Caleb Robert Park
He never uttered a word but his smile, or lack of it, spoke volumes.
It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Caleb Robert Park, our sweet little guy who brought joy to so many and taught us so much.
Caleb was born 14 weeks early on April 12, 2000 to Steve and Lynae Armitstead Park at LDS Hospital. He stayed in the NICUs at Primary Children's Hospital for 5 months and Logan Regional Hospital for 6 weeks. He went into the PICU at Primary Children's for 6 weeks to receive his tracheostomy after being diagnosed with Tracheobronchomalacia. He later returned at age 4 to receive his feeding tube. After a lifelong fight with multiple medical conditions, most notably Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy, PVL, severe Developmental Delay, Chronic Lung Disease and Deafblindness, Caleb passed away suddenly but peacefully at home in the evening of December 2, 2016, surrounded by his family and his favorite toys while watching a movie. It often took time for new people to get to know Caleb's personality, although when they did, he was a source of strength and inspiration. He never uttered a word, but his smile would light up a room. He was a model of patience in the face of so many challenges. He taught us so many things that we never could have learned otherwise. Though he had a mischievous side, such as being at the right height to goose people in public or laugh when he knew he was causing trouble, he was completely without guile.
We already miss him tremendously and will hold him in our hearts forever. Caleb is survived by his parents, his older brother Jeffrey, his younger sister Sydney, his grandparents, Bill and Sherri Park and Arvil Armitstead, his many aunts and uncles, Brad (Debbie) Armitstead, Colette (Jim) Torgerson, Elvin (Mihoko) Armitstead, John (Kaylynn) Armitstead, Rosanne (Ken) Harvey, Kathy Park, and David (Wendy) Park. Many cousins and cousins-in-law. Preceded in death by his grandmother, Darlene Armitstead, and cousins William Park and Kathryn Armitstead. All who knew and loved Caleb are invited to attend a viewing on Friday, December 9 from 6 to 8 PM at Jenkins-Soffe Mortuary, 1007 W. South Jordan Parkway, South Jordan. A private family prayer will immediately follow the viewing. Caleb's Memorial Service will be held Saturday, December 10 at 1 PM in the atrium at his school, Kauri Sue Hamilton School, 2827 W. 13400 South, Riverton. A potluck luncheon will immediately follow in the gym. Feel free to bring whatever you like. We will have some of Caleb's favorite foods: Cheetos, yogurt and pumpkin pie. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Caleb's name to the Utah Schools for the Deaf and Blind, Deaf-Blind Division, 742 Harrison Blvd., Ogden, UT 84404 to help fund their annual Parent's Retreat. This is a valuable opportunity for parents of children like Caleb to receive support, training and much-needed respite. Please also consider making donations to Primary Children's Hospital, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, and Give Kids the World. We would like to thank the many nurses, doctors, teachers, aides, therapists and specialists who worked with Caleb over the years. We could not have taken care of Caleb without you!