Deseret News | Boys to men: Anniversary of boy's death

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Boys to men: Anniversary of boy's death

WONDERFUL STORY | 6:57 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

THANKS THAT WAS A WONDERFUL STORY TO READ.

WHAT A GREAT YOUNG MAN HE MUST HAVE BEEN/BE... TO HAVE BEEN CALLED HOME AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE,EVEN THOUGH IT CAUSES THOSE LEFT BEHIND PAIN AND SORROW. WHAT A BLESSING TO LEAVE THIS MORTAL LIFE AT SUCH A YOUNG AGE.

Inspiring! | 8:05 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Truly Inspiring!!

Valeen | 11:51 p.m. Aug. 12, 2009

Wow! That is an awesome story. What great friends. You can not find better friends than that. What neat men! Watching a friend die is no easy thing. But what these friends did and continue to do to honor thier friend! COOL!

Comments continue below

Jason | 12:35 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

So, so good.

ValGal | 7:12 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

Great story. I love the look of the rocks. Where do you get them engraved like that? Very cool

Finally | 7:43 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

A great story! Best one of the day!

Worth Reading | 7:59 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

Not only worth reading, but worth sharing with others. Gave me an increased appreciation for the friendships I had at that age and have held close for so many years.

Linda | 8:12 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

I too loved this story! My son had a good friend and teammate diagnosed with cancer at the end of his Jr. year of high school. A group of guys from the basketball team spent countless hours in that boy's bedroom and also in the hospital keeping company and making each other laugh. They too bonded for life!

Fortunately, my son's friend went into remission and was able to graduate with his friends this past June. Now all the guys are going their separate ways, but that bond will always remain.

Thanks | 8:59 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

Greeat story - very much needed.

Natalie (Whisenant) Collins | 9:26 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

I sobbed reading that story! My brother, Wade Whisenant, was one of Cameron friends. Those guys LOVED Cameron and NEVER felt it a "duty" to visit Cameron---rather a delight and a privilege. I love that Carolyn took another "rock" picture. Her love for Cameron's friends has been amazing. The Westenskow's have always been so happy for each of Cameron's friends as they go through life's achievements and special events. "Cam's Rock Garden" is a fantastic way to celebrate Cameron's life!!!

bob | 9:29 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

Thank you for the feeling that friendships count and last even when those who are friends must be be separated for a time. We can never have too many real friends. BEE A GOOD FRIEND

Shauna | 9:32 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

I loved this story. Thank you for showing us the positive side of young people today!

Texas DN reader | 9:34 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

Thanks for a great story. Elaine Jarvik is one of the best writers in any newspaper in the country. We love to read her articles. It is a breath of fresh air to find these kinds of uplifting stories about extraordinary people in a newspaper. Thank you!!

Jenny | 9:36 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

This was an inspiring and touching story. I am glad to see an uplifting story like this in the news. Thank you for such a heart warming, well written article.

Jamie | 9:58 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

I needed this uplifting story of love and friendship today. Although it brought tears to my eyes it has reminded me of all the goodness and love there is in the world. Thank you to the Westenskow's for sharing. And thank you to those young men for keeping Cameron happy in his last days and remaining close to his family. Hooray for you all!!

A wonderful change... | 10:35 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

...to read a story that is NOT about murder, rape, robbery or war! I loved this article, and thought it was touching that each of the friends, as they got engaged, wanted to show their fiancees "the room", which for them had almost become a hallowed spot in their lives. There is too little of friendship and compassion today.

Keith & Pam | 11:21 a.m. Aug. 13, 2009

We have witnessed this amazing demonstration of friendship,love & devotion as Tyler Walker's parents. Cameron lives in the hearts of all of these young men and we are so proud of them and the the profound example they set through their loving actions in remembrance of their wonderful friend!

Cindy | 12:08 p.m. Aug. 13, 2009

Thanks! Great story. The only thing missing is the picture of the teenage boys with their rocks, to compare with the present day one. Can you get that on here?

Somber witness | 1:48 p.m. Aug. 13, 2009

I didn't know Cam personally, but I knew many of his friends. The impact that he had on everyone at Highland during his time there will not soon be forgotten. He was a truly great man and an inspiration to many.

CB | 3:07 p.m. Aug. 13, 2009

This story was truly inspirational. Young men can gather without causing damage, stealing, vandalizing or causing injury to others. Cameron might have had his life shortened but his influence has left a lifetime of memories for those who remain behind.

Allie | 3:33 p.m. Aug. 13, 2009

I love you Cam!!!! What an amazing group of friends you have :)

Great men | 4:01 p.m. Aug. 13, 2009

What a wonderful group of young men. They were great friends years ago and from this article I can tell that they are the kind of men now that our world needs more of. Wow!

Greg | 5:59 p.m. Aug. 13, 2009

Cool! Made my day. Reminds us of what is truly important in life.

Boise/Pam | 10:39 p.m. Aug. 13, 2009

What a fine group of young men. They learned early part of the reasons we are here and what we are to learn. Sounds like Cam has a wonderful family. Thanks for lifting my spirits.

Old friend | 10:47 p.m. Aug. 13, 2009

I never met Cam, but I met a number of his friends later. They are a wonderful group of guys. I haven't seen them in years, but I was always impressed with them and everything I heard about Cam. I am so glad to hear they are still so close and remember all the lessons Cameron taught them. This story brought tears to my eyes.

Benjamin Rigby(aka cousin) | 3:03 p.m. Aug. 16, 2009

I know that Cameron is in a better place where that he doesn't have to suffer through pain and suffering anymore. But, It's hard on his family and loved ones that he left behind to know that they will be able to feel his loving spirit when that they go through the temple. This article made me cry also to know that there are caring people and friends in todays' world that are there to help us no matter what trials or tribulations that we are going through in our lives. Rest in peace Cam. You are an awesome friend and cousin. Also, take good care of Grandma Carol, Grandpa Paul, Aunt Trish, Uncle Dee, my brothers, and Uncle Alan up in heaven ok big guy.

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11 photos

Michael Brandy, Deseret News

Nine childhood friends of the late Cameron Westenskow created a rock garden named Cam's Garden at Cameron's home in Salt Lake City Monday. The friends and family got together to remember Cameron, who died 10 years ago.

Gallery (11 photos)

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Boys to men: Anniversary of boy's death

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Boys to men: Anniversary of boy's death