David Ray Rasmussen

David Ray Rasmussen, age 91 of Vernal, passed away peacefully in Roosevelt, Utah on February 20, 2026.

David was born in Vernal, Utah on August 25th, 1934, to Willard H Rasmussen and Nora Ann Long Rasmussen. He lived in Ashley Ward and the Bonanza Gilsonite mines while his Father worked there.

David attended school at Central Elementary, Vernal Jr. High, Uintah High School and the University of Utah, where he played football for 4 years, and majored in physical education and minored in geology.

David worked on the family farm and for other farmers in the area from a young age. While attending college, he worked for Bus Hatch River Expeditions and on drilling rigs in the summer months. He was in the Army after college and was honorably discharged in 1963. He was a PE coach in Tulare, California and at Vernal Jr. high. He worked for the Ashley Valley Water Users and was the manager of the Uintah Water Conservancy District for many years. He was a consultant to the district after he retired and had an office there to the present day. He was on the Central Utah Project Board of directors and a Board member of the Colorado River Water User's Association. He owned and operated many farms and ranches over the years where he grew alfalfa and corn, raised cattle, horses and sheep. He was an avid hunter and guided many people on hunts for bear, mountain lion, deer and elk. He also loved to fish in any place where there were fish to be caught. He played the guitar, ukulele, banjo, harmonica, accordion and piano very well but was self-taught to play by ear.

David is survived by his children Darin Rasmussen, Rhett (JoLynn) Rasmussen, Shane (Teri) Rasmussen, Godson David Gurr, Kai Rasmussen, Pua (Connor) Thorlaksen; Grandchildren Amber Rasmussen, Jake Rasmussen, Jade Rasmussen, Emma (JD) Caron, Beau (Dezzi) Rasmussen, Nels (Hailey) Rasmussen, Izabella Rasmussen, EmmyRae Bethers, Riggz Bethers, Dayton, Marley, Blaze, Evelyn; Great Grandchildren Cash Curtice, Ella Curtice, Nora Curtice, Winston Caron, Annie Caron, Liselle Rasmussen; Sister in-law Donna Rasmussen, Ex-Wife Lynn Spaulding.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Keisha, Brother Bill Rasmussen, Ex-Wife Twilla Alford and best friends Larry Gurr and Joe Murray.

A celebration of life for David will be held Saturday, March 7th at 2:00pm at the Uintah Conference Center Paradise Room (313 East 200 South) with Military Honors by the American Legion Post 11. Services under the direction of the Phillips Ashley Valley Funeral Home.