David Maurice Poyurs

David Maurice Poyurs passed away peacefully on November 14, 2024 from complications related to cancer. Maurice was born and raised in Durban, South Africa to David and Martha Poyurs on March 15, 1946. As a young man Maurice loved sports and the outdoors, especially the beach. He loved to surf the beaches of Durban, play volleyball, rugby and cricket. He also loved to play the drums and played in the school band. Maurice also developed a love of travel as a youth that would continue as he grew older.

Maurice graduated from Durban High School in South Africa. He served honorably in the South African army for 1 year as a bombardier. He was also able to use his skills and love of playing the drums as a drummer in the army. He would go on to serve for 10 years in the army reserve. 

On September 30, 1967 Maurice married Evelyn Shipman, the love of his life. Maurice worked for many years as a retail store manager for a major retail chain. However, soon his entrepreneurial spirit took over and Maurice started his own brick driveway paving business. He would eventually bring that business with him to the U.S. He also developed a love of computers and started and operated a thriving computer consulting business.

Maurice’s love of travel surfaced as he and Evelyn traveled many times to the U.S. to attend the general conference of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. In 1980 Maurice and Evelyn brought their whole family on a six-week trip to the U.S. as they traveled to many places via a motorhome. The whole family really loved that trip. So much so that in March of 1985 Maurice and Evelyn decided to move the whole family to the U.S.

Maurice was a devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He was baptized in South Africa when he was 19 years old. On the family trip to the U.S. in 1980 Maurice, Evelyn and their children were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on July 14, 1980. Maurice served in many positions in the church including the District Presidency, Elders Quorum Counselor, Sunday School teacher, Primary teacher and Young Men’s President. He also served in his favorite calling for seven years – Early Morning Seminary Teacher.

Maurice is survived by his wife Evelyn and children Tamara (Kent) Jennings, Tayana (Mike) Birch and Shane (Julie) Poyurs, nine grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Preceded in death by his parents David and Martha Poyurs, sisters Toni, Beth and Lladdi, brother Jack and grandson David Christopher Jennings.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 23rd from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints chapel (11755 Tara Lane, Parker, CO). We invite you to come early and visit with Evelyn’s family prior to the service from 11:00 to 11:45 a.m. 

The family would like to express their deep appreciation and thanks to Berkley Hospice, Denver Hospice and all those who provided care for Maurice. Great appreciation is also extended to all those who are assisting with the services to honor Maurice’s life.