Naythan Bell

1997 - 2017

Naythan Matthew Bell

St. George

Naythan Matthew Bell, 20, passed away July 16, 2017. He was born April 13, 1997 in West Jordan, Utah to Matthew Lee and Emily Nay Bell.

An extraordinary student, Naythan simultaneously completed high school and his associate degree from Dixie State in 2015. He loved playing rugby for Snow Canyon so much that he did so for six years. In addition to winning multiple state championships with his teammates, Naythan met an extraordinary mentor in Coach Jay Day. He rocked Speech and Debate Club, winning both 2014 Oratory State Champion and a Dixie State "Speech to Entertain" competition-as the only high schooler to enter.

Naythan earned his Eagle Scout and immediately gave up camping. He enjoyed coin collecting and loved all music (except country). He played piano, guitar, ukulele, and banjo and even tried the mandolin, viola, and the horrendous accordion. He loved sharing his musical talents through performing and teaching and in various jam sessions with his friends. Following missionary service in New York City, where he learned ASL and worked with the deaf, Naythan resumed his studies at Dixie State, majoring in English and minoring in puns. And sarcasm. Naythan enjoyed making pencil drawings, practicing magic tricks, and attempting sick yo-yo moves. He organized charity concerts, coached youth rugby, and was a friend to anyone who needed it.

Naythan lost his difficult battle with mental illness and felt his faith fade along the way-though he never lost his goodness. Even in his darkest days, Naythan sought to help others as best he could. He was always up for a snow cone run, a trip to DI, or a serious round of Smash Bros. He always appreciated those who knew him at his best, loved him at his worst, and did their best to ease his struggles.

Naythan is survived by his parents, his sister and partner-in-crime Brooklyn, his brother and best friend in the world Cayson, grandparents Gary & Vickie Nay, Cynthia & Steve Holcomb, and Jim & Elizabeth Bell, and a host of aunts, uncles, and cousins. He was preceded in death by great-grandmothers Pearl Nay and Ruth Hilton and by his beloved Uncle Russ.

In lieu of flowers, do something kind for someone you know who is struggling. We know you're really good at that, and it does help.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, July 25, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. at the Green Valley LDS 5th Ward (Shadow Mountain Chapel), 124 North Valley View Drive, St. George, Utah. Visitations will be held Monday evening from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Tuesday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the church. Interment will be in Tonaquint Cemetery. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221. For condolences, Full Obituary, funeral listings please visit our website at: www.metcalfmortuary.com