Obituary: Joshua Sam Kresser

Joshua Sam Kresser 1981 ~ 2006 Joshua Sam Kresser, 25, loving son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin and friend to many, passed away peacefully in his sleep on September 30, 2006 in Costa Mesa, California. Josh and his twin brother, Jake, were born on September 29, 1981 in Salt Lake City to Sandra Souvall and Layne Kresser. Josh graduated from Judge Memorial Catholic High School in 2000. Josh loved bowling, golfing, and hanging out with his friends. He had a passion for music and spent many hours a day listening to his favorite bands. One thing prominent about Josh is that he always cared for other people - a twinkle in his eye that shined through his darkest times. Part of it stemmed from his adventurous spirit and his unforgettable comedic timing. Another part of it was his unleashed potential waiting to share joy and overcome sorrow with those he loved. The last two and a half years of Josh's life he suffered and was held captive by a very dangerous addiction to prescription drugs. He tried very hard to break the chains of his disease, but in the end was unable to overcome it. Josh is survived by his heartbroken family. His parents, his brothers Jake (Carrie), and Alex and his sister Amy. His grandparents, Mary S. Souvall, Donna and Del Kresser of St. George, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Preceded in death by his grandfather Sam W. Souvall. The family would like to thank Dr. Lewis Hancock, Dr. John Burnham, Dr. Christopher Gay, Larry, Johnny O, the staff at The Journey at Willowcreek, Sundance Center and Sober Living By The Sea for their care, compassion, treatment and dedication to Josh's recovery. They also would like to thank Josh's many friends who continually gave their love and support to Josh, as well as to us. To all the friends that Josh made in the rehabs he was in, stay strong, keep moving forward and wait for the miracle. The miracle of God's transforming love and power. Know that Josh's, as well as our, thoughts and prayers are with you all. Viewing will be held Thursday, October 5, 2006 from 6 to 8 pm at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church (5335 So. Highland Drive). A prayer service will be held at 7:30 p.m. Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 6, 2006 at 11 am at Prophet Elias. Interment will be at Mount Olivet Cemetery. The services will be under the direction of Wasatch Lawn Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests contributions be made to Drug Talk (3300 North Running Creek Way, Lehi, UT, 84043) a non-profit organization dedicated to helping families protect themselves against the serious threat of drugs. Sweet Joshy, you and Papou take good care of each other. We love you very much and are so glad that God blessed us with you. May your memory be eternal.