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Christopher Barnhurst Obituary
1971 ~ 2015
Christopher Burr Barnhurst, age 43, of Bonham, Texas, passed away unexpectedly in an auto accident on February 5, 2015.
He was born on March 14, 1971 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Burr and Marie (Horrocks) Barnhurst. Chris grew up in Sandy, Utah, enjoyed camping and fishing, earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and began a hobby solving problems with computers. On September 3, 1993, Christopher married Stephanie Johnson in the Salt Lake City LDS Temple, where he began his devotion to his wife and family. Chris finished his studies at Brigham Young University, then began a successful career that allowed him to work with gifted people around the world and enabled him to enjoy many places and cultures. He lived a life of compassion and generosity and blessed every soul he touched through his clever wit, sense of humor, and wisdom. Chris was an extremely intelligent, hard-working, loving man who always put others first. He challenged people to grow, and found joy in mentoring loved ones to reach their potential. Chris lived a purposeful life of service and influenced many through his professional leadership and through his activity in the LDS church. He served honorably as a missionary in the Texas Fort Worth Mission, sharing his testimony of Christ and the message of eternal families with all who would listen.
He is survived by his wife, Stephanie Barnhurst of Bonham, Texas; children, Joseph Christopher Barnhurst, Meagan Marie Barnhurst, Emily Marguerite Barnhurst and Johnathan Lewis Barnhurst all of Bonham, Texas; parents, Burr and Marie Barnhurst; siblings, Sean Barnhurst, Aaron Barnhurst, Nathan Barnhurst, Aimee Reay and husband Robert, and Daniel Barnhurst.
Christopher is preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph S. and Luana Jackson Barnhurst, and Lewis Wayne and Betty Curtis Horrocks.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday, February 14, 2015, 12:00 p.m. at The Crescent Ridge Stake Center, 1265 Easxt 11000 South, Sandy, Utah. Family and friends are invited to attend a viewing at the same location Friday evening, February 13, from 6:30 to 8:30 and also Saturday morning from 10:30 to11:30, prior to the service. A funeral service was previously held, Tuesday, February 10, 2015, in Allen, Texas. He will be interred at Larkin Sunset Gardens Cemetery in Sandy, Utah.
In lieu of flowers a memorial fund has been set up for the kids and family. It is under the name Christopher Barnhurst Memorial with America First Credit Union 1-800-999-3961.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Christopher Barnhurst
Patty Glaser
February 20, 2015
So very sorry to read this. I loved working with Chris at BearingPoint and glad I met you, Stephanie. If you ever come to Northern California, please let me know. Nothing I can say would be meaningful, but I really am shocked and saddened - he was a wonderful friend and father.
With deepest sympathies and love; patty
Monica Cheshire
February 17, 2015
Marie and Burr, I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I heard about it for one of Chris' mission companions Matt Jacque
We went to high school together.
You both were so great to us when we bought your business. Hope all is well for you.
My deepest sympathy.
Amresh Vaidya
February 17, 2015
Chris and I met on the phone thru work in Dec 2014 and I was looking for lots of help and advise on a particular topic for which he was the expert. He jumped on it like a passionate adviser walking me thru every aspect of that subject he had experienced in his professional life and took the time to explain me the details and the do's and the dont's. He took the time to make sure I was successful in the task I was doing. To me that is an exceptional quality that goes beyond your call of duty and professionalism. I never got the opportunity to meet him in person but he has left me with an impression of a lifetime. Thank you Chris for everything you have done for me.
I also want to convey my deepest condolences and prayers to his family and friends. I am so sorry for your loss. Rest in peace Chris.
Jenny Jenkins Motzus
February 14, 2015
Stephanie, I just spoke to my mom and found out she had just attended the viewing for your husband , Chris. I am heartsick for your loss. We grew up in Young Women's in the VV7th ward together. I know you are a beautiful person Stephanie and I appreciate the way you have reached out to my mom over the miles. I would love to send you one of the books that helped me do some of my grief work after my daughter was killed in a tragic accident 10 years ago. It's called "A Grace Disguised: how the Soul Grows Through Loss". Can you please email me the best address to send it to so I can get it to you: [email protected] . I know everyone grieves differently and you will have 5 beautiful souls in your home grieving. Allow for differences and provide possible ways. My children and I sat together several times and typed many memories of our Jessica into the computer while they were so fresh and vibrant. We planted a tree in her honor. We participated in group grief counseling at the Children's Hospital for about 6 weeks and I found that helpful for various reasons,,, the kids had their own session and the adults another. I read a lot and found validation of my emotions and reflective moments to face pain and grow through that process. Moving forward is so challenging after loss. This poem speaks to this reality and is one I appreciated: Remember. When you come to the Red Sea place in your life, where inspite of all you can do, There is no way back, There is no way round, There is no other way but through. Then trust in the Lord with a faith supreme, Til the night and the storm are gone, He will still the winds, He will part the waves, When He says to your soul, Go on!" -Anonymous. Please know my prayers will join with others at this time to help your family have strength and courage. Courage one moment at a time. Later on, courage on hour at a time. And then one day at a time. Breathe deeply and allow others to share their love through service and kindnesses. It helps us all grow. Much love, Jenny Jenkins Motzkus
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Don Ward
February 14, 2015
So very sorry to hear of your loss and this tradegy. As a former teacher at Alta, I am always so saddened to see someone taken so young. I know the memories of your lives together and his goodness wil bring you much comfort in the years to come. My prayers and thoughts go to his wife, chidren and the rest of his family.
