Memorial Services Held For Fallen Ogden Officer Nathan Lyday

OGDEN, Utah – Funeral services for fallen Ogden police Officer Nathan Lyday took place at Lindquist Field, home of the Ogden Raptors minor league baseball team.

Services began at 11 a.m. Saturday and were followed by a procession to the Lindquist Memorial Gardens of the Wasatch.

Officer Lyday’s mother, father and brother spoke at the services. His mother spoke first.

“Words don’t seem sufficient to describe Nathan. Loving, caring, kind, strong. Nathan stood for what was right,” said Nancy Lyday. “Nate had a great sense of humor that started at a young age, he was light. He liked everyone he met and he never spoke poorly of others.”

She talked about a paper he wrote when he was young about what he’d change if he were in charge of the world. The first thing, she said, was he would eliminate broccoli, but then he would stop bullying.

“I would ask everyone to consider, in a world full of hate, be the light. I hope we can spread love and light,” she said.

Nancy Lyday also said her son, who was 24 years old when he was killed, had many nicknames.

“His favorite nickname of all was Uncle Nate,” she said. “At his (Weber State) graduation, his 3-year-old niece wanted to get closer. She mustered up her voice and yelled ‘Way to go Uncle Nate.’ He couldn’t wipe the smile off his face. His nephew came down to spend time with him and was so excited Nathan had become a police officer. I don’t think that special day will ever be forgotten.”

“Nate is my little brother. We are four years apart,” Cody Lyday said. “He was a goofball, but more importantly, he was the glue that binds our family. It’s evident now that he is that tie that will unite our community too.”

Officer Lyday’s death and memorial came at a time of civil unrest, after the death of George Floyd while being restrained by officers from the Minneapolis Police Department.

Those four officers were fired and have been arrested. The incident has prompted protests cross the country.

“We’ve been amazed at the love and support from the community. Although there is anger and protests against officers, this community does support Nate and the officers that serve and protect them,” said Officer Lyday’s father, Andrew Lyday. “Nate was definitely a good cop, and set a standard for others to follow.”

“He saved my life,” his Ogden police partner Officer Dylan Aeschlimann. “He was always looking out for others. He was a good cop. We served countless hours together; we talked about our dreams, our hopes and our futures.”

Utah Governor Gary Herbert also spoke, and echoed the sentiment expressed by Officer Lyday’s father.

“We have been through some dark days, but I get encouragement from Martin Luther King Jr., when he said, ‘Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that,'” he said.

He also called Officer Lyday a hometown hero.

“He loved Ogden. He put his life on the line for someone else. He moved towards the danger in order to try and save somebody else from violence. It’s time to be mindful and preserve Nate’s example,” Herbert said. 

After the funeral, the casket carrying Officer Lyday’s remains was loaded into the back of a fire truck from the Ogden Police Department, which began a six-mile procession to the cemetery.

Hundreds of members of the public lined the streets along the procession route.

Bagpipes played and fellow officers paid tribute to Officer Lyday at the graveside services. Dozens of officers from the Ogden Police Department solemnly too their turn placing their white uniform gloves on the casket.

Towards the end of the graveside service, Chief Watt presented a U.S. flag to Officer Lyday’s wife, Ashley.

The Lydays would have celebrated their fifth wedding anniversary Saturday.

FINAL SALUTE: Ogden Police Chief Watt presents a flag to Officer Nate Lyday's wife pic.twitter.com/EarukTtSzr

— KSL 5 TV (@KSL5TV) June 6, 2020

Gov. Herbert ordered all flags on public buildings in the state to be lowered to half-staff Saturday as a final salute to Officer Lyday.

The beautiful scene is set as we get ready to celebrate the exemplary life of @OGDEN_POLICE Officer Nate Lyday. #OfficerLyday pic.twitter.com/spB2ACLmZR

— Utah Highway Patrol (@UTHighwayPatrol) June 6, 2020

“We can honor Nate by being the goodness in this world; sharing tolerance and love,” his mother said.