Nathaniel Hughes (Amy)

Nathaniel Dennis Elkington Hughes (also known as Amy) died at age 26 in Ogden, Utah, after a long and brave fight with depression. We take comfort in picturing him “crossing the rainbow bridge” surrounded by a pack of cats and golden retrievers, while grandmothers and other angel ancestors run to embrace him in a big hug.

Nate, as most knew him, was born Sept. 25, 1995, in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Benjamin and Jennifer (Elkington) Hughes. Nate was a cherished, prayed-for baby who had so much hair that it looked like a wig (some things never change) and adorable rosy cheeks. As he grew, he talked early and was delightfully precocious.

Younger brothers Jesse and Scott and then sister Nellie joined the family by the time Nate was 5 ½ years old. He was the consummate big brother, coaxing out the best giggles with his silly faces or making the baby stop crying by literally holding the pacifier in. As our family moved every couple of years in their young lives, the siblings grew to become each others’ best friends.

Quirky, funny, and brilliant, Nate was truly one of a kind. He read voraciously, including on niche topics like ancient Greece and space. He was creative, always making “inventions” with Lego bricks and composing minimalist songs on the piano. He enjoyed playing computer and video games, laughing through many fierce Wii Mario Kart races with his siblings over the years.

In his youth, Nate found satisfaction and self-worth through the scouting program. He started as a Tiger Cub in homeschool interfaith Pack 5575, rising through the ranks in Packs/Troops 479 and 221. Nate received his Eagle Scout award the year he turned 18, thanks to a lot of determination as well as patient help from many devoted leaders (and of course, prodding from parents). The Scout Law became his guiding compass, and he embodied its virtues.

Anyone who really knew Nate saw in him the kindest and sweetest soul—a heart without guile. He couldn’t bear to see an animal or even insect in pain. His greatest loves in life were our pets: dogs Daisy, Trevor, and especially Bruno; and cats Grayson, Nigel, Madison, and others. He could connect with them in a special way. They healed his troubles with their unconditional love.

As an adult, Nate lived a quiet and modest life, painting mini figs or playing computer games in his free time. He was fiercely independent and took pride in his reputation as a hard worker, supporting himself with a book warehouse position. Riding his bike down the hills of Ogden with the wind in his long hair was one of the few things that gave him joy, if just for a few moments.

Nate had many challenges and obstacles in his short life. Every day he carried a heavy load that was more than most could even pick up. During his teenage years, as his struggles intensified, he fell into a deep depression, and he began to push away the people who loved him most. It’s tragic that he died feeling alone and insignificant, while there was a feast of love around him.

It’s not too late for someone else to feel loved and important. You matter. You are not and will never be alone. Let’s love one another! If you can, please do a small act of kindness today in Nate’s honor so his goodness will continue to light the world. #forNateAmy

Survived by parents Benjamin and Jennifer; siblings Jesse (and wife Summer) Hughes, Scott Hughes, and Eleanor Hughes; grandparents William Larry Elkington, Dee and Ruth Oyler, Michael and Marcia Hughes; and many loving aunts, uncles, and cousins. Preceded in death by Gramsie Jewel Benson Elkington and step-grandmother Beverly Currell Smith Elkington. Our family is forever.

Please join us to celebrate this beautiful soul on Monday, June 13, at the Ogden 4th Ward chapel, 2115 Jefferson Ave., Ogden, Utah. Visitation is 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment of ashes is directly afterward at Ogden City Cemetery with a family luncheon graciously provided by the 4th Ward Relief Society. We thank family friend Wesley Riches and Myers Mortuary of Ogden for tenderly handling funeral arrangements.

A recording of the service and the memorial slideshow will be available at www.myers-mortuary.com/tributes later that day for anyone who’d like to participate online.

The family is grateful for all the love and kindness you’ve shown us not just during this difficult time but throughout the life of Nate/Amy. Continue to celebrate this special person with with us by visiting and sharing your memories at https://www.kudoboard.com/boards/d72LpNJF

You may watch the funeral service here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4iZwMVEZErA

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Nathaniel Hughes (Amy), please visit our floral store.