Obituary: THOMAS, CHRISTOPHER

Christopher R. Thomas 1973 ~ 2011 Christopher R. Thomas, almost 38, closed his eyes for the last time on January 14, 2011. As he stepped to the other side, his friend Scott and his dog Maynard were smiling in welcome. He ran to meet them and laughed when he realized he was free from the pain that had limited his life for years. Chris loved animals, especially dogs. His last months were blessed with the responsibility of caring for his dog, Keenyn, who he loved mightily. As dogs do, Keenyn provided the unconditional love that gave Chris the courage to get up every day. Chris lived his last days in serenity. He displayed unending dignity as he faced his challenges, and he died peacefully at home. Chris was born on February 10, 1973, but his real life began a month later when his parents, Richard and Diane adopted him. He is survived by his parents, Richard Thomas and Diane Brewster-Norman and his step-parents Rochelle Thomas and Michael Norman. He is also survived by his grandparents, Wayne and Ethel Brewster; his sisters Jayme Gabaldon and Heidi Ransdell; his uncles William and Robert Thomas, and Jed Brewster and his aunt, Claudia O'Brien; his cousins Jessica Ellsworth, and Trevor and Kevin Thomas; and his beloved little dog, Keenyn. Services: February 5, 2011. Visitation, 11:00 a.m., Service, 12:00 p.m., Mountain View Memorial Mortuary, 3115 East 7800 South, Cottonwood Heights Utah 84121. Open microphone for those who wish to share remembrances. In lieu of flowers, please donate to Best Friends Animal Sanctuary, www.bestfriends.org or to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 132 S. 600 East, Salt Lake City, UT 84102, www.jdrf.org (select donate now, then memorial, then Utah Chapter).