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Craig Decker Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Craig Decker
Susan (Thornley) Brinkerhoff
August 7, 2008
As I watched the news telling of the tragic accident of your precious son I listened to the name Decker and thought where do I know it from? Then I saw your face, Brother Decker and the memories of my 9th grade year at Butler middle school came flooding back into my mind,and my first experiences in your seminary class that planted seeds of the gospel that have stayed with me through the years. I want to thank you for that and also express my sorrow for you and your family for the loss of your son. I am sure if he was as kind and compassionate as his father he was a wonderful person and will leave beautiful memories for you until you meet with him again.
Nathan Huntsman
July 26, 2008
I met Elder Decker in the mission and he was nothing short of amazing the few times I met him he really shined above the rest with the way he carried himself and the desire to always keep fighting forward. It is a true tragedy to see a man with his charisma to leave us so early in life but we know he has not stopped working and is still helping hundreds....nay thousands of souls come to the knowledge of the true in the after life.
Laura Lopez
July 23, 2008
Decker family
I did not know Craig, however I too felt the impact of the impressions he left with his desire to teach others and his obvious positivity, and willingness to serve Heavenly Father. Great loss changes your life, as I lost my husband 2 years ago- he was 29, I feel your pain.
Your family will be in my prayers. I pray that the rest of this lifes path will be well lit for your family, as sarrow sometimes makes things dark and it seems easier to get lost. Take care of eachother. Its comforting to know that our Father has ALL the answers and in time we will be able have all our questions answered.
I look forward to meeting him. God Bless you Decker family.
Shirley Madsen
July 17, 2008
To the entire Decker family:
I was fortunate to be able to teach many of you in my 7th grade G/T core at Joel P. Jensen Middle School. Such memories came flooding back when I read about Craig and then again when the obituary notice was posted! My thoughts are with you as you begin to deal with this tremendous loss - I do know some of what you are feeling, because I lost a daughter when she was 21 years of age. This was in 1979, and there is never a day that I do not think of her and what she might have accomplished if she had lived. The pain goes away, but the loss never does.
Ken & JoAnne Jackman
July 15, 2008
To all of you in the Decker family,
What a loss....We are so very sorry for the unfortunate trial that all of you are enduring. I am amazed and comforted by all of your faith. I'm sure it has taken a great toll on all you, yet each of you have shown great courage and understanding of the Eternal plan. May your lives continue to be blessed. You will always be favorites in our book!!
Ruby Vernon
July 14, 2008
What a great kid
Craig was. All the time I have known you I have been impressed wth what a great person Craig was. I want to express my love to your family and my sorow at the hole he has left behind. May God keep you in the hollow of his hand.
Roger Marshall
July 14, 2008
Lyle, Marie & Family,
Just a note letting you of my thoughts being with you during your time of loss. I intended to come visit at the viewing but time did not allow. The memories of when I lived with mom & dad and of your family are many. hopefully your healing from your loss is full.
Tom and Judy Ure
July 13, 2008
We are so sorry! We know your pain, but we also know of your faith and the great hope that come through our Savior. The Spirit has been and will be with you to buoy you up. May the Lord grant you His choicest blessings, now and always.
Katina Harris
July 12, 2008
I knew Craig through high school. I talked to him a few times and his bright blue eyes and smile would capture anyone. He is going to be missed immensely. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Melissa Bishop
July 12, 2008
Decker Family,
I wish there was something I could say that would ease the pain of such a great loss. Craig was a wonderful person and I enjoyed being in our good ol' marching band with him in high school. I always looked up to him for his great sense of humor and wonderful outlook on life. He will be dearly missed.
Carl & Lisa Ellis
July 12, 2008
Dear Lyle & Marie,
Our deepest sympathy on the loss of Craig. We know you will rely on the spirit to strengthen and comfort you.
Rand & Nancy Rawson
July 12, 2008
Dear Lyle, Marie & family,
What a remarkable family you are. Though it's been 30 years since we've lived in your ward, our paths have crossed every once in a while. Our daughter Lindsay went to school with Craig. She and her husband were going for a Sunday evening drive last Sunday down by the boat harbor. She said that one of the boat docks was closed because they were looking for a man who had drowned the night before. She said at the time it was a beautiful evening and she thought how sad that someone had drowned, but that there was an overwhelmingly beautiful, peaceful spirit there. She was impressed that the Lord's hand was in this. It was the next day before she heard that it was Craig. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jamie Nuttall
July 11, 2008
Dear Decker family,
We moved out of the ward while Craig was on his mission. I was always touched by the love your family showed to one another. It was great to watch.
