Gary Blake Arnell

G. Blake Arnell returned to his Heavenly Father on Friday, August 30, 2024, surrounded by family, after a two-year battle with cancer which had returned for the third time. He was a much-loved husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. 

Blake was born in Ogden, Utah on March 3, 1951 to Elwin Pugmire Arnell and Aileen Van Orden Arnell. He was the third oldest of eight children. Blake grew up riding horses, hunting, camping and enjoying the mountains and outdoors with his family.

As a youth, Blake worked as a donut maker in Bountiful and he would deliver newspapers in Farmington by horseback. Growing up he learned to play the violin, and as an adult learned to play the classical guitar. He also enjoyed being a part of his ward choir for many years.

Blake loved playing sports and excelled at baseball and basketball. He played basketball for Davis High School until moving to Sacramento for his senior year where he played for Bella Vista High School and made the all-area team. Blake then played basketball at American River Junior College. 

After playing basketball at American River Junior College, Blake served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Gulf States Mission. After completing his mission he returned to Louisianna where he worked and dated his love and eternal companion, Connie Ann Askew. They were married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 22, 1972. They shared their love for each other for nearly fifty-two earthly years and together they raised six wonderful children.

Blake’s greatest passions were for his family, and his church. He was an avid sports fan, whether it was watching the University of Utah basketball games with his season tickets, or his many years spent coaching; Blake could always be found supporting and cheering on his children, and then grandchildren in their many activities.

Blake had an unwavering testimony of his Savior, Jesus Christ, and spent his life in service to others. Blake served in many callings, including the Bishopric and High Council; however, his favorite callings were his years serving inmates and sharing gospel messages at the Davis County Jail and later at the Utah State Prison. Blake served most recently in the Bountiful Temple each Thursday. 

Blake spent many years working for Avnet Computer in Salt Lake City before working in the insurance business until retirement.

He was able to work from home and could either be found in his home office working, reading scriptures, or behind Farmington Junior High School hitting golf balls. 

Blake is survived by his loving wife Connie, his children Gary (Jennifer) Arnell; Crystal Arnell; Shane (McKinzie) Arnell; Daniel (Natalia) Arnell; Lisa Arnell; Matthew (Heather) Arnell; and 19 grandchildren. 

He is also survived by his brothers Dennis (Debbie) Arnell; Kirk (Linda) Arnell; Blair (Debbie) Arnell; Mark (Laurie) Arnell; Glen Arnell; and his sister Joy (Mark) Hawkes. 

Blake was preceded in death by his parents Elwin and Aileen Arnell; by his brother David (Kaylynn) Arnell; and by two grandchildren, Trey and Reyna Arnell. 

Funeral Services will be held at 11 am on Friday September 6th, 2024, at the Farmington Stake Center, 347 S. 200 W. Farmington, Utah. A viewing will be held on Thursday September 5th, 2024, from 6-8 PM at Russon Mortuary, 1941 North Main Street, Farmington, Utah, and on Friday from 10-10:45 am at the church prior to the services. Interment will follow the funeral service at Farmington City Cemetery. 

The funeral service will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary Live Facebook page (click here) and on this obituary page below, where it will appear 10-15 minutes prior to the service at 11 am. 

Special thanks to Canyon Home Care and Hospice nurses for their compassionate care.