A Good Man

Today was Chris' funeral. He was only 22 years old but had a great impact on a great many people. The chapel was filled to overflowing with friends and family who came to hear the message of the young man's life.

A theme throughout the service was how generous and sweet this shy hulky man was. His smile and big bear hugs were famous, as was the 32 ounce cup of the soda of the day. This is a man who walked away from gossip, clung to truth and learning; and had a habit of finding ways to give away money, rides, service and even his clothes when needed. If a stranger needed something, he found a way to give it. He was a defender of young women and pretty much anyone or anything weaker than himself. He had a reputation of seeing good in everyone and his Patriarchal Blessing was quoted, stating his "divine gift for loving the unloveable."

Folks who knew him well wondered what he would think of all the fuss and all the crying at his funeral. Then almost as if he answered each of us, we understood, that Chris would have looked at us with that shy smile and said, "hey, whatever you guys need to get through this is o.k. by me. Just don't get too ridiculous." Whatever it took to make others more comfortable than himself.

He served an honourable but shortened mission. One to always be physically active, he was on a service project when he injured his back. He was sent home in hopes of a short recovery and then back to serving more. After two surgeries he was in so much pain and difficulty, permanently disable to the point of not being able to sit, stand or sleep for more than three hour increments. His life had gone from one of extreme physicality to one of constant monitoring, therapy and pain. Through it all he persevered and tried to see what positives he could in life.

Chris passed away on New Year's Day from an enlarged heart, caused by meds and other complications. In a way we all knew his heart was larger than most. It seemed a conclusion this was Heavenly Father's way of letting us all know it was o.k. and it was his time. He always was searching for more truth and deep understanding of the Gospel. He wanted to know the answers to the hard questions and more than anything he wanted to return to his mission. Heavenly Father allowed Chris the opportunity to relieve his body of pain, find out the answers to his questions from those who have gone on before, and to serve on a new mission where enlightened Gospel truths now are more fully understood.

Chris was laid to rest under an olive tree and near the boulders he loved to climb. The sun was bright and the sky was clear. It was appropriate for this young man who was so dear to us all.