David Wayne Fulkerson

It is with heavy hearts that we announce David Wayne Fulkerson, age 71, passed away on May 21, 2024 at the University of Utah hospital. He was surrounded by his closest family members who are tremendously saddened by this loss. 

On April 23, 1953, Dave (Fish) Fulkerson was born to Wayne E. Fulkerson and Grace Clara Sgro in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Dave spent his early years exploring the woods behind his family home. If Dave was missing, the woods was where you could always find him. Dave was blessed with a natural musical inclination, unconventionally choosing the accordion as his first instrument. That transcended into various other quirky instruments including church organs, harmonica, and the mouth harp.

 Throughout his early life in Ft. Wayne Dave was an athlete, a talented music man, an advocate and a “long-haired hippy”. An avid athlete, Dave set track records, played basketball, and excelled especially in baseball as that rare wonder-the left-handed pitcher. He attended Elmhurst High School where he met William (Bill) Newhart who became a lifelong friend. Dave challenged authority (usually with Bill by his side) whenever he got a chance. He worked throughout his high school years for a janitorial business which he then purchased following graduation. Dave was also a member of the Izaak Walton League and fought passionately to preserve wetlands for future generations. 

Bill introduced Dave to his sister Patricia (Patti) Ann Newhart who became the love of his life. It just so happened that Patti, too, shared Dave’s love of quirky musical instruments. Many nights would find Dave plunking out some James Gang on Patti’s marimba. Dave and Patti were married on July 22, 1972. Soon after the wedding, they bought his grandparents’ house. Together in this home, they welcomed two beautiful daughters Amanda and Melissa.

Dave was his own man. A rugged individualist, he would not be told what to do and was beholden to no one. He always had an eye on the future, making sure to plan ahead and leave nothing to chance. When the oil boom hit, Dave moved the family to Rock Springs, Wyoming, eventually settling in Evanston. When the boom declined, Dave was able to draw from his early experiences and reopened D&P Janitorial Services. Dave and Patti built a beautiful home in the woods where they could raise their girls and, later, spend time with their six amazing grandchildren. 

 Later in life they purchased a vacation home in Mesquite, Nevada and spent many weekends poolside and at the casinos. They loved and lost over eight wonderful dogs who were included in all of their adventures. They were married for 43 years and were only separated when Patti was taken suddenly, and altogether too soon, on March 29, 2016. 

 Even though he lived an individualistic lifestyle, he never wavered in his commitment to his family. He was a strong source of stability to many people in his life. Dave wore a tough exterior but anyone who knew him well would tell you that he was a tender man with a heart full of passion for a variety of things: Morels sizzling in butter, night fishing, cheering on the Celtic’s, hunting for dinosaur bones, astronomy, a love for animals, knowledge of rock formations and cloud types, silly sound effects, Mesquite casinos, and Call of Duty Zombies. This small snapshot does not do justice to the interests and passions of the man that is now missed so dearly. 

Dave had a sense of wonder and deep love for nature. There wasn't a time that you would visit the house on Expedition that you wouldn't find at least one wild animal converted to domesticated pet in that mountain home. Later in his life, while he didn’t participate in activism, he made sure to pass on that love of nature to his children and grandchildren. Always doing his best to get them outdoors and into the beauty of the world. 

Dave left a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Those who knew him will know that he did not go down without a fight. “Don’t underestimate me. I’m a fighter.”, was one of his last pronouncements in that hospital room and, as expected and promised, he fought valiantly until the end. 

Now he can rest easy knowing that his Celtics did, indeed, win their 18th ‘chip and, most importantly, knowing that he was the man, father and grandfather he always aspired to be. He was surrounded by love and song and the memory of the mountains when he passed. He took back something worth remembering. 

We hope that you will join us in honoring such a wonderful man on August 10, 2024 at 1 pm. We warmly invite all acquaintances, friends and family members out to his property to take part in Remembering Dave. If you are in need of directions, reach out to Amanda at 307-679-4961. If you are unable to attend, take the day and go fishing.