Obituary of Neil Patrick Wardle

In Loving Memory of Neil Patrick Wardle February 23, 1967 - December 18, 2024 The world lost one of its most rambunctious, bright lights and loudest laughs with the passing of Neil “Nile P.” Wardle, a man who could fill any room with joy, charm, a touch of mischief, and an unmatched flair that made him unforgettable to everyone lucky enough to know him. Born in Midvale, UT, Neil was a force of nature from the start, and he brought people together with his infectious “life of the party” spirit. His family later moved to the Sandy/Draper area, where he attended Alta High School playing football and baseball and graduated Class of 1985. After graduating high school, he served on an LDS Mission to Caracas, Venezuela and loved the Spanish culture. Neil’s competitive spirit gave him a love for running and he completed multiple marathons. Neil loved sports including an over-the-top obsession with the University of Utah football team. Go Utes! Neil had an unshakable connection and truly special relationship with his 5 brothers as they inseparably grew up together wreaking havoc across the Salt Lake Valley (Brad, Greg [deceased], Scott, John and Chris). Together, they quickly got a reputation and a name for themselves, “the rowdy Wardle boys”, running the town and giving their parents (Clare Wardle, Father, deceased), (Gwen Wardle, Stepmother), (Julie Grant, Mother, deceased), and (Richard Grant, Stepfather, deceased) a run for their money. To this day, the Wardle boys remain an example of the importance of family, loyalty, and loving hard. Neil was the father of two daughters whom he loved very much, Eden “Jobie” and Abbie “Tiny”. We will forever cherish the good memories with our dad; boating and cliff jumping at Lake Powell, Utah Utes football games and tailgating, four wheeling, snowmobiling, skydiving, singing as loud as we can with the windows rolled down to Johnny Cash’s “Ring of Fire”, scary movies late at night on school nights, him helping us toilet paper our neighbors, and so much more. Neil was a huge adrenaline junkie and prankster always down for an adventure and was most likely the mastermind behind it all. He was always making us laugh, and while integrating play into our lives, he also taught us the balance and importance of hard work. He held very high standards for us and was always pushing us to be our best. But like so many of life’s brightest stars, Neil carried a weight that wasn’t always visible to the outside world. He struggled deeply with alcoholism—a disease that shaped much of his life and the lives of those who loved him. It’s no secret that addiction doesn’t just affect the person who suffers from it; it ripples outward, touching family, friends, and relationships in ways that are often painful and complex. Neil battled hard, and though he may have lost his fight, his story is a reminder of the courage it takes to face such struggles head-on. In honoring his memory, we also honor the lessons his life teaches us: that love is unconditional, that laughter can coexist with hardship, and that no struggle diminishes the value of a person’s heart or the depth of their soul. We will remember Neil for the joy he brought, the lessons he taught, and the way he made life just a little brighter for all who knew him. In his honor, let us carry forward his humor, his warmth, and his legacy of embracing all of life’s moments—both big and small. A private service in his honor will be held with immediate family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please instead make a cash donation and all funds will be donated to a selected charity for addiction/alcoholism recovery. If you feel inclined, please Venmo @edenwardle. If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction, please know that help is out there. You are not alone, and it is never too late to seek support. You cannot heal alone, and connection is the first step to recovery. There is hope. Please reach out. Neil would want you to know that your life is worth saving and that healing is always possible. Our personal and strongest recommendation for addiction and mental health treatment and recovery centers is The Phoenix Recovery Center in South Jordan, UT. They’ve recently received an award for the best treatment center in the state of Utah, and they have personally changed the lives of loved ones close to us.