Garett Cantrell

Garett Gregory Cantrell
1994 - 2018

On Friday morning, April 6, 2018 our precious little warrior, our spiritual giant, Garett Gregory Cantrell snuck back to the open loving arms of his Heavenly Father.  He left us on his own terms, healthy, happy and whole.  Garett was a fighter from the beginning. He surprised us all arriving on a beautiful spring day, on March 24, 1994.  His first hospitalization was after being home for 8 hours.  He was a frequent flier at the “hotel on the hill” and his parents quickly learned the ins and outs of the halls at Primary Children’s Hospital.  Garett is foremost a teacher, but also a missionary, sharing hope, peace and unconditional love with all that he came in contact with.  He has many friends and we are still learning of all that he accomplished in his short, yet meaningful lifetime.

Garett was born with a rare primary immune disorder requiring a bone marrow transplant to save his life.  At 20 months old our sweet Garett suffered a life altering brain injury during the transplant changing things forever.  The beautiful little boy who walked in the hospital was wheeled out after 7 months’ inpatient.  This is when we began his trek through the world of rehab and special education.  Through his 24 years Garett bravely endured surgeries, therapies, and countless other medical battles.  He was a fighter and defeated every single one of them.  We want to thank all the medical staff who have ever served Garett throughout the years, especially the BMT Unit at PCH, Dr. Mary Burton, and Dr. Gregory Daynes.

It is here that he had his greatest impact as he quickly began his teaching career.  Garett is a very social young man, who loved to be with others.  He flourished while attending Butler Elementary and later South Jordan Middle School.  Garett had the unique opportunity to spend 7 full and rich years at Bingham High School where he met and loved so many.  After graduation he had the privilege of joining the crew at Bear-O Care Services for People with Multiple Disabilities, which brought a lot of comfort to his parents, enjoyment to Garett and enlarged his friend circle yet again.

Garett loved music, Harry Potter, The Lion King and snuggles at any time of the day and always would hold your hand for hours.  He loved hiking and traveling with his family, going to movies, and just being with others.  He tolerated trips and outings on the boat with his crazy parents who thought he needed to experience all that life had to offer him.

Garett is loved fiercely by his parents Gregory and Connie Cantrell and his brothers and best friends, Caleb and Kamden Cantrell, Quinn Sam Swanson, and little sister Mika.  He was tenderly cared for by his dear Mammaw Judy and Papa Noel Cantrell.  He is lovingly watched over by his grandparents Kathy and Larry Almond, Larry Vise and Aunts Debbie (Darwin), Cami (Russ), Beckie, Angie, and Uncle Kendrick (Heather).  His sweet cousins Tanner, Chalise, Jace, Jax, Izzy, Forrest, Chantel, Spencer, Katie, Chelsea, Ellie and Macie also added so much depth to his life.  He leaves behind a legacy of angels who were sent to care for us, and who loved and cared for him, too numerous to name, however, each and every one of you are remembered and individually touched our lives for the good.

Where much was taken, so much more was given.  Garett has touched so many lives and we don’t want to forget any of the stories.  Please take a moment to share your sweet moments with him so that we can relive them in the difficult days to come.  Please go to thoughtsofgarett@gmail.com to share your memories and experiences of him so we can revisit him when we need to remember.

Garett’s meaningful life will be celebrated at a viewing on Tuesday, April 10th at Cannon Mortuary (2460 East Bengal Blvd. (7600 South) from 6-8:00 pm.  A viewing will also be held from 10:00-10:45 on Wednesday morning with a funeral service beginning at 11:00 am at the River 9th Ward house (11473 S. Chapel View Drive, South Jordan).  Interment will be held at the South Jordan City Cemetery shortly afterwards.  Please join us and we celebrate our amazing son, brother, grandson, friend and teacher.