Orion Gunderson passed away on Sep 30th. Please consider making a donation to Orion's parents to help cover funeral costs & a portion of the hospital bills in this time of tragedy.
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We have been so exhausted, trying to process what has happened to our sweet, sweet boy Orion. We are terribly saddened by his loss. Words cannot begin to explain what we are feeling. The pain has been almost unbearable. I would feel selfish if I did not let all those who have reached out to us know how humbled we feel by your love, concern and selfless acts of kindness. We are so blown away! We truly wouldn't be able to carry this burden alone. I was so scared to come home and face reality. Scared to be in our home that felt so void of life without our boy. That fear was swallowed up with feeling of love and peace as we entered our neighborhood. There was a feeling of love hanging over our house and neighborhood. We had no idea that so many have, and continue to give of themselves to help us through our grief. So many kind deeds have been done in our behalf that we aren't aware of them all. I just want everyone to know that your love has gotten us through the hardest days that we have had to face so far. I am sorry that I haven't been able to personally thank you all. Many of you, strangers and friends alike, have served without my knowledge, but I hope that you know it means the world to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!!
--The Gunderson Family
Orion Blaine Gunderson, born July 7, 2002, beloved son, grandson, brother, cousin, friend, cornerback, and hobbit has been called home. And though his time on Earth was a moment, in that moment he, like lightning, brightened the world.
The twinkle. When Orion was happy, when he saw something he liked, or especially when he thought he was being funny, you saw it. His eyes lit up. And his sweet, barely contained smile, found its way to your face before you knew it was there.
Orion had a lot to smile about. He was voted class president for his first month of 6th grade (winning on the platform of “Vote for me, because I’m awesome.”) Teancum Fuga committed to play at BYU. After much barefoot training, his goal of hobbit-tough feet was coming to pass. He was given the moniker of Navy Seal at scouts, because his physical fitness became legendary. He was a stalwart in the Hidden Hollow Running Club. He scored his first touchdown in football on an amazing go-route catch. And, he confessed to his mother that he, in fact, was beginning to like school (he just hated homework.)
The morning of the accident, Orion had cleaned the kitchen, dressed for church, and then got his baby brother, Bryce, ready to go as well. Without even being asked. But that was him; that was Orion’s character. He loved. From the wooden sword he made his cousin Hyrum to help him fight through his challenges, to getting his little brother into his Sunday best, Orion quietly yet consistently delivered kindness. His “play it cool” exterior didn’t fool anyone, least of all his family.
Orion will be missed, more than can be said, by his parents, Matt and Heather Gunderson; his brothers, Zachary, Logan, and Bryce; his sister, Isabella; his grandparents, Terrie and Wayne Gunderson and Lora Lee and M.J. Hopkins, and his many aunts and uncles, cousins, and friends. But the sorrow they feel is lightened by the knowledge that through Heavenly Father’s plan they will be with Orion again.
Until that time, all who know Orion also know that it is his time to Rise and Shout.
A Viewing will be held Thursday, October 3rd from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Eagle Mountain Stake Center, 2977 Saddle Rock Road, Eagle Mountain, UT, where Funeral Services will also be held on Friday, October 4th beginning at 11:00 am with an additional Viewing held that same morning from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. Interment in Highland City Cemetery, 6100 West 11000 North, Highland, UT.
Funeral Directors: Utah Valley Mortuary.
6100 West 11000 North Highland, UT, 84003
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