David "Dave" Jeffery McMahon

David “Dave” Jeffery McMahon was called by our good, good Father back to his heavenly home at 39 years young. An adoring father, a beloved son and brother, a faithful friend, a guardian of those in pain and need, Dave’s beautiful and generous heart was too big for this world, literally. He passed suddenly and unexpectedly of a cardiac event on April 12, 2023.

Dave’s radiant smile is branded on the hearts of anyone who was blessed to know him. Oh, the way he made us laugh! No matter what life threw at him, from being the middle child to going through some of the toughest challenges of this broken world in the last three years, he was always prepared with the wittiest remarks to the most mundane of topics. Bringing people joy was his superpower.

Our awesome God also gave Dave a profoundly compassionate heart for those in need. He was a friend to the homeless, a comforter to the broken-hearted, and a selfless servant to others, always. He believed in loving everyone. And he loved unconditionally.

Most of all, Dave loved his three beautiful children, Jeffery Michael (10), Thomas Steven (9), and Abigail Louise (6), more than anything in this world. He lived every breath for them. Dave experienced no greater joy than the precious, too little time he was given with them - encouraging them, coaching their sports, and celebrating daily life. They loved watching movies together, going to Alpine Church, playing hockey and lacrosse, going mountain biking, camping, and visiting Great-Grandma Roberta and James “Pops” McMahon in Mesquite, NV whenever they could. Dave believed in playing and presence before dishes or discipline. “Dad” was his most prized title.

“Uncle” chronologically came first for Dave, though, and he dove in headfirst with low-budget tattoos (seriously, they are awful) of his first two nephews’ initials on his inner bicep. He soon realized the grand gesture might take up too much real estate down the road and cut his losses. Regardless, he loved all seven of his nieces and nephews dearly: David Boston McMahon (16), Michael Hudson McMahon (14), Lauren Elle McMahon (7), Maxwell Shae McMahon (5), Dominic Christopher Turpin (14), Josellyne Grace Turpin (11), Jaedyn Shimizu (4).

To his parents, Mike and Terry McMahon, brother, Michael McMahon (Shannon McMahon), and sister, Kristy Shimizu (Justin Shimizu), Davey Baby was the favorite child. His dimples were the cutest, his comedic prowess was unmatched, and he was always keeping the peace. Despite the many childhood concussions (many of which were suffered at the brotherly hands of Michael, like when Dave was knocked out of a tree with a baseball), he never forgot a birthday, special occasion, or line from any comedy film from the past nearly four decades. He kept us all rolling via text, meme, or phone call no matter the physical distance. Davey Baby was his siblings’ number one fan and biggest supporter throughout his life. He was the protector and best friend of his sister, and the best friend and confidant of his brother. Now that Dave has taken on his official role as Guardian Angel, those things will never change.

Some things did change. Dave married Stephanie Wilson in 2010 and loved her with everything he had. Much to his deepest pain and sorrow, they separated in 2019 after years of conflict. Those closest to him watched with great sadness and deep, loving compassion as he battled and finally conquered alcoholism over the last few years. He passed away peacefully and prayerfully sober, and well on his way to a much brighter future for himself and his children, remaining hope-filled in his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Dave leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and not-from-this-world kindness. He was made for heaven, and his Maker had numbered his days according to His purpose. We invite you to celebrate Dave’s beautiful, much-too-short life with us.

Funeral Service and Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 22, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the  Holy Family Catholic Church, 1100 E. 5550 S., Ogden, Utah.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to his children's trust by contacting Mike and Terry McMahon.

Please leave your favorite memories of Dave here, or we would love to hear them shared during the Celebration of Life on Saturday. 

Services entrusted to Lindquist’s Layton Mortuary, 1867 No. Fairfield Rd., Layton, Utah.