David 'Dave' Pannebaker Razor

Holladay, Utah – David “Dave” P. Razor, 82, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his loving family on June 8, 2024, after seven years of arduous struggle with progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disease.

David was born in New Brunswick, New Jersey, to Robert Mickel Razor and Mary Virginia Pannebaker Razor on December 21, 1941. He grew up in Denver, Colorado, where he attended East High School, then continued his education at Union College, before transferring to the University of Colorado. During the Vietnam war he served in the Coast Guard Reserves and Honor Guard.

David moved to Salt Lake City, Utah in 1966 where he completed his Coast Guard duties at Ft. Douglas, with an honorable discharge. Simultaneously, he went to work for his father’s company, Balco School Equipment Co. He then embarked on a 45-year profession in the wholesale furniture industry. He was an independent manufacturer’s representative in the Rocky Mountain region and surrounding states where he represented some of the top U.S. and international furniture companies. David’s hard work, persistence and charisma earned him a successful career and life-long friendships.

In 1967, David married the love of his life, Suzanne “Sue” J. Razor, and they enjoyed 56 years together. David and Sue have two daughters, of whom David was immensely proud: Jennifer M. Razor and Ashley Razor Phyfe (Henry), and two granddaughters, Eleanor (12) and Eliza (10). They brought tremendous joy to David, even in his most challenging years.

A natural-born athlete, David swam competitively in high school and college. In his earlier years, he skied and played tennis. Above all, golf was his true passion. He enjoyed playing with friends, particularly those known as “The Dawn Patrol” at the Salt Lake Country Club, and was famous for his killer putts. David played many courses across the country and abroad. Among his favorites were links in California, Scotland and Ireland.

Dave was also known and loved for his wonderful sense of humor, infectious grin, competitive nature, high sense of integrity and magnetic personality. He always had a funny story, joke or remark, and kept life light and fun. Dave fostered a close-knit group of dear friends, some with whom he met regularly for early morning coffee at some of their favorite local spots around town. He had a 30-year running game of Gin Rummy, which in his later years typically happened over lunch at the Country Club or at the Olympian. Once a shark pool player, he was known to walk up to a table and shake down 20- and 30-somethings, doing it with a smile. An avid Denver Broncos fan and season ticket holder, Dave traveled frequently to the games to support his team. Dave was never happier than when he was with family and his amazing friends, many of whom visited him weekly and were by his bedside until the end.

David is preceded in death by his two older brothers Robert M. Razor, Jr. and Jerome M. Razor, and survived by his younger sister, Cynthia J. Razor of Scottsdale, AZ.

David’s family is grateful for the guidance and support of neurologist Dr. Paolo Moretti, MD at the University of Utah, and for the care provided by his caregivers Meleane Mahe, Donna Goeller, Ana Kaufusi, Teresa Lolo, Nina Colver, and Mia Leihauli who tirelessly helped David over the last four years.

There will be a private family burial, followed by a celebration of life planned for extended family and friends in September.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in David’s name to the University of Utah Department of Neurology, Movement Disorders Division or CurePSP, the leading non-profit organization dedicated to the awareness, care and cure for PSP.