David Kay Braithwaite "I have a HERO, I call him DAD!" Heaven regained one of its mightiest soldiers, as our sweet father recently returned home. David Kay Braithwaite, AKA Poppers, age 73, passed away peacefully, after a life-long struggle with health problems, surrounded by his loving family in Orem, Utah, on Sunday, November 10, 2019. He was born to David and Fern (Briggs) Braithwaite on December 13, 1945. David was the oldest of four children including the late Judy Henrie, Eldon Braithwaite, and the late Gary Braithwaite. David graduated from BY High in 1964 in Provo, Utah. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in New Zealand and later served a Service Mission at the BYU Family History Center. David graduated from BYU, and then attended the University of Southern California (USC) where he received his Master's Degree in Physical Therapy. While attending BYU, David met the love of his life, Vicki Lynn Warner; they were married August 14, 1969, in the Salt Lake Temple. This year they celebrated their 50-year GOLDEN ANNIVERSARY. In his professional career, David specialized in pediatric physical therapy, where his main love and focus was working with special needs children. He was widely respected in his field. David owned his own practice for many years, where he changed the lives of many. In the later years of his career he worked for the Granite School District. He had such a love and compassion for children. In 1997 David's career ended early due to his own health challenges and disabilities. Anyone who knows our father knows he was the sweetest, kindest, most giving, gentle, accepting, loving person you will ever meet! Dad once said, "Probably the greatest blessing of my life was the birth of my wonderful children." Poppers loved his family fiercely and lived for them. His grandkids were his world. He had a beautiful spirit and honored his priesthood. He bore testimony of the truthfulness of the gospel often. He was a perfect example of long-suffering and enduring to the end, never complaining and always staying positive. Some of his simple pleasures in life included fishing, country music, Del Taco with family and friends, animals, family history, and a desire to travel the world, just to name a few. We pray that his homecoming was glorious and that he is celebrating with all of those whom we love that have gone before him. Know that we love you, Pops, and will miss you more than words can say. We are grateful for the gospel in our lives and the knowledge that we will see you again someday. Although our hearts ache deeply at the loss of our father, we pray that we can carry on his legacy and make him proud. David is survived by his beloved wife Vicki; daughter Bobi (Dean) Joyner; sons David (Bethany), Daryl (Amy), and Troy Braithwaite; daughter Jodi (Stephen) Selu; 18 grandkids; 1 great-grandson; and his brother Eldon. The family would like to express gratitude for the many friends, family, neighbors, and church members, as well as the medical professionals, that have helped him through the years and in his final moments. A heart-felt thank you to all. A viewing will be held for all who would like to pay their last respects on Sunday, November 24, 2019, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home (646 East 800 North, Orem, Utah). Funeral Services will be held in David's honor on Monday, November 25, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the Orem North Stake Center (1000 N. Main Street, Orem, Utah) with visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Interment will follow at the Orem City Cemetery (1520 North 800 East, Orem Utah).