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BORN
1961
DIED
2023
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Chris Draper Obituary
1961 ~ 2023
On Sunday, August 20, 2023, Chris Sylvan Draper, loving husband and father of five children passed away at the age of 62.
Born May 15, 1961 in Salt Lake City, UT to Neil and Louise Draper, he was the fourth of five children. Chris attended Granite High and graduated in 1979 and later served a two year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Milwaukee, WI. He then attended Utah Technical College where he received his Associates of Heavy Duty Mechanics. While driving for Smith Trucking, he decided to follow his dream to work alongside his dad at Neil's Pro Service, where his younger brother Scott joined the business a few years later. He served the community of Rose Park for over 40 years doing what he loved - fixing cars - often sending his customers on their way free of charge. Chris has a gift of giving his time and talents freely to others, often fixing cars or giving a helping hand whenever it was needed, expecting nothing in return. He also served in many church callings and touched many lives by the way he loved others without judgment.
In December 1986, Chris asked Afton Johnson on a date. They fell in love immediately, and he married his fox of a wife (how he referred to her regularly) two months later. In their kids' eyes, their 36 years of marriage is perfect. They had a love that few couples share and are still crazy about each other!
Chris loved the outdoors and frequently took his family fishing and camping. Many weekends were spent at their family cabin in Bear Lake where he loved to go on three wheeler rides, eat way too much food, and take naps. No matter how busy his 70 hour work week was, he never missed any of his five children's sports or activities, arriving many times in his service station uniform. He is his children and grandchildren's hero and idol, teaching them how to work hard, love their family, and enjoy life. He always left you feeling loved and taken care of and that you were family.
He is survived by his wife Afton, children Bingham (Danielle), Chet (Jill), Kyle (Ashley), Kristen (Daniel Blake), and Ginger (Spencer Anderson), seven granddaughters Claira, Cadence, Evie, Elouise, Jane, Marlowe, and Edith, his parents Neil and Louise Draper, and his four siblings Kent Draper, Peggy Barr, Susan Marshall, and Scott Draper and their spouses and children.
A viewing will be held August 25, 2023 from 6-8 pm and August 26, 2023 from 9:30-10:30 am at the Hunter West Stake Center located at 2811 South 6400 West, West Valley City, UT 84128. The funeral will be the following day, August 26, 2023, at 11 am at the same location. Interment will be held at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary.
If you have any pictures or memories you would like to share, please send them to [email protected].
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Chris Draper
Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.
Blaine and Linda Sorenson
October 13, 2023
I just found out about Chris´s passing. The obituary was very well done. Chris was more than a mechanic for us, he was our friend. He will be missed. Our condolences go out to his family and friends. Blaine and Linda Sorenson Rose Park
Rebecca Taylor
September 5, 2023
We took our cars to Chris for the last five years. I always felt like Chris was such a great friend, even though we only saw him when we brought our cars in, I felt like we mattered. I was never worried about being overcharged or being told that something was wrong with my car that wasn´t. I trusted him implicitly because he was so honest! My heart goes out to you, Afton, and your children and grandchildren! My prayers are with you, that you will receive peace and comfort with the knowledge that you will see him again. Chris made a difference wherever he went, he will surely be missed!
Rebecca Taylor
Leslie
September 3, 2023
I've lived in Rose Park for about 11 years and have taken my cars to Neil's Pro on countless occasions. Chris always remembered me and asked how I was. After I had kids, he would be sure to inquire about them, and was so friendly and kind to them if they were with me. I knew he would would always treat me and my family with honesty and respect. I'm so sad to learn of his passing. He was a force for good in the world, and his loss leaves a hole in our community. Sending my deepest condolences to his family, and gratitude for his life well-lived.
Ellen Kudla
August 31, 2023
Chris always had a big grin...that´s what I remember. Such great neighbors back in the day! So sorry, Afton, for you and your family. May Chris rest in peace and may God embrace you all with love, comfort and warmth.
Gene & Carolyn Bates
August 27, 2023
We are so sorry to hear this news. Unfortunately, we only found out this morning, upon seeing the obit in the Sunday Trib online. We would have come by the other night for sure. Please know we are thinking of you all, and the many good times we enjoyed with your family. . Gene & Carolyn Bates
Doug Harding.
