Make every second count, for it may be your last. That's all I seem to have gotten out of my sisters passing so far. It's been a few weeks now, and it still doesn't seem real. I'm still stunned every time I think of her. How could she possibly be gone? How? If you've not heard, my sweet sister Kristi passed away from a massive stroke September 22, 2011. The Stroke was caused by birth control pills, which is unusual, but not unknown to happen.
Kristi G. Bringhurst Clark
1970 ~ 2011
Our sweet wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend Kristi G. Bringhurst Clark, age 40, passed away in Salt Lake City, Utah on Thursday, September 22, 2011 following complications of a massive stroke.
Kristi was born November 20, 1970 in Murray, Utah to Vickie Dawn Dorman and Gary P. Bringhurst. She graduated from Davis High School, 1989 and was a barber by trade. She married Anson Bowen Clark, November 28, 1989 in Farmington, Utah. Their son Anson Bowen was the light of her life. She enjoyed rollerblading, tennis, hiking and being outdoors. Kristi loved a joke, piano, music, and was artistic. Kristi was a kind, gentle, loving, and generous woman who brought happiness and joy to those in her presence. She was a devoted wife, mother, and daughter. She is loved dearly and will be missed profoundly. She gave to all who knew her and was an organ and tissue donor in death.
She is survived by her husband, Anson Bowen Clark, their son, Anson Bowen, Farmington, her mother Vickie Dawn Dorman (Steve), father Gary P. Bringhurst (Sandy), siblings, Tiffany E. Gatten (Rick), Jason Bringhurst (Jen), Star Jaques (Jeff), Steven (Emilee), step siblings Jeni Newson, Mandi Young (Brent), Ashley Holcomb (Nate), and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by her sister Amber and brother Ryan.
A celebration of Kristi's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Friday, September 30 at the LDS Farmington Fairway Chapel, 1533 North 1075 West, Farmington, Utah.
Kristi has been with me almost all of my life. She's only 18 months younger than I am. My whole life I've known what she's been up to, what her plans were, where she physically was, and now.... It's like I'm missing the right arm that I've always had...
I had the importunity to speak at my sisters funeral, and talk to everyone there about what I thought of her and how much I loved her. She was a wonderful sister, and person. I know she struggled through life, but it never changed the basic person she was - Funny, Compassionate, Giving, Loving, Strong, Smart, Graceful, Brave. She was all that and so much more. I'm so thankful she was my sister. We had such good times together.
I guess the next few months will be the hardest for my family to get through. I know her son, Bowen, and her husband Anson Clark miss her very much as well. The holidays that my sister loved so much will be the times I miss her most of all. She brightened even the most brilliant lights of Christmas. But, we have no choice, we must move on without her, however her memory will shine on in all of those who knew her. We'll always cherish those sweet memories.
Kristi was an organ donor. She passed on her heart, both her kidney's and her spleen to others in desperate need. I'm glad part of her lives on. I know she would be happy to have given to others this one last time, her final gift to others.
Here is her life in review if you've not seen it on youtube. Just click on her name below.
Kristi Bringhurst Clark 1970 -2011
The following are some of my favorite picture memories of my dear sweet sister.
Tiffany (me), Vickie (our mother), and Kristi. Kristi's first Christmas. Not that I remember much about this picture, it's more the tree in the back ground I remember. Kristi and I spent many an hour looking at our grandmother's Christmas tree. Our grandmother had the best ornaments. Ones with little scenes inside of them. They were magical. Kristi loved Christmas trees, and she owned the last of our grandmother's ornaments.
Kristi and I dressed alike. We often dressed alike because our mother had control over our fashion for many a year. I remember these blue coats, so soft. We both loved them.
Dressed alike again.
And again,
And again. The last two pictures are of us in our Christmas pajamas, alike most years. We looked forward to opening them every Christmas Eve. Kristi loved pajamas.
Kristi, Teri (her friend), Tiffany (me), Brenda (my friend). Kristi and I played a lot together as children, as most sisters do. We shared friends often such as Teri and Brenda who were sisters also. We played house, dolls, barbies, and skated, but one of our favorite ways to pass time was a game we called Charlie. Charlie was a monkey (our brother Ryan.) We'd send him up a tree and make him have a monkey time out. He couldn't come down, and Kristi and I would engage in some other play with him safely out of the way and under our control.
Tiffany (me), Ryan (our brother), and Kristi. I remember this day like it was yesterday. It was our first day at a new school. We'd moved to Kaysville from Granger Ut, and we were a little scared, but boy we loved our new outfits. Kristi hated new school clothes, but these cut off pants and short sleeve shirts weren't the long pants and sweaters she hated wearing on the long, hot first days of school.
Kristi, and Tiffany (me). I shared a bedroom with Kristi for many years, even after I had a room of my own and no longer need to share with her. She hated sharing a room with me. She wanted to be an only child. She hated how messy I was. We had more fights over our messy room than over anything else.
Kristi, Tiffany (me), Ryan (our brother). I remember our first time out skiing. She sat down on her butt and slid to the bottom of the hill with my brother while I coward at the top. I wished that I could be so brave. She was a little dare devil.
Kristi, Tiffany (me), and Star (our sister). I remember our summer vacations to Disneyland. This picture is on Disney's Main St. We loved riding the rides, eating frozen chocolate covered bananas, and all that is magical about Disneyland. Kristi had quite an imagination.
Kristi, and Bowen (her son). Kristi wanted to be a mother so badly. She loved babies. She was so proud of her son. She thought he was the most brilliant, beautiful child ever born. She talked non stop about him all the time. I'm so happy she had that opportunity. It meant everything to her.
Kristi, and Anson (her husband). It seems like just yesterday they were this young. I remember how much fun they had together. I remember their first little place they lived in by Anson's dad's house. She was proud to be on her own. I loved to visit her, and see how happy she was.
Tiffany (me), Kristi, Vickie (our mom). This picture is the hardest for me to post. I have to look through tears to write about it because it's when I'll miss her most. She was so much fun to be with. She always made jokes, and tried to make the best, most artistic cookie. She helped the little kids and licked her fingers when she wasn't supposed to. Man, I'll miss her singing Christmas carols.
Kristi, and Tiffany (me). Happy Halloween Kristi, and Happy Birthday Ryan. I miss you both.