In memory of Cary Kirkland

During this difficult time, please help support the Kirkland family, as they grieve the unexpected death of their son. Any amount is a welcomed contribution and we would like to thank you in advance for the help and support.

Cary Scott Kirkland 1990 – 2018 Cary Scott Kirkland was born on a bright, sunny morning in Long Beach, California on January 10, 1990 to Scott Frank and Christy Marie Bates Kirkland. Due to complications arising from a foot injury, numerous surgeries, infection and renewed drug addiction, our dear Cary left this mortal sphere on Tuesday, February 20, 2018. In Cary’s own words, in a self-written obituary from months ago, he said, “The world has lost another young son of God. Cary struggled with addiction off and on for the last 15 years of his life. Cary was very resilient in spite of his struggles. He rose each time he fell…he never quit trying. He was an inspiration to all that knew him. Cary was very loving…he would do anything to help anyone, especially those who struggled in life. Cary always said if he could help one person to not go down the same path he had gone down and to not have to learn the hard way, his life would have been worth it.” As a family we envisioned this moment so many times…we thought we were prepared for its eventuality—but for all who loved him, Cary’s passing came much too early, his dreams were cut way too short, and his accomplishments were far fewer than he ever wished! It is so sad to see a loved one become enslaved to the insidious plague of addiction. The devil laughs as all around addiction have their lives turned upside down, their dreams snuffed and their joy and happiness replaced with desperation, anger and heartache. Oh how Cary wanted to win this battle, but in the end his body was broken and his spirit couldn’t take any more. Cary was very athletic…he loved wakeboarding, skiing, hockey, and going to the gym. He was amazingly fit despite the difficult life he lived, but sadly he never realized his educational or professional goals. Cary was a proud member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. In his words, “His faith was the most important thing in his life.” In his good times he always wished he could serve a mission for his Church. As a family we believe that Cary’s mission on earth was accomplished through teaching his family, his neighborhood and community how to love the difficult-to-love, to accept those who don’t quite look or live as we do, and in opening our eyes to the scourge of addiction and the help these poor souls’ need to break the cycle and the love their loved ones need as they experience the living hell of addiction. We are so grateful for all that Cary taught us and for leaving us in a better place today because we traveled this journey with him. Son, you always wanted to soar…now you are free to do so!!! Cary is survived by his mom and dad, brothers Kevin (Jen) and Casey (Ashley) and sister Kelly (Bryce Heinz), 10 nieces and nephews (who he loved dearly), grandmothers Anna Bates and Alma Kirkland and loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He so loved his wonderful girlfriend Katie Hudson. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers Vane Quentin Bates and Alfred Frank Kirkland. A viewing will be held Monday, February 26, 2018, from 6-9 p.m. at Nelson Mortuary, 4780 N. University Ave. in Provo. A second viewing will be held Tuesday, February 27, 2018, from 9-10:30 a.m. at the LDS Church at 481 East Center Street in Orem followed by the funeral services commencing at 11 a.m. Cary’s burial will follow the services in the Orem City Cemetery. Please share a memory of Cary at nelsonmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, donations to assist the family with funeral expenses are appreciated.