Chase Kirkham

Chase was born on June 18th, 1987 in Salt Lake City, Ut. He spent his early years in Layton Ut. and attended East Layton Elementary and Central Junior High. He spent the rest of his years in beautiful Huntsville, Ut. attending Snowcrest Junior High and graduating from Weber High School.

Chase was incredibly smart, with a very high IQ. He was easily the smartest guy in the room, but it took illness and maturity to help him realize that being smart wasn’t as important as being kind and having gratitude, especially for those who cared for him.

Chase was extremely athletic and was an amazing snowboarder, as well as enjoying paddle boarding or any outdoor activity. In the fall of 2017, he was diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrigs disease) at the young age of 29. This devastating news would go on to slowly steal his life for the next 8 years.

ALS is a terrible disease that traumatizes all who are involved but Chase handled it with remarkable courage and strength, rarely, if ever complaining. It stole the use of his legs & hands, and finally took his voice. His incredible extended family came together and bought him a “Tobii Dynavox Eyegazer,” a remarkable piece of technology that allowed him to speak with his eyes, and let him back on the internet, something he loved so much. He was even able to watch movies, listen to music, & shop, all with his eyes. It was an incredible show of love and generosity which allowed him some freedom again.

Chase is survived by his parents, Doug and Laurel Kirkham, his brother Kade Kirkham, his sister Shelby Rackham (Karson) & their son Odin, and his grandparents, Darwin & Diane Perry, along with many beloved aunts, uncles & cousins whom he cherished. He loved his family very much and was fiercely loyal. A special thank you to his brother Kade, who put his own life on hold to help care for Chase, & to Kristen Naylor who provided so much love, support & amazing care for Chase this last year and a half.

Chase did not want a funeral but he will be celebrated by his family on Memorial Day this year, which should include a crazy family volleyball game which he loved so much. We will always remember his “German backhand” and the wonderfully funny accents that he used to make us laugh.

Chase expressed his great gratitude & love for his entire family for standing with him throughout this incredibly difficult journey. Much was lost but so much was learned & found as well. It has been a truly bittersweet experience that we will never forget. Chase, please hug Andy for us all.