My Big Brother

My brother was awesome. He was nearly perfect from the day he was born till the night he passed at the age of 27. Growing up, I drove him crazy. I was 18 months younger. He was quiet and focused and I was talkative and scatter brained. I always felt like I understood him. I think he and I have many of the same qualities, abilities and characteristics. He was just so much better at putting them to good use.

My brain is mush right now so instead of trying to write something that flows well, I am just going to list some things I admire most about Skylar.

My dad always expected a lot of him and he came through above those expectations and never once complained.

Skylar was the hardest worker I have ever met. He didn't stop something he had started until it was finished and done exactly right.

He could do anything, build anything, fix anything.

He was always physically active and very fit. Laziness and doing things haphazardly were his pet peeves. I am going to use him as my inspiration...wish me luck.

He served a 2 year mission in Guatemala. I don't think he enjoyed very much of it but would have never chosen not to go, even in hindsight. His testimony was solidified, he learned to love all of Heavenly Father's children, and learned Spanish.

His persistence and determination were remarkable. He was not naturally the best athlete but worked harder than anyone on any team. He also tested and interviewed for 4 years before being hired on to the Tempe Fire Department. I can't imagine being turned down over and over for the same job and having the strength to keep trying.

He never let his size hold him back from anything. He was only 5'7" at best.

He never wavered in the Gospel.

In high school he would of rather spent everyday doing wild and crazy guy stuff with his buddies than be on one date with a girl. This made him far less annoying to me since he liked all of my friends.

When my parents moved to Utah and I was living on my own, he called regularly to check on me and make sure that my vehicle was being maintained.

He was willing to help anyone with anything.

He married a sweet girl in the temple and had 3 of the cutest kids you'll ever see. He was a very involved father, was patient and helpful around the house, and loved taking his family on outdoor adventures. He was so respectful to Kari always. He was the husband and father that girls dream of and hope to find.

I will never forget the phone conversation I had with Kari on that Tuesday morning when she told me my brother had been killed. It was the most devastating moment in my life. I have never felt such pain, heartache, sadness. I was so sad and concerned for Kari and the kids. I was so upset that I wasn't going to get to see Skylar again in this life. I was so sad that my parents had lost a son in the prime of his young life. I am so grateful for the knowledge I have with the Gospel and Plan of Salvation. Skylar was a good, strong and pure individual. We didn't have to worry or wonder for a second if he was in the right place in life when he was taken. I know I will see Skylar again and I know that he is doing something very important right now. I don't know how people with out the faith of eternal life could even motivate themselves to continue on after something like this happens. I am so lucky.


Some of the firefighters Skylar worked with as well as some Tempe police officers he knew came out to his house to put up Christmas lights and decorations for Kari and the kids. They were so excited. There have been countless acts of service offered, big and small. It has all been noted and appreciated more than anyone knows.

Skylar's Firefighting turnouts rode on his fire engine's front bumper from the church to the cemetery. They are now beautifully displayed in a life size wood and glass case that my uncle and cousins handmade.

Skylar's casket was a fire engine. He would have thought it was ridiculous and over the top, I'm sure. I thought it was awesome and his kids loved it. They called it Daddy's fire truck. It helped mellow the creepiness usually associated with the classic powder blue/grey caskets.


This was "The ringing of the last bell", a ceremonial tribute for firefighters. Skylar was granted a full ceremonial funeral, procession, and burial, despite not dying while on duty. This is extremely rare and further proves the quality of his character and impact he had on everyone he associated with. It was by far the most special and inspirational service I have ever been to.

This is Henry. He was the man who was with Skylar when he died. Skylar and Kari own a house in Mesa and Henry is their renter. He always wanted to learn how to hunt so Skylar was teaching him on this trip. He is a sweet man who will forever be a part of our family now. He saluted Skylar as the casket was being lowered.

I'm so glad we were able to get some family pictures taken when we were all together in July this year.

I will always have sadness but I will always have peace. My brother was the best. I love you Skylar and look forward to the day I get to see you again.