View from the Pew:

One of the more interesting stories I’ve researched for The Salt Lake Tribune recently stemmed from reading obituaries that cited how the person was attached to the Utah Jazz pro basketball team. 

As I talked to family members, it became clear that the Jazz were among many other interests in those folks’ lives, not the only thing. Yet it was also true that following the team meant enough to them to have that mentioned in their life stories. 

The project led me to think a lot about what’s important to me, and how I’ll be remembered. If my obituary were published right now, what would it say? That I’ve watched every episode of “Dawson’s Creek” in syndication, could instantly identify the title and artist from any radio hit of the 1970s and ’80s and once played 63 holes of golf (walking) in one day? 

I hope that’s not all. 

I realize that the motivation for serving God and contributing to society should not merely be in the interest of obit enhancement, but I also know that there’s meaningful stuff to be done while we’re here. It would be highly hypocritical to say that our life stories should consist of more than being devoted to a team or a college, considering the way I spend most of many waking moments, but I’m also glad that this project led me to reassess some priorities. 

What’s important to you? How will you be remembered? 

-Kurt Kragthorpe 

  -Kurt Kragthorpe