Yor family was always so willing to lend a helping hand out to us and it was very appreciated. (Especially the babysitting)
We feel your loss, but the Lord really must have needed him more. Craig gained some great adversity with the loss of his hand. The adversity must have exactly raised him to what the Lord needs. It is so refreshing to see him not take whoa is me attitude that som many others would have.
Craig will be missed by all.
Jamie (Armitage) Nuttall and family
Andrea Echols
July 11, 2008
Emily and Family,
My heart aches at the pain you must be feeling after the temporary loss of your brother and son. It has stirred many emotions in me I felt when I lost my brother. May the Lord bless and keep you. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Andrea (Bateman) Echols
Vickey & Joe Monson
July 11, 2008
Dear Marie and Lyle,
Our hearts and prayers go out to you during this time of temporary loss. Craig had a full, complete and dedicated life. He served others by his example. You have a great family. Thanks be to Heavenly Father for the Plan of Salvation. You will be together with Craig again. It will be a joyous reunion. God bless you and your great family.
Vickey and Joe Monson
Melinda Varju
July 11, 2008
Dear Decker Family,
I am really, really sad for your loss. I only know Craig through a friend of mine. He used to come to my church often, and when a fellow church member went missing Craig helped us to look for her, that was 2 years ago. In January 2007 from my roomate I learned that Craig lost his hand. I felt so bad for him. I couldn't imagine that smiling young man going through such pain. Actually, Craig was just in my mind this past week. I didn't know why I was just wondering how he is. I think it was a coincidence. And then now--Rest In Peace dear Craig I will always remember you as a smiling, kind, handsome-looking young man. It was great to know you and you are my friend.
God Bless You and Your Family,
Melinda L. Varju
Ryan Kelly
July 10, 2008
I can still remember the first time I met Craig. It was last summer at the first meeting on the service council of our BYU ward. As we were getting to know each other before the meeting, someone asked Craig about his missing hand. I anticipated an awkward moment, but instead was so impressed at how Craig handled the question. With that warm smile and glowing countenance, he told us the whole story, even throwing in some good humor and showing absolutely no bitterness to what had happened. After leaving the meeting, I walked away with a better perspective on my own personal challenges and committed myself to never have a "victim" mentality when facing life's struggles. When I grow up, I want to be like Craig Decker.
Celia Meldrum
July 10, 2008
Decker family,
I am so saddened by the loss of your beautiful son. He was always such a light in any room.
Over the years as I taught Sunday School classes he attended I was always so amazed at the knowledge and understanding he always had, even at the young age of 11! He always KNEW the right answer, the way to follow Christ.
I also wanted to share how every year through his youth as he attended scout camps with Mike, when they would return home, Mike would always say, 'Wow, that Craig Decker is an amazing kid. He is so helpful and always so happy."
I am sure at this time he has 'returned with honor' to his Heavenly Father and I am sure that Mike was one of the first in line to welcome him back to his heavenly home.
I pray you have comfort and peace until you are together again.
Lots of love to you,
Annie Kosten
July 10, 2008
Dear Decker family,
I am another stranger who has been touched by Craig's obituary. I just wrote down the seven things he lived by because I felt so inspired by his wisdom. I hope I am able to live better each day than the day before according to Craig's seven bits of wisdom. What an incredible young man. I too am grateful that your son was recovered quickly. My son would be 28 next week, but he has been missing for over seven years, and I feel certain that he has returned to Heavenly Father. I look forward to knowing what happened to my son Doug when that time comes. I'm so sorry Craig won't be with you in this life.
Sincerely, Annie Kosten
Evelyn and Family
July 10, 2008
Dear Lyle, Marie and family:
Craig was not quite 7 years old when we left West Jordan. We think with fondness how kind all your children are and wish to send you our condolences. You have many sweet memories which will comfort you I'm sure. Best wishes, Paul, Evelyn Frederick and kids.
Lisa Marie Potter
July 10, 2008
We are so sorry to read about your tragedy, there are no words to describe the pain that you are going through. We lost our son, the same age as Craig, in April, and know that it is the hardest experience ever to endure. We wish you strength, comfort, and eventual peace from the unseen realms.
With love-
Van and Lisa Potter
Jackie Kretschmann LePage
July 10, 2008
You are in our thoughts and in our prayers- Joanne kept me updated as the events unfolded - we all wish you the best
Steve and Janalee Tobias
July 10, 2008
Dear Decker Family,
I'm one of the new fans of Craig Decker. I've been a Lyle Decker fan for many years as I've observed his kindness, patriotism, devotion, and dedication to honesty in politics. Thank you for raising an exemplary family. Your family has been incredibly remarkable in handling this public loss of life and helping to soothe all of our broken hearts as we mourn with you. God bless your family.
