David A Lusty DDS

Our dear ole’ Dad, Gpa, Gramps, passed away January 30, 2026. Dad would have celebrated his 96th birthday in April. We miss him dearly. He remained positive during the later years of his life. Something we will be able to cherish are his never-ending phrases and sayings. A few of his favorites, “What does it all mean? It’s five o’clock somewhere; things are starting to make sense, time for another drink! Life is great if you don’t weaken; and lastly, everyone is great when they're dead!” He was a man that observed the trees while appreciating the forest. There were few things he failed to see in life. Dad was born and raised in Salt Lake City. Growing up in the Avenues, he’d commonly recite the joke “when I’m on O street, I have to walk a block to pee!”. He attended Wasatch Elementary, Irving Junior High, East High, and graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Science in Zoology. He was a member of Kappa Sigma Fraternity where he met and married our Mom, Barbara Bennion. They were married in 1951. He served the U.S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict as Staff Sargent and was honorably discharged to attend dental school in Missouri at Washington University in St. Louis. He described his service as “flying an LSD, large steel desk” He took pride that “no enemies got past Victorville, CA”. He “practiced” dentistry for 48 years in Sugarhouse, retiring at the age of 76. He enjoyed treating his patients, many were multiple-generation families. His famous phrase to patients, “You have a really hard bite!” He was proud to have been one of few dentists in the late 1950’s in Salt Lake City to provide dental care to the black community. Dad enjoyed flying and obtained his private pilots license. Whenever there was a private plane crash, he would say “I wonder what the doctor’s name was?” He found the hobby limiting and wanted an activity in which all the family could participate. Driving down State Street in 1971, we passed a sailboat store. Dad purchased our first boat that day. He had no knowledge of sailing except the principle being the same as flying. From that day forward we became a family of sailors. Mom and Dad enjoyed cruising for 10 years in LaConner, Washington sailing the Puget Sound and Canada. They spent over 40 years racing and sailing at Bear Lake and had many summers of fun with our Bear Lake family. They enjoyed several cruise ship excursions and the trip of a lifetime to Italy. Dad was a consummate teacher. He was raised during a different time. His teachings, sometimes cold but direct. We lovingly referred to him as Pete and re-Pete as he didn’t let lessons go easily. He loved his family with all he had. He wanted to prepare his loved ones for a vast ocean that doesn't forgive but to never forget, “don't sweat the small stuff and don't pet the sweaty stuff. It'll be okay.” He is predeceased by his wife of 66 years, Barbara Bennion Lusty; she passed away in 2017. Parents, Irene Watts Stewart and William Sylvester Lusty, siblings Betty Jean Bennion (Ned) & twin brother Donald Edward Lusty, and sons D. Brett Lusty (Nancy) and Bart Bennion Lusty. He leaves behind his surviving family, daughters DeeAnne Schoenfeld (John) and Elizabeth Taft (Greg), daughter in law Nancy Johnson (Brett), grandchildren, Camille Lusty, Brayden Taft, Amber Schoenfeld, Brooke (Eli) Finlinson & Tyler Kimball. Great grands, Kaylee Scheidler and McKinley Richins and one on the way. Several nieces and nephews. Dad spent his final years living at The Ridge, Cottonwood, so many wonderful friends were made. We are grateful for their assistance and care for our Dad. Special thanks go to everyone at Canyons Home Health & Hospice team, especially Ruth, Rachel, Kimmie and all the Care Partners and Med Techs we grew to know and enjoy. Thank you for your unwavering care, so much appreciated. There will be a Celebration of Life on his 96th birthday, April 4, 2026 in West Jordan, at Viridian Event Center 8030 S. 1825 W. from 5:00 pm-7:00 pm (Military Honors at 5:30 PM). His remains will be scattered this summer in Bear Lake and later in LaConner, WA. “Life’s toughest storms prove the strength of our anchors.” Unknown

David A Lusty DDS

April 4, 1930 - January 30, 2026