Michael Darwin Cannell

Michael Darwin Cannell, a noble father and husband, did peacefully depart this earth on Friday, the 25th of September, in the year of our Lord 2026, at the age of 60. He fought bravely against a cruel, dark shadow of the brain/mind known as glioblastoma, matching it blow for blow with the courage of the old kings until his spirit was called home.

He was the 3rd of 6 children born to Darwin J. and Patricia Reeves Cannell. By a strange twist of fate, he was among the very last babes born within the ancient walls of the old Logan Regional Infirmary, ere it was thrown down and made into a parking lot for the Logan Temple. In the days of his youth, he labored with great constancy upon his family's fair estate in the rolling hills of Smithfield, Utah. There he was taught that a worthy life is built by the sweat of one's brow and by honest work.

In the year 1983, Michael completed his schooling at Skyview High School, holding ever dear the days he marched and played right merrily among the famed minstrels of the Skyview Marching Band. From 1984 through 1986, he went questing as a missionary for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the distant lands of the Florida Tampa Mission, to declare his faith. Thereafter, he bound his soul for all eternity to his beloved companion, Joye Hahne, within the sacred walls of the St. George Temple, while proving his worth to newly found brother in-laws within the Emerald Room of the temple. He took great joy in serving his Creator and all those around him.

He was a man of great lore, earning a Bachelor's Degree in Respiratory Therapy from Weber State University and later a Master's degree in Hospital Administration from the University of South Dakota. As a Respiratory Therapist, he labored in many a hospital, specializing in cardiac, pediatric, and NICU He brought great comfort to those burdened with the heavy affliction of the lungs called cystic fibrosis, mending their strength through nourishment, breath-craft, and bodily exercise. In the year 2000, he journeyed with his household to the township of Nephi, there to take up the mantle of Manager of Respiratory Therapy at Central Valley Medical Center.

Michael was a devoted father, a faithful husband, and a craftsman of marvelous skill. He took great delight in working with his hands, in traveling, in attending the concerts of his good lady, in cheering on Utah State, and in moving the hearts of all to laughter. Ever at his feet through his man adventures were his loyal four-legged companions: Pippin, a hound of great mischief and heart, and Bilbo Waggins Dog, a brave little traveler fond of second breakfasts.

He leaves behind his cherished wife, Joye; his sons Alexander (Kayshia), Nicholas (Yvonne), and Benjamin; his daughters Sarah and Genevieve (Dylan); his five siblings and eleven in-laws; his faithful hounds; and a great multitude of nieces and nephews. He ever placed the comfort of others above his own, and he shall be sorely missed by all who knew him.

The family will receive friends at Anderson Funeral Home, 94 West 300 North, Nephi, Utah, on Thursday, October 1st, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., and again on Friday, October 2nd, from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the Nephi North Stake Center, 1125 North 400 East, Nephi, Utah. The funeral service will begin there at 11:00 a.m.

"Renewed shall be blade that was broken, the crownless again shall be king." — J.R.R. Tolkien

"End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path, one that we all must take." — Gandalf