David M Pola

On February 2, 2021, David Michael Pola, age 49, passed away at home surrounded by loved ones, due to complications from a COVID-19 related stroke. David was born on October 28, 1971 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Mary Elizabeth Pettit. David was born with substantial medical, physical, and intellectual challenges. He required vigilant and constant care which his mother lovingly provided. With David’s strong will and incredible resiliency, David surpassed all expectations, learning how to walk and talk, defying the odds stacked against him. Eventually, it became clear that a move to the Developmental Center in American Fork, Utah was needed; he remained at the Development Center for several years. During his teenage years, David was moved from the Developmental Center. He became a client of RISE, Inc. and had the opportunity to live in a family setting under the care of trained and licensed “Professional Parents”. David was first introduced to the Barbra and Bret Mackay family in 2001 when he began receiving respite care in their home. In 2003, the Mackay family was blessed to welcome David into their home and embraced him as a deeply loved member of the family. In 2018, fifteen years later, Bret’s employment required the Mackay family to move to Texas. Barbra and Bret received permission for David to move with them under the condition that David’s medical care could continue without interruption. During this interim, David continued receiving Professional Parent care under the direction of RISE. While efforts were still underway to safely move to Texas, David was given the opportunity to move into the home of his longtime friend and Direct Support Professional, Kareena (“Weena”) and her husband, Ioane Elisaia where David was cared for and loved for what would unexpectantly be the last year of his life. What David might have lacked in physical and intellectual mastery, he more than made up for in a variety of unique and unexpected ways. He had a wonderful sense of humor! A born jokester, David loved to tease his family and friends, frequently addressing others as “Hot dog” or “Turkey”. His taunts were always accompanied with his awesome and infectious laugh. He loved music. Whether as the audience of the artist or making music himself, a tune was ever present when David was present. The sources of his music inspiration were legion. On any given day, David could be heard singing along to a tune from the radio, belting a number from a favorite movie, lending his voice to the church congregation, or simply liberating the household from a protracted silence, he was always quick to share his passion with all. If the aptitude of an entertainer is measured by their ability to produce smiles on the faces of others, then David unequivocally can be counted among the greatest that has ever lived. As if he were living in a musical, he often spontaneously broke into dance, with or without music, and regardless of where he was. He was a loyal cheerleader, especially for his siblings. David’s affirming yell of “GOOD JOB!” was a staple at school concerts, sporting events, marching band competitions, graduations, and enlivening the reverence that followed the delivery of a prayer or a talk in church. Perhaps David’s most extraordinary attribute, however, was his embodiment of the Pure Spirit of Christ. He loved EVERYONE unconditionally, without judgement, expectation, or reciprocation. David’s love pervaded every environment or situation without discrimination. He was gifted with the ability to sense when someone near him was upset, sad, or distressed. Upon perceiving another’s pain- emotional or physical- David would quickly move to alleviate their pain with a sustained hug, a gentle scratch of the back, a clasping of their hands, or a pat on their heads. His acts of kindness were always accompanied with his fabulous smile and a strong, “I wub you!” David took upon himself the mantle of “Peacemaker” and would frequently diffuse a heated situation with a petition to ‘Calm down” or “Don’t be mad! Be Happy”. If needed, he would step between the people involved. He would then proceed to heal the hurt using his signature combination of killer hugs and flurries of his unique (and slobbery) chin kisses. This would inevitably allow tensions to subside, acting as a catalyst for reconciliation. He embodied joy and a pure love for everyone and for life. David lived a life of great significance, positively impacting the lives of countless people. He has left behind a legacy of Love, Laughter, Altruism, and Hope that will continue to enrich the lives of his many family members and friends. David has left behind a large and unique family. Although his family is not all related by blood, all are bound to him by love. Survivors include David’s parents, “Mom” Mary Elizabeth and “Dad” Errol Lester Pettit, his most favorite sister “Cowie” (Callie Von) her son, “Joshie” (Joshua Worsham), brothers Shawn Sego, Jason Pettit, Richard Pettit, Roger Pettit, and Rodney Pettit. The Mackay Family including “Mom” Barbra and “Daddy” Bret Mackay, his adopted siblings: Joshua “Joshie” (Kelsi) Mackay, Camille “Na-nell” (Brandon) Clifford, Etta Stevens, Janelle “Na-nell or Nell” (Kris) Koerper, Jacob “Jakie” or just “Jacob” Mackay, Benjamin “Bennie” Mackay, his nephews Carter and Theo Clifford, Liam Mackay, and Jens and Gunner Koerper, and his niece Kamryn Mackay, grandparents K Hart and Janice Bullock, and Gayle Mackay, as well as the many aunts, uncles and cousins in the Mackay/Bullock extended family who counted David as family. David’s “other parents”; Kareena “Weena” or “Mom” and Ioane “Dad” Elisaia and their children Kari Beardall (Charlie), Kevin (Brittany) Beardall, Tiffany (Austin) Thornton, and Latasha (Stanley) Lepisi. David was preceded in death by Grandparents Harvey & Ouita Summarell, Grandparents Errol & Irene Pettit, and Grandfather Boyd Mackay. Funeral services for David will take place at 1:00 pm Friday, February 12, 2021, at the American Fork Hillcrest 6th Ward LDS Chapel located at 1120 N. 150 W. A viewing will be held prior to his memorial services from 10:30 – 12:30. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, all attendees are asked to wear a mask and adhere to social distancing guidelines. Live Streaming of David’s funeral services can be found at www.springerturner.com under David’s obituary. Graveside services will be held on Saturday, February 13th at 12:00 noon in the Aurora City Cemetery, 300 N. 200 W., Aurora, Utah, under the care of Springer Turner Funeral Homes of Richfield and Salina. The family of Mary Elizabeth and Errol Lester Pettit wish to express their eternal gratitude to the Mackay and Elisaia families for their sincere love and care for David and welcoming him into your homes as a treasured family member for many years. Undoubtedly, your love and care extended David’s life far beyond that which was predicted by medical professionals. You all brought him so much joy and love and your inclusion into your families was David’s greatest gift and our answered prayers. David’s entire family wishes to express their sincere gratitude and deep appreciation for the 30 plus years of service and advocacy RISE, Inc. provided for David.