Daniel J Boucher

Daniel James Boucher
Elsinore, Utah

Daniel James Boucher, passed away on October 30, 2024, at the age of 56, in Utah Valley Hospital in Provo, Utah surrounded by his loving family. He was and will always be a beloved son, brother, uncle, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend. He graduated with honors from this life, leaving behind memories of love, kindness and understanding.

Born on June 11, 1968 in Santee, California, Daniel was the second of seven children born to James and Torla Boucher. Daniel was the only boy in the family and was surrounded by 6 sisters. As a child he was a bright eyed, quick witted, highly intelligent, rambunctious spit-fire of a beautiful soul.

Over time, the family moved from Santee, California to Panguitch, Utah to St. George, Utah, to Ivins, Utah, and then in 2005 to Elsinore, Utah where he lived the last 19 years with his parents. Always near were family, good neighbors and friends.

After the move to St. George, he attended Dixie High School and then Pine View High School in Washington, where he graduated in 1986. The many friendships he forged during those years were priceless to him. While in High School, he was in many plays and musicals with the drama club where he both sang and danced to the delight of the crowds with one of his biggest performances in the musical South Pacific. He loved anything with science, hunting with his father, music, dancing, motorcycles, bonfires, camping and being with his loved ones.

During his High School years he also worked several jobs he took pride in, including working as a Lifeguard at the St. George City Pool as well as being an attendant at the Green Valley Resort.

Just out of High School he enlisted along with several of his friends in the Utah National Guard, where he proudly went on to finish boot camp.

At the age of 18, he survived an accident that left him with severe brain damage and also as a bed-bound quadriplegic. At this time he was honorably discharged from the Utah National Guard. We could have lost him at 18 years old, but we gained him back for another 37 years of all our lives. During this time, we were fortunate to get to know and care for the new Daniel.

He was always happy, kind, polite, funny and he spread smiles to those who came in contact with him despite his disabilities. His sense of humor was unrivaled, his smile infectious and he loved singing along with the radio at the top of his lungs, especially when his family joined in with him. He also had a great love of all the animals and creatures that were part of our family over the years as well as the ones that were brought to visit him, and often would talk to them kindly from his bed.

Over his life, he taught us so many lessons and brought us so many blessings. He allowed us to learn to hope, to forgive, to love deeper, to be gracious, to be patient, to laugh, and to know the true him. He was there for us as much as we were there for him and he will be with us still, in spirit.

Though our hearts are grieving and torn, we are also celebrating for him that he is no longer tethered to a body that he couldn't control, and that he is finally whole and free. We know in our hearts that when he arrived to the other side, he was reunited with his grandparents, his father James, his sister Deborah and so many of our loved ones and friends that have gone before us.

"Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.

I’m following the path God has laid, you see.

I took his hand when I heard the call,

I see it now, I see it all.

If my parting has left a void,

Then fill it with remembered joys.

A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,

Oh yes, these things I too will miss.

Be not burdened with times of sorrow

I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow

My life’s been full, I savored much

Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.

Perhaps my time seemed all too brief

Lift up your hearts and know my peace

God wanted me now, He's set me free."

-Author Unknown

Daniel is survived by his mother Torla, his sisters Ruthahna, Rebecca, Elizabeth, Kjirsten and Catherine and many nieces and nephews. Also a large extended family of uncles, aunts and cousins.

Services and Condolences

As a family we have decided to not conduct any public service for Daniel, but instead to have a life celebration for his closest family. In lieu of flowers, donations to help with his final medical costs or any condolences would be humbly appreciated and can be mailed to Torla Boucher, PO Box 106, Elsinore Utah 84724.

In Memory

To share memories and support the family, you can visit the Magleby Mortuary at www.maglebymortuary.com or send a heartfelt message to the family. Daniel's loved ones will appreciate your condolences, reflections on his life and any photos or stories you have to share.

Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina and Manti. Online guestbook at www.maglebymortuary.com