David Bell

David Christian Bell lived a life defined by service to others—uplifting, inspiring, encouraging, teaching, offering mercy, and rescuing those in need. His generous and grand spirit blessed everyone who had the privilege of being in his orbit. Though he touched many lives, David had a unique gift for seeing and caring for each individual, making everyone he met feel truly valued.

Born on February 23, 1976, in Georgia, David was the second of Carl and Carol Baisden Bell’s ten children. From a young age, he displayed a fearless and resilient spirit. As a toddler, he was known for his toughness—falling, bouncing back up, and continuing on without hesitation. His older sister, Valecia, was his best friend and partner in countless childhood adventures. Even then, his creative engineering mind was apparent. David loved to take things apart and put them back together, always eager to understand how things worked. His ingenuity was evident early on, such as when he turned an orchard ladder into a ski ramp by packing snow around it—a testament to his adventurous spirit and inventive mind. The “Boys Club” in the barn, complete with spray-painted tributes to Michael Jordan, was just one of many memories that highlighted his creativity and fun-loving nature.

David’s love of music was a lifelong passion. He played the piano, trumpet, and later, the guitar. Running was another love he inherited from his father, initially accompanying him on long training runs by bike. At just 17, David ran his first marathon, the Deseret News Marathon, alongside his dad. His dad kept reminding him to, “Pace yourself,” and held his pace back. With ten miles left dad said, “Ok just go,” he took off, and his dad didn’t see him again! This was how David approached life—always full of energy, always moving forward.

In high school, David was adored by his peers. He had a tight-knit group of friends, and it seemed everyone had a crush on him. David made his mark as the first Mr. Caveman at American Fork High School and participated in track, cross country, ballroom dance, and choir. Though he was recruited for football due to his speed, catching the ball proved to be a challenge. He and his friends built a memorable fort in the back pasture, where they created lasting memories that felt like camping trips.

After graduating high school, David was the top recruit at Southern Utah University for running, and he also continued to dance on the ballroom team. He served a mission in Budapest, Hungary, where he developed a deep love for his companions and the people he served. Upon his return, he transferred to BYU and attended the BYU Jerusalem Center, where he immersed himself in the study of history, architecture, scripture, and the rich cultures of Israelis and Palestinians. David’s deep understanding of history and the gospel was reflected in his academic pursuits. He graduated with a degree in Manufacturing Engineering and pursued a master's program at ASU in Alternative Energy Resources.

Running remained a defining part of David’s life, bringing him immense joy. He ran 16 marathons and countless other races. He dedicated his life’s work to encouraging others to experience the same joy, founding Runtastic Events. Over the past two decades, David inspired hundreds of thousands to set goals, push their mental and physical limits, and persevere through challenges. His ability to make races a celebration was unmatched—through artistic medals, creative finish line activities (like the human hamster wheel), and a personal touch that made every participant feel like a champion.

David’s “can-do” attitude extended beyond running. He transformed a one-story, three-bedroom home into “The Adelaide,” a beautiful two-story, six-bedroom home that respected Provo’s early 1900s architecture. His nieces were lucky enough to live there, and his gift for fixing, building, and creating was often called upon by family and friends.

David and Summerisa shared a passion for dance, becoming dance partners and even placing second in the nation for Amateur Cabaret. He and Mark were devoted soccer coaches to Tyler’s team for many years. David cherished time with his Grandma Beverly, often playing Skip-Bo and joking about her riding on the front of his boat in a “yellow polka dot bikini.” After her passing, he bought the boat and created countless memories for his family and friends, ensuring everyone had fun on the water with surfboards, a lily pad, and a water trampoline for the kids.

David had a special love for the family’s Idaho Lakeshore property, where he was the life of the party. He started the annual luau tradition, complete with dancing, decor, and traditional piña coladas served in pineapples. His adventurous spirit extended to his friends, whom he taught to love the outdoors—hiking, biking, climbing, skiing, and camping. David also enjoyed country dancing, Mario Kart, game nights, traveling, and food.

A deep thinker, David wrote poems and children’s books and had a passion for ideas and good literature. He was a beloved uncle to his 31 nieces and nephews, who affectionately called him “Duncle Dave.” He made each of them feel special, whether through his signature throws in the air, attending their activities, or creating unforgettable experiences. He even joined Mark’s three sons in wearing matching shirts—a testament to his playful and loving nature.

As a founding member of the Harrington Center for the Arts, David’s insight into construction and architecture was invaluable. He supported every event, often dedicating days to setting up or tearing down.

David passed away on August 23 in the Sierra Nevadas, doing what he loved—having an epic adventure while building relationships and feeling the majesty of nature. True to his character, he jumped in to rescue two dear friends, and the three passed away together.

David Bell was a majestic example of a life lived with love for God and others. Thousands of messages have poured in, recounting experiences where David made individuals feel valued, understood, and seen. He was a beautiful, empathetic, and insightful conversationalist. His courage in becoming his best self was exemplary, and in the process, he became a man who mastered much of his soul—with forgiveness, repentance, patience, compassion, integrity, peace, and a deep testimony of the Gospel and his Savior.

A funeral service for David will be held Friday, August 30, 2024 at 12:00 Noon in the American Fork 21st, 270 North 900 East.  Friends and family are welcome to come to the viewing from 8:00 to 11:00 AM prior to the funeral.  Burial will be in Highland Cemetery.  Please share a memory in David's guest book.