Tribute to Damond Farar

On Friday, December 28th, as I was about to head out the door to my sister's wedding, I received a text message from a friend saying that she saw on facebook that our friend Damond passed away. I immediately dropped on the couch and frantically pulled up and scanned the news feed on facebook. When I saw the news posted by my friend Adriana about her dear husband Damond suddenly passing away that morning I broke down into uncontrollable sobs. I have never been struck so hard by someone's passing. It was an emotional night for me, hard to wrap my head around such a tragedy, aching for my friend and her sweet boys, and wishing to be held and comforted by my own husband (I was in Utah, and he was at home in Indiana). The past week has been one of quiet reflection, discussion, and grieving with many who feel a connection to this wonderful man and his family.

I have no doubt that families are forever and that we will see our lost loved ones again. I know that the atonement is real, that our Savior Jesus Christ truly did live and die for each one of us. What I have been most impressed with, more than the knowledge of life after death, is that the atonement is meant for us here and now. The Lord suffered all of our pains so that He could comfort and bring peace to our hearts when hard times come. I know the Lord loves me and all of us and that He will help strengthen and comfort us. I know that through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ we can all be healed... today, tomorrow, and eternally. I pray that He will be with all those who are grieving the loss of Damond, especially his dear wife Adriana, and their sons Thomas, Alex, and Jacob.

We were asked to share any thoughts and stories about Damond and send them to compiled for his sons, so that they will know the great man their father was. This is what I would like those sweet boys to know about him:

Dear Thomas, Alex, and Jacob,

Your father Damond was the best of the best. He was a true disciple of Christ whose light touched everyone he came in contact with. He had a zest and enthusiasm for life that was contagious. I never saw him without a smile on his face. I remember the first time we met was after church on our first Sunday in Indy. Our dryer was being stored at your house and your dad said he would bring it by the next morning. I asked if he wanted my husband Brian to help, and he smiled and said, "No. That ok. It's not that far!" I stared at him in shock... and now that I know him, I know he really would have moved a dryer a few blocks by himself if we needed him to. (P.S. I did make Brian help!)

Your dad was a kid magnet! Every kid in our ward loved him, including my kids Maybrie and Thomas. I have never seen anyone calm tears and make kids smile and laugh as quickly as your dad could. Even though your dad wasn't asked to (he was serving as Young Men's president), he would come into the nursery every Sunday to check and see that they had enough help. He would walk around the room calling the kids by name, giving high fives and hugs. Many times he would stay to calm a child, wrestle a runaway, or teach a lesson on the fly. He was always active at ward activities and helping anyway he could.

Your father lived and played hard. He wasn't mediocre, he gave everything his all. He worked hard at school, at home and at church. He loved to play with you boys. I can imagine him outside with you playing basketball, helping you climb the chain link fence around the court, riding bikes, or wrestling with you. He was great with people and made everyone feel important and worth his time. He had a way of making you feel like you had known him forever. He was a family man through and through. He loved you and your mother very much.

I see so much of your dad in each of you. You all have his good looks! But most of all you have his goodness. You each carry his same energy and enthusiasm for life. You make friends easily because you are good and kind. I know that your dad is very proud of you and wants only the best for you. Be strong for him and take care of your sweet mother, the way that he would if he were here. Be happy and serve the Lord. Doing that would be the best way you could honor your father. Damond Farar was an incredible person and I feel honored to have known him.

All our love,
Summer Naylor (and family)

If you would like to help Adriana and her sweet boys a donation account has been set up at Chase Bank in the name of "The Damond Thomas Farar Memorial Trust" with the account number 3025135756.

You can read his obituary here at this link.

Farar family, we are keeping you in our prayers. We love you!

Here is another way we can all help the Farar family!