August 26, 2023
Chris all ways did a great job working on our cars buy it was Chris s Smlle and pleasing attitude is what I loved ! His Kindness and recognizing our friendship over the years ! I remember when he was called to serve as Bishop I wasn´t surprised because that was how Chris was ! May Father in Heaven Bless h your Faher bless your family ! Your in our Prayers ! Love Doug Harding
Spencer Desmond
August 25, 2023
Such an amazing man. He was never shy about making sure everyone knew he was imperfect. Those of us who spent much time with him quickly found out he was much more than what he gave himself credit for. I can't describe how grateful I am for him guidance, friendship, and humor through my personal hard times.
My heart breaks for those of us left behind, but I'm comforted by the knowledge that we can meet again. There will always be people in your life that have made such an impact that they will never be forgotten. In my life story, Bishop Draper is one of those people.
I wish I could come up words to express my profound sorrow and gratitude. I have no higher hope than to be for someone else what Bishop Draper has been for me.
Shannon Sather
August 24, 2023
I am so sorry to hear of Chris passing.I haven´t seen him in many years but he and Neil and Scott were great neighbors and friends of me and my family.My Dad owned the pharmacy so we go back decades.Chris was always happy and willing to help anyone out.He comes from an amazing family and he will be missed.
Geri Carr
August 24, 2023
For years, I have taken my old car in to Neil´s every August. This year was no exception but I took it in earlier than I usually do. I told Chris that I had an article about Neil´s from the newspaper that I had saved for him. I always knew my car would be taken care of at an honest price. Chris´ passing is truly a loss to the Rose Park community. My sincerest sympathy to his family. He was truly one of the good guys.
Lynn Hanson
August 24, 2023
I knew Chris for over 30 years as a customer of his and, I hope, as a friend. He was the most honest person I ever met. I can't believe he is gone. May God look after the family.
Jeff McCollin
August 24, 2023
Unlike many I've known Chris since grade school, just like many my last words to him were thanks Chris. RIP Bro
Catherine Hampshire
August 24, 2023
Sending our Condolences to all who will miss Chris here on earth; he was truly a great and giving man from his heart, he gave his time and talents. We were many times the benefactor. With love and prayers to his family and friends and much appreciation for all he did for ours. Sincerely, Catherine Hampshire and family
Eric Royer
August 23, 2023
I served with Scott in the Washington Seattle Mission 79-80. He also worked with my nephew Bennie at the State Tax Commission. It is at times like this that it is good to be a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of latter Day Saints and know of the Plan of Salvation for his children.
Eric Royer
Karina Melchor
August 23, 2023
Consider the one that cares for your automobile like if it was theirs!!! My dad always says thank you so much for your honesty I always felt like you cared for every single one of your customers like no other thank you for all you hard work taking care of my cars and looking out for my family you told me last time I saw you don´t take too long on bringing me the titan right now I´m not that busy so take advantage remember I´m always working so don´t wait till the last minute bring it next week see you soon Chris
Richard Pietramali
August 23, 2023
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Loretta Quintana
August 23, 2023
He was super friendly and remembered me every time I went,,,my mom used to go to his shop years ago and he remembered and asked for her often,. My heart goes out to his family, I pray God wraps his loving arms around all of you and helps you through this difficult time,,,blessings to all,,,
Tiffany Sandberg
August 23, 2023
I am so sorry for your loss. Chris was an exceptional human being. I will miss his smile and kindness at Neil's
Christina Ribe
August 23, 2023
He was a good man! He helped me fix my car on few occasions. The community lost one of its greats!
Cassandra Potts
August 23, 2023
Omg . I called him John Cena to my boys when I´d send them there . Go to the guy that looks like John Cena and tell him this is wrong with the car. His name is Chris. They were so nice to us when Mike Potts got in his bike accident let me register the saturn for free. I cried all the way to pick up Michael from the hospital angels on earth .Mike paid them with lunch and one of his old collector model cars to add to the addition of collector items in the shop. I am Cassandra Potts Mikes wife .
He grabbed a piece of my heart that day and will forever have it . He Will deeply be missed my husband has been taking his card there since he was 16 in 1985 . His Mother Letha sooner than that . Our deepest sympathy to all who knew and love him .
Pam Thomson
August 23, 2023
Afton, and family
We are so so sorry for the loss of your Beloved, Husband,Dad, Grandpa, best friend.
Know you are all loved , and now being watched over by your Loved one who is now your Guardian Angel, let family, friends, neighbors and Church families, help you through these trying times.
Bishop Chris you will forever be missed, especially you CHRIST LIKE examples to many, your smiles, handshakes hugs, and asking how anyone was doing. I will always Cherish the day I went through the Temple and you were their to stand in the circle with me, you are so Loved
Until we meet again FLY HIGH WITH THE ANGELS,
Love Pam and Dennis Thomson
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