David Bybee

David Clark Bybee was born to Minnie Elizabeth Clark and David Byram Bybee in Idaho Falls, Idaho, on October 2, 1921. Five older sisters greeted him at home and a younger brother soon followed. His young years were filled with summer week-end fishing trips and winters were spent trying to learn the art of skiing with make-shift wooden skis and a strap across the toe. Later on came the tough times working odd jobs helping his parents through the long depression. David graduated from the Vocational School in Weiser, Idaho, learning trades of all kinds. Returning home and not finding work as a carpenter's helper he became a mechanic at the municipal airport for A.A. Bennett Flying Service, along his wife, Hattie. October 8, 1942, he and his fiancee, Ruth Jannette Fitch, were married in the Methodist Church in Idaho Falls. They set up housekeeping in the log home across from the hangar. David eventually passed the Engine and Aircraft exam for his license. They later moved to Pocatello where A.A. Bennett had a government contract with the U.S. Navy teaching cadets how to fly during World War II. In 1944 when the contract was completed, and being in the Navy Reserve, David served the next two years of active service at Banana River Naval Air Station located between Cocoa Beach and Melbourne, Florida. Returning to Idaho he went to work as a brake and front-end mechanic for Sheehans, Ellsworth Bros. and later Firestone Tire and Rubber Co. in Idaho Falls and Salt Lake City, Utah, where he also learned the game of golf. David's passion was skiing and was an instructor for the I.F. Ski School at Pine Basin. He received his Associate Certification at Kelly Canyon and taught also at Grand Targhee. His Intermountain Professional Ski Instructors pin was earned at Park City, Utah, and he skied his last run at age 89 on a Sun Valley slope. Grand Targhee held the PSIA Spring Clinic in April of 2012 and David was awarded Americas 50 Year Certified Member Pin. David retired from Firestone in 1980, and spent the next 10 winters teaching in Park City, Utah. The next 20 winters were spent in Lake Worth, Florida, to placate his wife. He was a faithful husband, father and member of Trinity Methodist Church where he sang in the choir. He was always there for his many nieces and nephews and valued his buddies in the Mens Senior Golf Association. David is survived by his loving wife of 74 years, Ruth Bybee; Daughter, Linda Rae (Tom) McMillan of Little Rock, AR; Granddaughter, Rev. Judith (Scot) Christensen of Troy, MI; Granddaughter, Carla (Matt) Mangone of Oak Hill, VA; Three great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his parents, five sister and one brother. The family wishes to thank Aspen Home Health and Hospice and The Gables of Ammon. In lieu of flowers the family suggests to find a family in need in Idaho Falls, Idaho, or to donate to the Trinity Methodist Church for the same purpose. Services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, 2017, at Trinity United Methodist Church, 273 N. Water Avenue, with a reception to follow. Private burial services will be held.

Funeral Services will be held