Christopher Young Sharp's Obituary
Christopher Young Sharp, loyal son, brother, and husband and devoted father and grandfather, passed away peacefully on October 9, 2023, following a valiant fight in the hospital to recover from respiratory failure. He was surrounded by his children at the time of his passing.
Chris was born on July 31, 1947 in Salt Lake City, Utah, to Geraldine Parkinson Young and John Creer Sharp. Through his mother’s heritage, he was a direct descendant of Brigham Young. His ancestors on the Sharp side joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Scotland in 1842 and emigrated to Utah.
Chris was a standout running back on the Olympus High School football team and graduated from Olympus in 1965. His high school friend group, “the Sons,” remained close throughout their lives.
Chris returned to the land of his forebears to serve the Lord as a full-time missionary in the Scotland Mission from 1966-1968.
After his mission, Chris was a Sigma Chi at the University of Utah and enlisted in the U.S. Army Reserve for six years starting in 1970. He married Karen Woodland and graduated from college in 1973. They eventually welcomed four children to their family and raised them in the restored gospel of Jesus Christ.
Like his father, Chris began his career in the insurance industry. Wanting to have more time to devote to his art, he left insurance and began working as a bus driver for Jordan School District. He found great joy in the interactions he had with school kids each day, and he worked on his art in his home studio in between the morning and afternoon bus routes. All together, Chris was a bus driver for Jordan and later Canyon School District for more than 35 years before retiring in 2020.
Chris’ beautiful art is a part of his enduring legacy. He had an incredible gift for painting, sculpting, and wood carving. He also made the yards surrounding his homes into works of art.
He loved the Church and served faithfully in church callings throughout his life. He loved the members of his ward and stake and consistently cared for his home-teaching and ministering individuals and families. He drew inspiration from his church service.
Chris’ grandchildren were his greatest joy during the past 20+ years. He made time for his grandkids and developed special relationships with each of them.
Chris was preceded in death by his parents, John Creer Sharp and Geraldine Young Sharp; his sister, Sydney Sharp Aldous; and his granddaughter, Kate Sharp. He is survived by his children Stephanie Rorick (Rob Gibson), Nate (Holly) Sharp, Daniel (Lisa) Sharp, and Amy Sharp, as well as by his brother John C. (Jennifer) Sharp, Jr. and his brother-in-law, Ted Aldous. He is also survived by 15 grandchildren.
Family and friends are invited to join in celebrating Chris’ wonderful life at a viewing to be held from 9:00 AM to 10:30 AM on Saturday, November 4th, at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints meetinghouse directly across from Olympus High School at 4032 S 2300 E. The funeral service will begin at 11:00 AM. Interment will be at West Jordan City Cemetery, located at 7925 South 1300 West.
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