D. Scott Datwyler

Denzel Scott Datwyler was born April 24, 1952 in Logan, Utah and died August 6 2018, in Smithfield, Utah. He died of metastatic melanoma in his liver, at the age of 66. He attended USU but books fostered his life long love of learning.
Being a graduate and a Logan High Grizzly wasn’t as important to Scott Datwyler as exploring new ideas and products, which led him to own a pair of roller skis, inline skates, a ten speed bicycle, back pack, cross-country skis, and other gear- before most in the valley. This love of the out of doors led him to his profession for 25 years where he was the owner, manager, salesclerk, and cleaning crew of “The Trailhead.”
The store was such a blessing in his life because it allowed him so many great friendships. He enjoyed visiting with customers about their lives and their trips. He had a great memory and always asked about everyone’s recent adventures. He liked to share ideas and places that were great to see, hike, and explore, in short- he liked to tell people “Where to go.” And for many he was their guide, compass, map reader, and trip planner.
One of his greatest loves, the Grand Canyon, beckoned him with a yearly trip to the beauties of her walls. He read about the early explorers and became more knowledgeable, and a better storyteller than some of the river guides he met while rafting. He knows the layers of rocks and enjoys hiking below the rim and into their chasms of hidden wonders.
Within our family he was known as the “B” boy. The B stood for books, bikes, boats, blades, boards, beats, and boots. Books, always laid in stacks by his bed, and favorite chair because he read, collected and shared books with a passion. He loved bicycling and more often than not, rode his bike to work. Cycling was a much better way to explore than a car, he said, because it allowed the rider to enjoy and fully appreciate the 360 degree view. Canoes, sail boats, kayaks and even an ice boat filled the spaces in our ever crowded garage. He loved floating the lower Logan at dawn or dusk, listening to the bird songs in the quiet peace of the water. He collected knives, hence blades, and purchased specific ones that corresponded with special dates in his life. Boards refers to Cross-country skiing. This activity gave him great joy every winter; he loved the quiet back-country and cresting a peak to take in the view. Beats refers to music. Scott enjoyed all kinds of music from classical to Zydeco. Hiking, backpacking, and trail running all entailed different boots. A little snow, rain, or wind didn’t stop his forays, and he enjoyed posting on his social media, Strava. He encouraged many to enjoy his passions and became an example to follow. How did you “breathe hard” today he would ask.
Scott was always a lover of the earth and tried to leave every trail and campsite better than he found it. He also wanted others to enjoy the great outdoors and worked hard to keep trails in good condition or make new ones. Whenever he hiked he was doing trail work, always carrying loppers, or a small saw. One of the last things he wanted to do was update his legacy of trails. In total he was responsible for creating 18 new trails and helping to improve 15 existing trails, ranging from here in Utah all the way to Newfoundland.
He served in many callings in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including, 11 year old scout leader, young men’s president, ward mission leader, counselor in a bishopric, Branch President and Bishop. He served two missions for the church. The first as a young man in the Texas North Mission under President Carlos Asay. The second a Member Leader Support senior missionary with his wife in the Canada Halifax Mission, where he served in Prince Edward Island, and Corner Brook, Newfoundland.
Being a father was a joy for Scott because it meant that he could play, camp, hike, and take his family places. He taught his children how to work. He led his family in the gospel of Jesus Christ and shared his testimony through his valiant actions. He was good to take time from work to create memories. He was kind, gentle, and caring. He loved his wife, children, siblings, parents, and extended family. He knew that families are forever and he treated each person that way. He was an example in the community, church, and home. You will be missed Scott. We love you.
Scott is survived by Jessie Lou Fish Datwyler, his wife (Smithfield). Children: Marcus, (Annie) San Dimas, California, and their children Stefan, Sierra, Ian, and Logan. Richard (Tannie) Rigby, Idaho, and their children Claire, Linus, Deirdre, Beckett, Anora. C’Anne (Doug) Spring, Texas, and their children Damon, Tyler, Christopher, Jenna, Kaylee. His parents Denzel and Joan, (Logan), and siblings Jill, (Ron) Logan, Julie, Logan, Shelly (Dan) St. George, Bryan (Wendy) Bountiful.
The funeral will be held Friday, August 10th, at 11:00 a.m. in the Smithfield 7th ward chapel, located at 79 East 200 South, Smithfield Utah. There will be a viewing before the funeral from 9:00 -10:45a.m. at the church house, and the night before on Thursday, August 9th from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Allen-Hall Mortuary, 34 East Center in Logan.
We are creating a book for the family and would appreciate you sharing your memories with Scott, trails you have hiked or skied together, or any other remembrances. Contact Jessie.
In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the Cache Trails Alliance to support building trails in our valley. http://www.cachetrails.net/code/
The Cache Valley outdoor community will host a casual pot-luck dinner and celebration of Scott’s life Friday evening , August 10, 2018, from 6-8 pm in Mack Park in Smithfield, UT.