February 13, 2015
We are so sorry for the passing of Christopher. Stephanie your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Darin & Brandi Devey
Steve Rasmussen
February 13, 2015
Christopher, your contagious and welcoming smile will always be what I see when I think of you. You were a great father, husband, person and man, an example to everyone who knew you. We will always think of you, we will always miss you deeply and forever.
Steve and Sharon Rasmussen
Jerry and Doris Fidler
February 12, 2015
Burr and Marie and Families, May the Lord be with you at this time of your loss. Burr often mentioned Chris at work as he was growing up. A great love by a proud father. May your fond memories prevail.
Bertha Phipps
February 12, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Casey Jones
February 12, 2015
I was a missionary companion with Chris in Burleson Texas. We were only together for a little over a month but we baptized 3 people! Chris was a great example to me and friend. He will be missed! May Gods peace be with you in this time of need! Sincerely, Casey Jones
February 12, 2015
I first met Chris when I came to Bonham to visit my older brother and his family.That Sunday in Priesthood Chris invited me to participate in The Bonham Day of Service the following Saturday.It was a great way to meet many of the Bonham Ward members.I had planned on being in Bonham for just a couple weeks.My Brother was a lot sicker than he had let on.I ended up staying until he passed about 6 months later.I did a lot of service work with Chris, Larry (Cotten) and many others during that time.Chris and Larry were both there for me as I struggled with my Brothers illness and death.I will be forever grateful to Chris and Larry.Chris and Stephanie gave me work when I really needed it.Chris even used some of his frequent flyer miles so I could fly home to see my wife and kids.That's the team Barnhurst in action!Remember when Chris blew up his lawn mower engine while doing service work?On the way home his weed eater fell off the trailer and got mangled!!Most guys would of lost their temper over that! Chris just took it in stride.When telling the story he would shrug his shoulders(do that thing with his hand)and just say something witty and really funny about it!I will cherish the time I spent with Chris when we worked on the wheelchair ramps for Joseph's Eagle project.The ramps immediately made a huge difference in that person/family daily life.I remember the "Boonie" hat Chris always wore when we did service projects.Chris may of worked in an office during the day but he was also "good with his hands" as we say in the Trades.Chris could of easily found success in construction if he had so desired.I always enjoyed and looked forward to Chris teaching in Elders Quorum.He has a way of teaching that makes it easy to grasp the Doctrine.he was always humble when teaching. Chris never thought he was the smartest guy in the room.The rest of us pretty much knew he was though...Stephanie,You did something one time that stuck with me. I even used you as an example in a talk in Sacrament.It was when the girls were playing softball.You told their coach that they would play on Saturday but not on Sunday.They go to Church on Sunday.By your example you got other parents to speak up and say lets play all the games on Saturday.And they did.Such is the strength of Sister Stephanie Barnhurst.I cannot tell you how to feel Stephanie.I can only tell you that I am sad and I was so very angry.It wasn't until my older friend here put it in perspective for me:how would Chris deal with this if it had been you?I believe Chris would look for the Good and the Positive.So shall I.Chris loves The Gospel.Chris loves you with all his heart.Chris loves his kids and wants the best for them.Chris loves all the rest of his family.Chris always showed his love to others thru his teaching and service.Chris would want us to forgive...I know you will see him again.His children will see him again as will the rest of the family.My Prayer is that when I cross the veil Heavenly Father will grant me the privilege to see Chris again...to shake his hand and say "hey we did some good in the world when we built those ramps" and maybe,just maybe we could chuckle over that weed eater once again... In The Name of Jesus Christ Amen
Terryl & Suzanne Lee
February 11, 2015
So very sorry. There aren't words that haven't already been said... We love you guys.
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