Families Can Be Together Forever

Last Monday, I saw on the local news about a fatal car accident in Provo Canyon. Two teenage boys were killed. One of the boys was from Mapleton and his name was Neal Harlan. I didn't know him but the last name, thought not common, was familiar to me and I immediately wondered if he was the son of Dave Harlan. Dave at one time was the Technology Specialist in the Nebo School District when I worked there. I remember going to a workshop taught by him, and I recall that he was a nice man. He is now an administrator at Spanish Fork Junior High School. I found this out today by doing some searching on the Nebo website.

I checked all week, and Neal's obituary came out on Christmas Day. I was very moved by the faith Neal's family expressed in his obituary. They bore their testimony of eternal life and eternal families, a testimony that I personally share. I only go to the obituary section of local news websites after someone I know has died, but this was the first obituary I have ever read that expressed so eloquently a faith filled testimony of eternal life. I thought I would share it. I hope his family will be comforted by the Holy Ghost during these days after his funeral and throughout the rest of their mortal lives.

Neal Douglas Harlan
September 23,1990 -December 22, 2008

Our beloved, tender-hearted son, brother, nephew, grandson, and friend passed away in a tragic car accident on December 22, 2008. He was traveling up Provo Canyon to Snowboard with his buddies. Neal was born September 23, 1990; the third child of David and Katrina Harlan and only boy surrounded by five girls. Neal recently earned his Eagle Scout award and was looking forward to graduating from SHS in 2009. Although Neal is no longer with us in this life, his family takes comfort in the knowledge that his spirit lives on and he is in a better place. Neal loved snowboarding, hunting, X-box, and being with his friends and family. Neal enjoyed traveling, abalone diving, water sports and his dog Gimli. Neal recently got his first buck and dropped his first engine with the help of his Grandpa. He loved to tease and scare his mom and sisters and was quite successful. He liked good food and was a hard worker. Neal liked to go golfing with his Dad and Douger and when he was young being read to every night. His sense of humor, and loving heart will be dearly missed. Neal is survived by his parents, five sisters; Briana, Camille, Hailey, Chloe, and Emma, Grandparents; Neal and Nita Thomsen and Doug Harlan, and many loving extended family members. His family mourns his absence but they are comforted by the knowledge of knowing they will see him again. Friends and family may call from 12-1:30 pm at the Mapleton Stake Center (970 N 400 E. Mapleton) on Friday December 26, 2008. Funeral services will be held at the same center at 2 pm. "Harlan's are a Forever Family!!!" We love you Nealster Buddy!