David Weston "Wes" Thatcher Obituary (1934

David Weston Thatcher of Mona, Utah, passed away early Tuesday morning, September 5, 2023 with his wife, Patty, at his bedside. He was a resident of Beehive Homes in Santaquin for the past few months due to the effects of Parkinson’s. He was 89. Wes was born April 16, 1934 in Provo, Utah. He was the son of Lee Bond and Elma Janet (Powelson) Thatcher, the 6th of 7 children. He grew up in Provo and graduated from Provo High School, class of ‘52. He earned his Eagle Scout award and saved a drowning scout’s life, wrestled, was president of the Ski club, learned to work, had a dog named Pudge, and even won both the singles and doubles croquet city tournament. He served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to the Eastern States where he met and taught Patty about the restored gospel of Jesus Christ. He even got to spend the night in Liberty Jail. He married his lifelong companion, Patricia Matina Arvanitas on June 19, 1959 in the Salt Lake Temple; 64 inseparable years. He graduated from BYU in economics and earned an MBA from New York University. He served in the United States Army Active Reserves. His lifelong profession in retail management included Penny’s, Sears, restaurants, Good-will Industries, consulting, and other businesses culminated in his call to be the Director of Deseret Industries for the LDS Church. He was a wonderful manager. Everyone said so wherever they went. It wasn’t as easy managing eight children; more like herding cats. He felt that all his experiences and opportunities were to prepare him for this. On his first Sunday in the assisted living center, several months before he passed, the bishop extended his hand to greet a new member. “I don’t think I’ve met you.” Wes, slumped over in his wheelchair with limited strength, sat straight up, received his hand, and said, “I’m Wes Thatcher. I’m the director of Deseret Industries for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.” As his memory declined, he forgot many things like his children’s names and places he lived. He never forgot this. As his family grew, he created small farms in rural areas so it would be more difficult for his children to escape. They learned to work hard, love each other, how to weed a perfect row and get the most cream in a milking. They had each other to commiserate the load. His promotions resulted in many relocations, mainly on the east coast, including Winston, Salem and Mount Airey, North Carolina; Savannah, Rome, Stone Mountain and Watkinsville Georgia; and Sarasota, Florida. In every place he was a leader in the church and community, including serving in the Kiwanis Club, as a Bishop, High Counselor, in Stake Presidencies, asked to start several branches, and his favorite, teaching gospel doctrine. Wes was a lifetime learner. He would read encyclopedias and dictionaries for fun and his children wouldn’t dare ask a question if they wanted to go to bed at some point. He wanted to learn everything and he wanted his children to be excited to learn everything too. He taught himself to speed read and how to memorize using complicated mnemonic devices. When Wes and Patty were called on a senior mission to the Manti Temple for many years, he took great pride in memorizing the entire lengthy ceremony. Wes loved learning, being in charge, being in nature, and being a true and devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Most of all he needed Patty and she was devoted to him his entire life. Wes is survived by his wife Patty and eight children: Ruth Ellen (Rick) Tyson of Lehi, UT; Rebecca (Jeff) Lyon of Sandy, UT; Rachel (Dave dec.) Smartt of Peachtree City, GA; Sarah (Delane) Barrus of Alpine, UT; Esther (Ron) Kehl of Holladay, UT; Deborah (Spencer) Wagner of Sandy, UT; David Thatcher of Lehi, UT; and Elizabeth (Uaisele) Panisi of Cottonwood Heights, UT. He leaves 28 grandchildren: Zane Tyson (Hilda), Ananda Tyson, Jesse Tyson, Dyanna Lyon Henderson (Michael), Jaymes Lyon, John Lyon (Abigail), Raychel Lyon Stromberg (Jamison), Stephanie Smartt Madsen (Stephen), Sarah Smartt Smith (Neal), Megan Smartt Jolissaint (Josef), Michelle Smart Mendoza (Isai), Devin Barrus, Sienna Barrus, Quintin Kohler (Emily), Austin Kohler (Madisyn), Lindsey Leavitt (Taylor), Dallin Martin, Campbell Kehl, Matina Kehl, Canon Kehl, Alexandria Kehl, Gabrielle Wagner, Brooklyn Wagner, Hope Wagner, Stewart Wagner, Miles Wagner, Stella Panisi, and Louenna Panisi, and 20 great grandchildren. His younger sister, Mary Lee (Michael dec.) Morgan of Zanesville, OH also survives him. He is reunited with his parents, sister, Alta, brothers, George (Roberta), Bert (Donna), Max and Richard, and grandson, Ian Tyson who preceded him in death. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, September 9, 2023 at the Berg Drawing Room Chapel, 185 East Center Street, Provo, Utah. The family will receive friends from 9:30-10:50 a.m. prior to services. Burial at Provo City Cemetery, 610 S. State St. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.bergmortuary.com.