provided by Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, Murray, Utah.