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Dix Waddell Obituary
Kell returned home on the evening of February 17, 2012, joining his sweet wife Michelle. His family, friends and loved ones can rejoice as he is free of physical constraints and ailments that have been part of Kell's special mission here on earth.
Born on February 24, 1967, Kell was hit by a car when he was two years old and spent his remaining 42 years in a wheelchair. Not to be deterred, Kell achieved many things in life, including earning his Eagle Scout, graduating from Cottonwood High School in 1985, serving an LDS mission in downtown Salt Lake City, working as a concert security guard and marrying and being sealed to his sweetheart Michelle Sue Hopkins Waddell who previously passed away September 25, 2003.
Kell lived a full and adventurous life and will be remembered as a close friend and inspiration to many. He enjoyed hobbies including weight lifting (with high school buddies), target shooting (with Bishop Steven DeJohn), hunting (with Justin Peterson), riding four-wheelers (at Don and Kathy Murdock's) and generally "hanging out" and talking with his family, loved ones and friends.
The family is especially grateful for Kell's many wonderful school teachers, church leaders, and home teachers (particularly Jeff and Marsha Lee), Doctors and medical staff (particularly Dr. Terri DeJohn), and many friends and loved ones who have provided selfless service and assistance to Kell, greatly enriching his life.
Kell is survived by his parents Dix and Mary Jean Waddell; in-laws Don and Susan Hopkins; Sister Cate (Craig) Cook, Emily Cruff (Kyle Freimuth), Lauren (Timothy) Flowers, and Nicholas and Madison; brother Dee (Noriko) and Dee Kei, Ashley, Danny, and Chelsea; and Michelle's siblings and their children.
Viewing will be 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on Saturday February 25, followed by the service at 1:00 p.m. at Monument Park 11th Ward, 1565 Foothill Dr., Salt Lake City. Interment with Michelle at Larkin Sunset Gardens (1950 East 10600 South). Messages and tributes to the family can be posted at:
www.holbrookmortuary.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Dix Waddell
March 12, 2012
Dear Waddell Family, I have such fond memories of Kell and our time in High School. Although it has been many years since I last saw Kell fond memories returned when I saw his name. Please pass on my condolences to Cathy as well.
March 1, 2012
Dear Mary Jean and Dix. I saw your son's obituary in the paper last weekend, and I am so sorry for your loss. I send my condolences and prayers for you and your family. --Kay Jimerson
Harry & Helen McCoy
February 28, 2012
Dix and Mary Jean: Helen and I were shocked to read that Kell had passed. Both our families know the challenge of caring for loved ones during chronic illnesses. Our prayers have been for your family during the past weeks, and know you have felt God's love and accept His will in all things. We love and cherish our almost 50 year association with you.
Harry and Helen McCoy
Ginny Story
February 27, 2012
Dear Waddell Family,
I hope you remember us as well as we remember your family. I grew up with Kell through elementary school and was always fond of him. I remember how he used to make everyone laugh and how we would have to sign up to push Kell's wheelchair because everyone wanted a turn. I am so glad that families are together forever.
My deepest sympathies,
Ginny (Hughes) Story and...Richard and Gayle Hughes, Kathy (Hughes) Hirst, Mimi (Hughes) Jones, David Hughes, Bill Hughes and Heather (Hughes) Hayes
February 25, 2012
Dear Family,
Words are inadequate to express our sorrow at learning of the passing of your beloved son. May the knowledge that your friends share your sorrow be a comfort to you.
Our hearts are with you in love and sympathy.
The Hewitson Family
Kristine & Lynn McGhie
February 25, 2012
HI Dix & Mary Jean,
Wow, we are sorry to hear about Kell. We know he is in a better place and able to run and walk.
Lynn, Kristine, Zeke McGhie
Meli, Mischa, Melissa Farr
Finn McGhie
Jennifer Murdock
February 25, 2012
I'm glad he could spend his 45th birthday with his sweet wife! I love his smile and how he persevered through so many trials.
February 24, 2012
Dear family, I will miss Kell--he's been a part of our family for my whole life, and I will miss that association. Anne-Marie
February 24, 2012
Dear Mary Jean & Dix We are so sorry about reading of the death of Kell. Our thoughts and hearts go out to you and your family. Much love
Jackie, Vicki & Tom Sawyer
Russ Leseberg
February 24, 2012
Dix and Mary Jean, You have been Kell's foundation and fortress. I have always been amazed at your depth and strength. I am so glad he is free from pain and free to roam. All my love, Russ
Andy Driggs
February 24, 2012
Dix, Mary Jean & Dee. My heart goes out ot you all. My earliest memories of Kell was when you moved into the neighborhood to the huge house with at least 2 elevators we were all sure. He was kinda scarry being in the wheel chair, but that passed quickly. I honestly thought I could beat him in an arm wrestle, I could use 2 hands. Not even close. He was always so nice and aware of me and what was happening in my life. We hope your all o.k.
February 24, 2012
Dear Family,
So many of the great memories of my youth are centered around my time with Kell. Late nights spent listening to Ramones records & talking about life as we thought it should be, given the inexperience that comes with adolescence. The times spent walking up to Cottonwood Mall to sort through records, icee drinks from Holladay Oil, getting the tan Dodge truck stuck in the mud & the many concerts we attended. I would submit that few people more genuine than Kell have ever walked this earth. I'm very blessed to have him as a cousin, and even more favored to have called him 'friend'.
My thoughts are with you.
Lance K. Rawlinson
February 23, 2012
Dear Mary Jean and Dix, My sympathy and condolences on the passing of your dear son. My prayers are with you. Much love, JoAnne Criddle-Orr
Steve & Justine Kelsey
February 23, 2012
Dix and Mary Jean: We have often thought of Kell over the years since you left our midst. I so remember taking him to Camp Evergreen with Leonard and the boy scouts and how well he did. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Now Kell can be with his beloved wife again.
Alvin S. Anderson
February 23, 2012
Dear Dix, Mary Jean, and the Waddell Family, What a blessing that Kell has now been reunited with Michelle and other loved ones and has been relieved of his wheels! I shall never forget when my sons and I were planning to run a 10K race through the streets of Salt Lake and Kell decided to join the Wheelchair division. All the others had special racing wheelchairs,but Kell used just his standard wheelchair and his will to finish which he did. A great person and I am sure the Lord has declared: "Well done thou good and faithful servant!" May the Lords choicest blessings be with you! Love Al Anderson
Robert Fotheringham
February 23, 2012
Dix and Mary Jean: Please accept heartfelt condolences on the passing your your noble son, Kell, who has moved on to a much better place with loved ones. Thank you for the righteous influence you have been in so many lives, especially and including mine. May you feel a portion of that "peace which passeth understanding" at this tender time.
Nyle & LaVerle Hansen
February 23, 2012
Dix and Mary Jean and the Waddell family: Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. We were so sorry to hear about Kell. He is now free of the physical constraints of his body. Be comforted in the knowledge that you can all be together again.
Leslie and I mentioned that he and our son Steve are probably having a chance to catch up, as he passed away 2 years ago.
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