Obituary: Craig Hammond Decker

Craig Hammond Decker

11/22/82 ~ 7/5/08

It is with tender feelings that family and friends bid farewell to our beloved Craig, who died while sailing with his parents at Utah Lake. Craig Hammond Decker, 25, was born November 22, 1982 in Murray, Utah to Lyle and Marie Decker. He was a vibrant young man who was loved and respected by the many people whose lives he touched.

An Eagle Scout, he graduated from West Jordan High in 2001. He and Mark Hendricks were Drum Majors of the school's award winning marching band where he learned to inspire and lead with love. His loving leadership continued as he served as a missionary and branch president in the Argentina Neuquen mission, as a youth counselor for EFY, and as a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

In Jan. 2007 he lost his right hand in a fireworks accident. He said, "I will not be a victim." Two days later he returned to his studies at BYU in Neuroscience. Craig overcame his trials with optimism and ingenuity, and continues to be an inspiration to many people through his YouTube videos under "captaindanger384."

In spite of personal difficulties he sought to bring love, light, laughter and faith to more people than ever imagined. His life was an active expression of his faith in the Savior, Jesus Christ. His written personal goals were: 1. People are always more important. 2. Do what you need to do when you need to do it, whether you want to or not. 3. I am not a victim, ever. 4. Purity is power. 5. Leave it better than when you found it. 6. Life is a joy, a journey in becoming like my Heavenly Father. 7. Live with purpose.

Craig is survived by his parents, Lyle B. and Marie (Error) Decker, his brothers and sisters, Joanne, Emily, David and Heidi (Vriens), Lynn, Kevin, and Shelley Decker, his grandmother, Bertha K. Error and numerous loving extended family.

A tribute website at www.craig-decker.com has been created to remember this remarkable young man. Donations to the Craig Decker Legacy Trust and Scholarship Fund can be made at any Key Bank or at donations@craig-decker.com through PayPal.

We extend our deepest gratitude to the many selfless and compassionate staff and volunteers of the search and rescue effort. Thank you also for the many prayers and kind words offered in our behalf.

All are welcomed to attend a visitation Friday, July 11, 2008 from 6-8 p.m. at the Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 1007 W. South Jordan Pkwy (10600 S.) South Jordan, Utah. Funeral services will be held Saturday July 12, 2008, 11:00 a.m. at the LDS chapel located at 7265 S. 2700 W. West Jordan, Utah, with visitation one hour prior. Interment, West Jordan City Cemetery, 1300 W. 7800 S. Online condolences at www.jenkins-soffe.com