Hurricane, Utah

The Last Camping Trip ~ From Tents . . . :  We live on planet Earth, but our lives consist of many worlds. The world of camping may be one of them, as it was for this young woman, now memorialized in her mother's arms and comforted with a final salutation: "See you on the other side." Hurricane Cemetery. [2019]

Hurricane, Utah

The First Shall be Last, and The Last First:  His parents were perfectly aware of their alphabetical place in the world. His family name and both given names begin with A. And, she must have seen the opportunity to "marry up," something that is difficult to do for a Black. Hurricane Cemetery. [2019]

Hurricane, Utah

Adjacencies ~ Snow-Capped Peaks:  What is adjacent to the cemetery? In this case, it's a range of snow-capped peaks known as the Pine Valley Mountains. Their function is to lift your gaze and your spirits as you visit the town's cemetery. Hurricane Cemetery. [2019]

Blanding, Utah

P is for Palmer:  Both they and their ancestors traveled widely. How can you conclude that from a headstone? First, by looking at the name, Palmer. It comes from the French for "palm bearer," and signified one who had made the pilgrimage to the Holy Land and returned with palm frond in hand. Second, by looking at the silhouetted edifice, a Mormon Temple. Young people in the LDS Church go on missionary assignments abroad, returning home enriched in spirit with a song in their hearts. What song was in the hearts of this couple? Blanding City Cemetery. [2013]

Blanding, Utah

Full-Color Patriotism:  Ever see a blue sky? Ever see a red, white, and blue sky? He did: in his heart. And, now it's on his headstone. Would you expect to find such accentuated patriotism where someone of Native American heritage (judging from the name) is buried? Blanding City Cemetery. [2013]

Moab, Utah

Eternal Rest:  "A chapter completed, a page turned, a life well-lived, a rest well-earned." It seems perfectly tailored to both the end of life and America's mystical reverence for work. Grand Valley Cemetery. [2013]

Thompson Springs, Utah

Here's to Non-Conformists Everywhere!  Where's he gone? "He's gone off to cast a Coachman fly, while Margie's spirit, on the breeze dances by." No granite or marble here, just a solid piece of the high desert. To him, a solid piece of home, with the Book Cliffs in the background. Thompson Springs Cemetery. [2013]

Blanding, Utah

On Heaven's Menu ~ A Hershey's Kiss:  This one is made of granite, so it will never melt. Like a family's love, here's a dollop of chocolate that will last forever. What favorite food would you bring to heaven's table? How would your family answer that question if they were speaking for you? Blanding City Cemetery. [2013]

Moab, Utah

Memorial Benches for Memorial Gardens:  Benches don't have to be granite. Here's one that captures the spirit of place perfectly. The ranch hands are lined up along the fence waiting for their next job. Wait they may, but this job is going to last for a long, long time. And, only once in a while will they get a visitor. Grand Valley Cemetery. [2013]

Blanding, Utah

The Western Windmill ~ In Western Cemeteries:  The windmill here looks like it is made of wood. It's keeping the cattle well provisioned with water, drawn from deep beneath the surface. The ranch must have been this couple's life. Check out the dates: Do you think she died of a broken heart? The answer, my friend, is blowing in the wind, just like their souls. Blanding City Cemetery. [2013]

Moab, Utah

Signature Landscapes:  We want to make a difference.  We want to be remembered.  We want to put our signature on the world.  Why are signatures so rare on headstones?  In signing our names, we establish our identity.  Just think back to high school:  How many signatures did you try out before you found one that fit?  That's the one that made a difference.  That's the one that should leave a lasting impression on the world.  Grand Valley Cemetery.  [2013]

Blanding, Utah

Voices Silenced:  He could talk to his wife, who sat knitting across the room. Or, he could talk to the world through the mic on his desk. He was born in the decade when commercial radio began to monetize the air waves, but he was content to pioneer those same airwaves as two-way communication bands, thus setting the stage for all of the interactive communication technologies we have today. Blanding City Cemetery. [2013]

Blanding, Utah

Miners to the End:  What did he love in life? (1) his religion, (2) his marriage, (3) his children (4) his job in the mine, (5) his service station, and (6) Blanding. What did she love in life? (1) her religion, (2) her marriage, (3) her children, (4) her service to the community, (5) her piano, and (5) Blanding. This couple's life was about more than the mine. As for the evergreens and cones: symbols of everlasting life and the promise of rebirth. Blanding City Cemetery. [2013]



Our Love of Blanding is Only Exceeded
By Our Love of Our Children

 

Cedar City, Utah

The Perfect Family:  Family is at the heart of Latter-Day-Saint society, and its eternal significance is seen in the burial places of the West. There seems to be a model Mormon headstone: (1) names and dates, (2) note of marriage date and when sealed, (3) Mormon temple profile, (4) list of offspring.  The theme of tender familial love makes its appearance on both sides of this headstone. [2009]

All because two people fell in love . . .