A couple of weeks ago our bishop gave an outstanding talk on all the different people who have influenced his life for the good. It really got me thinking about the many wonderful people who have touched my life: parents, grandparents, in-laws, siblings, step-parents, friends, church leaders, etc.
Yesterday I learned that one of those people, an influence for the good in my life, was killed tragically in a small plane crash, near the area in Utah that I grew up in. Kim Acton, 51, was my boss for about 5 summers, and during the school year after volleyball season. He was such a fun guy to be around. I learned so much from him...how to work hard, how to play hard, how to take jokes, and how to pull some pretty good pranks. He was a devoted husband, and father to 5 children. I loved watching him with his wife, Debbie. You could just see how much he absolutely adored her, by watching his face light up when she and the kids came in the restaurant to visit him. I felt honored that Kim and Debbie would take time from their busy schedules to come to St. George to be at my wedding.
One thing that sticks out in my head was that his was one of the only restaurants in our small town open on Sundays. We all had to take our turns working shifts, and would often beg him to close on Sundays. But, those were the busiest, most lucrative days we worked, so more often than not, we started begging to work Sundays because we knew we would make lots of tips those days. Finally, he decided to close on Sundays and soon after was called to be the Bishop of his ward. He would always joke that he was going to open the restaurant back up so they would release him:)
The kids from Blanding all loved Kim. Every home game during football season, he would feed the whole team lunch. The full-time missionaries in town knew that there was always a free meal waiting for them. I think he just made people feel so welcome and loved, that he was always surrounded by people who thought the world of him. He was such a genuine man! I hope that his wife and children (one of whom is on a mission right now) will find comfort during this hard time. My thoughts and prayers are with them.
Brian Bayles, 33, was a co-worker of mine at Kim's restaurant. He was also always happy and joking around. He was friends with everyone! He left behind a wife and 4 young children. Again, I hope that they will find some peace.
The other man, Eric Johnson, was older than me, so I didn't know him as well, but I knew his younger sisters. I know that he was a good man and loved his family. He also left behind a wife and 4 young children.
Growing up in Blanding, a small town of about 3,100 people, something this tragic impacts everyone. There are two stakes in the Blanding area, but all three of these men were in the same ward. I can't imagine how hard this time will be for their families. One thing I know for sure, is that they will be taken care of. It's times like these that I wish I didn't live so far away. I wish there was something more I could do to help out. Click here to view an article about these men and what happened.
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About Me
- Aundrea
- I'm a thirty-something stay at home mom of three girls and one boy. I've been married to an incredibly handsome, hardworking man for the past (going on) fifteen years. I love my family and friends. They are the world to me. I like to read good books and cook good food.
17 comments:
You made me cry all over again! I have so many great memories of Kim and Brian at the Elk Ridge...seriously there was no greater boss in the world. I remember one time he took Klea, Brian, and I (I think JJ may have been there too...can't remember) to a football game in Richfield. He never really seemed like an adult...although we all respected him like crazy.
Brian was just a great big teddy bear....I don't think I've ever seen him without a smile on his face!
Then...Eric...who I was actually the closest to out of the 3 of them. It is just so tragic...Bryan was telling me last night that he can't remember one memory in highschool that didn't have Eric in it. We are praying for these families. I'm so glad that even though we're all former residents of Blanding...we know that we are still bonded together. Thanks for sharing your thoughts Aundrea! xoxo
I really can feel for you, when I have lost very close friends I always am reflective of how they added to my life. You are very lucky to have known such great men and what peace the gospel brings about where these great people are right now, but it still hurts and they are so missed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and reminding us of the influence we all have on each other. Love you lots!!!!!
My heart goes out to all the families. It does affect everyone in a small community, even if you have been away for a while. They are all in our prayers.
I'm so sorry for your loss, Aundrea. After reading your post and the article...they sounded like such amazing men. What a beautiful tribute you have written for them. My thoughts and prayers go out to their families and friends.
I am so sorry. I can't even imagine. My thoughts and prayers go out to those families, too.
How sad and tragic. It really sucks when things happen so suddenly like this. It makes you realize how fragile life is and that it can be gone in a second. It makes you hug those around you a little extra more don't you think?
I was absolutely shocked when I heard what had happened. So tragic to lose three great men. Even though I didn't know them on a personal level, I remember them all very well. My brother was so upset when he heard the news. I hope their families are able to get through this ok. I can't imagine what they must be feeling. So sad!
Aundrea, when I read about this tragedy on one of Utah's news channel's internet site, I wondered if you would be impacted by this, being from Blanding. I know we don't know each other that well, but I want to you to know how sorry I am for your loss. My prayers are with you and the families of those who lost their lives. -Lezlie
Thanks for writing such great comments about these men. It is so hard that there is nothing we can do for them. I just hope that their families can find peace. I just saw Brain the other day, he was so happy that Patio was doing so well. They all will be missed so much.
You said everything so beautifully Audrea; it's impossible to grasp what these families are going through but you're right about Blanding, it's a place where they will be comforted, loved, and looked after. Thanks for your thoughts.
What a horrible tragedy. I couldn't imagine having something like that happen to my husband. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. It makes me realize I need to cherish each day with those I love.
How sad! I am so sorry for your loss...
Kim was a great friend to my dad. I always stood on the sidelines with my dad at the mhs/sjhs football games, to take pictures. Kim would be there with us to raz us about getting creamed. He always had something nice to say to me though. He was such a good man. We too are praying for all their families.
I wondered if you knew them when they reported this on the news. Every time I hear about Blanding I think of you--I am just sorry it wasn't good news this time.
I'm so sorry, Aundrea. What a sad loss to face, especially for their families, and their ward back home. What a beautiful tribute this way, and to share how they have influenced you.
Thank you for sharing your sweet and tender thoughts. I am so grateful for all the good people that influenced your life for good, and how they helped you become the wonderful person you are today. This is such a sad event. I know their families will be comforted, but the loss is so great.
It's such a hard thing to wrap your head around, such loss and tradegy. Three great men who influenced so many people we know and love. I pray for everyone effected by this horrible accident. I hope their wives and children will find peace.
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