There's peace now that you are done. Head for the skies as you sail away, to a land where we once lived, waiting there for us to follow.
Brian Douglas Mercer, lover of M*A*S*H, maker of many a spreadsheet, devotee of the Moody Blues, organizer of backyard volleyball, “Utah man”, philosopher of nuclear physics, Dr Pepper aficionado, and ski junkie passed away peacefully on June 21, 2024 at the age of 67 in his home in Kaysville, Utah. He was born October 28, 1956 in Bountiful, Utah, the youngest of 7 children to Kay Lloyd Mercer and Elva Vivian Schulthies. When he was 16 his mother, Elva, died from complications after open heart surgery. Several years later Kay remarried Kathryn “Fern” Jeppson. After graduating from Viewmont High and living at the lake in Mantua, he served in the Johannesburg, South Africa Portuguese-speaking mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints where he met his future wife Maria da Conceição (São) de Figueiredo. They were married in 1983 and sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake temple in 1984. They both attended the University of Utah where he graduated in Mechanical Engineering with an interest in Nuclear Engineering. He was proud to have a diverse career, working in the aerospace, automotive, and biomedical fields at companies such as Flexpoint, Groen Brothers Aviation, Hyclone, and most recently BAE.
Brian worked hard, cared for his family, and served those around him—he was a devoted youth Sunday School teacher. But he also loved to play. His favorite times were sitting by the lake after a day of hard work and skiing, the sun setting, the sky turning red, talking to family and friends while sweetly sipping his Dr Pepper. To be in his orbit was to experience effervescent energy and vitality. His favorite rock bands are (in order, based on his most recently revised spreadsheet): The Moody Blues, Kansas, and Led Zeppelin. Stairway to Heaven is his favorite song. He filled the world with his revolving joy and good-natured laugh. He loved watching and rewatching his favorite TV shows and movies, always comedies. M*A*S*H, The Goldbergs, and most recently, Frasier, were constantly on our TV. Watching Back to the Future III, Galaxy Quest, and Groundhog Day are required annual family traditions. He was so excited to show us a scene or joke that he had watched earlier that day or week, laughing just as hard as he had the first time, sharing with us the awe of everyday amusem*nt.
Nothing can define Brian Mercer, but he will always be remembered for his waterskiing. For more than 60 years he spent as much time as he could at the lake. His haven was at Call’s Fort waterski lake with his 4th child, the bright red jump that can be seen from I-15. In the 1970s he helped build the jump at Mantua. In 2003 he moved it to Calls Fort. He fixed up, fought with, and loved that jump because it allowed him to fly. It was always a spectacle and a privilege to see him fly over 100 feet through the air, pumping his fist afterwards and yelping in glee. When not jumping himself, he was cajoling and coaching anyone within earshot, insisting that they wouldn’t get hurt if they too went over the 5 foot ramp. He believed in everyone and wanted others to feel the same exhilaration and lift that he felt. He is the reigning 2023 Mens 7 Jump National Champion. He went out as a champion, never to be defeated.
He is survived by his wife, São; children, Tony (Cara Ko), Nicole (Adam Lindsay), and Kira (Gabriel Pincovai); as well as 2 grandchildren, James and Samson Lindsay, and another due next month; São’s parents Americo and Luciana Figueiredo; and his siblings, Roger Bennett, Lynne and Patsy Mercer, Barry Godwin, Terry Mercer, Gerald “Jerry” and Vicki Shupe.
Funeral services will be held at 1 PM, Saturday, June 29, 2024 at the LDS chapel at 1282 W 1875 N, Farmington, Utah (and at the zoom link below). Viewings will be held Friday evening from 6:00 - 7:30 PM (please come dressed in shorts and a waterski or University of Utah T-shirt) and Saturday morning from 11:30 - 12:30 PM (please come in church dress with University of Utah apparel or wearing red) at the same chapel. Interment will be at the Bountiful Cemetery at 2:45 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a charity in memory of Brian:
1 - Magrath History Museum, which Brian loved. It includes some of his Mercer family history.
https://www.magrathmuseum.org/
E-transfers can be sent to magrathmuseum@gmail.com
2 - USA Water Ski Get On The Water Initiative which supports free learn to ski clinics each summer to introduce new skiers to water skiing.
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=GRCLGMDHZFPTG
We also invite you to listen to his favorite music as you think about him this week and as you drive to the funeral:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0sPo1tz71bLBQRlvplTRK6?si=475a63e5b4b44caf
Zoom details for the funeral service at 1 PM, Saturday, June 29
https://zoom.us/j/95606421254?pwd=uOD0rwFsKVpnQtNrH7Wkq6fK7hGDls.1
Meeting ID: 956 0642 1254
Passcode: 414834
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Brian Douglas Mercer, please visit our flower store.