Nancy Galt
July 10, 2008
Lynn...My heart goes out to you and your family. I never had the opportunity to meet your brother, but it sounds like he was an amazing young man. My condolences to you and your family.
D Fitzgerald
July 10, 2008
Dear Decker Family:
You don't know me, but I read about your son during the days he was lost, and went into the website where he was teaching people how to tie their shoes, open a jar, etc., with one hand, and saw what a beautiful soul that boy is. What a joy! I am wondering if so many really good people are being called "Home" because they are needed "There" and because something big is happening for us all.
I am sorry to you for your loss. Even though I didn't know your son, I feel a huge loss myself that he is not here with us. May God bless you and your family in this difficult time, as I know He is.
Jim & Sharon Bartleson
July 10, 2008
To our dear friends - Lyle & Marie & family.
It has been many years since we left Salt Lake and moved to Star Valley, WY. But our memories of all your help and sacrifices and especially friendship during and after Jim's campaign are very precious to us. It was with great sadness we first heard then read of Craigs last great challenge. We returned our first born son, Jimmy, to start his work in the Spirit World many years ago. With time, our wounds heal, but our hearts always yearn for his companionship in this life. From what is written in his obituary, you were blessed with an especially valiant spirit. I'm sure we were with him many times when he must have been 10 yrs or so. We remember Emily most of all your children. But we had then, and still do, a great respect for your exemplary family unity and commitment to all that is good. We know the Lord will surround you with ministering angels to comfort and bring peace to your hearts. We wish we could be with you on that special day as you spend your final earthly time with him. Know that our prayers and thoughts are with you now and will be through-out this week.
Jeanette Jacobs
July 10, 2008
Marie, It hit me today that this was one of your many wonderful children. I am so sorry for you and your family for the loss of Craig. If he was anything like his mom, I bet he was a sweet, loving, understanding person. I miss you tons!
Wayne John
July 10, 2008
Lyle;I am so sorry for your loss. Isn't it wonderful to know, as both you and Marie know, that this loss won't last forever.
Sharie OwYoung
July 10, 2008
What an amazing young man. I do not know Craig but have watched his story through the media. I feel connected to him in two ways. One being that I was born without my left hand and admired his strength and positive attutide he has had about losing his. Also sadly I can feel your pain a little as I lost my father to a drowning when I was only 10 years old. I am relieved that Craig's body was found so quickly. My father was missing for 2 1/2 years before his body was recovered. It was the hardest thing I have ever endured. I wish your family all the best. Be sure to live on through your memories of Craig. Don't let his spirit die.
Dick and Evelyn Walker
July 10, 2008
Dear Lyle and Marie & Family:
We express our sincere and heartfelt sympathy for you for the loss of your beloved son. We share your feelings since we lost a son in an industrial accident two years ago. May the God of the universe pour out His love and comforting spirit on everyone at this time is our prayer.With love, Dick and Evelyn Walker
Pauline Mortensen
July 10, 2008
I had met Craig on only a few occassions but noticed even then his positive outlook and smile. I didn't really know him but work with Lyle. Lyle & Marie, I believe all the good things that Craig was and aspired to be were a reflection of the seeds planted and nurtured by a loving family. You have alot to be proud of. Thinking of you all at this time.
Sue Lopez
July 10, 2008
Dear Decker Family,
I never knew Craig, in this life, but hope to in the next, to tell him what an inspiration he was to me. Reading his “goals” in his obituary, that was powerful, and touched me profoundly. I can only imagine how he touched the life of those that were blessed enough to “know” him. May the Lord comfort you at this time, I've had you in my prayers.
Jackie Applebury
July 10, 2008
Wow! What a dynamic individual. I love his outlook on life. I wish I could have known him.
Vicki Bennion
July 9, 2008
Marie and Lyle, so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers have been with your family the past several days as you were awaiting the recovery of Craig's body. You've been a great example to us with your faith and strength.
The last time I saw Craig was when he was a young boy, about middle school age, when our daughter, Bethanie and Craig were taking a track class at Copperhills H.S.
I've watched all of Craig's you-tube videos and I was so impressed. What a good-looking, caring young man.
May your family continue to find peace in this tragedy and know that there are so many people who care so much about your family.
Cal & Vicki Bennion
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