Dawud Sharif

Our Beloved Dawud, a loving, funny, beautifully spirited, and adventurous soul, was born on August 16, 1970 in Newark, New Jersey. He suddenly passed away on April 18, 2025, at age 54, in Ogden, Utah. He is survived by his parents, Abdul and Portia, his three sisters, two nephews and a god-daughter.

After his graduation from Frank H. Morrell High School, New Jersey, Dawud completed computer and accounting courses at a local college while working his first job at Dunkin’ Donuts. His dedication and motivation led him to work multiple jobs such as a aircraft fueler, a professional bus driver and a truck driver. Additionally, he committed to serving overseas in the United States Army between 2000 through 2003 and became a food service specialist acquiring multiple awards and recognition. In his later years, he returned back to working in his previous field as a certified concrete truck driver.

Dawud’s was an avid book reader and a natural-intellect. His continuous desire to learn “beyond” extended across different topics, genres, and interests. He acquired a passion for health and wellness, and for years, became a strict vegetarian. Dawud rejoiced in listening to music; from jazz to hip-hop to classic house, he continuously added new songs to his personal collection of music. He had an undeniable love for martial arts since a very early age. He watched Karate and Kung Fu shows and movies every weekend, then began to memorize and simulate techniques that led him to officially study the art. Eventually, Dawud joined a martial arts school and earned accolades in karate, capoeira and taekwondo.

He was a true “Leo”(The Lion) zodiac; and although a bit stubborn, he was extremely caring, humble, and generous to others. He willingly extended himself to anyone who was in need or facing a hardship. He embraced all aspects of life with an open heart and mind. Dawud had adamant respect for ancestral history, ancient customs and indigenous culture and beliefs. He held a strong interest to learning Shamanism and Pranic healing which led him on a spiritual path to ‘connecting the dots’ in life. He was on a continuous and holistic journey to self-healing and self-discovery. Ultimately, his yearning to achieve his goals led him to Ogden, Utah where he resided in his final years. His life can best be described by the words Rumi: “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.”

Dawud had a profound memory and a knack for compelling storytelling, capturing the attention of everyone surrounding him. He had the unique ability to turn ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. He had a luminous presence, a contagious smile and a laugh that filled an entire room. He was the brother, son, grandson, uncle, cousin and friend that can’t ever be matched. His life was a remarkable tapestry interwoven with the threads of faith, family, friendship and love. Today and forever, Dawud’s legacy lives on and we honor the life he shared with us. His memory will forever be treasured and held close to our hearts…awaiting the day we meet again.

A private family viewing was held at the Myers’s Mortuary Funeral Home located in Ogden, Utah. Our family welcomes all who knew and loved Dawud to join in his memory. A memorial page is available to send your loving thoughts and condolences, and if you wish to plant a tree in honor of his legacy.