Quite an honest obituary. I wonder if his death had anything to do with his mental break
http://www.myspace.com/57195940
Paul James Root, 23, of Boise, was reunited with his Savior, Jesus Christ, Thursday, March 25th, in Boise during spring break from his studies at Idaho State University in Pocatello. Paul was born, April 17, 1986, in Boise, fourth son and fifth child of Frank and Darlene Root. He is named after two dear and respected friends of the family and came into this world one of the happiest little flaxen-haired baby boys ever born. Adored by his brothers and sisters he grew to be a curious and adventurous little boy. Following in his older brothers' footsteps, he entered the Optimist football program and proudly played for Meridian Blue as the hardest hitting linebacker and running back on the team. Even at this young age he began forming friendships that would last a lifetime. Several members of that team went on with Paul to achieve Centennial High's only perfect 12-0 season winning the Idaho State Championship in the 2003-2004 season. Paul excelled at and loved board sports, his favorites being snowboarding and wakeboarding. In his teen years, he became very skilled at both and even went on to become a snowboard instructor at Bogus Basin ski resort. Paul was an excellent student, receiving the student of the year award at Summerwind Elementary, and began his college career at BYU Idaho with a scholarship. During his second semester, he suffered a severe mental break and struggled courageously the rest of his life to overcome the devastating effects of this illness. Paul lived life centered on a deep and abiding faith in his Savior, Jesus Christ. He was a faithful elder in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. It was while serving as a counselor in the Elders Quorum Presidency of the Boise Idaho University 3rd ward, that he met Kristi Dunkley, of Boise. They dated, fell in love and were married and sealed in the Boise Temple on May 22nd, 2009. Paul and Kristi lived in Boise after they were married then moved to Pocatello, ID where they shared their first home together while attending school. Paul was a wonderful husband to Kristi. He worked hard at making their short life together perfect. They spent their time together working as a happy team helping each other overcome challenges and strengthening one another. Both of their lives were greatly blessed and Paul will be forever missed. Paul was a hard worker and was willing to do anything for anyone. He was extremely honest, trustworthy and kind. He chose to do difficult things with a smile and never gave up till the job was complete. He greeted everyone he met with his contagious smile and a gleam in his eye. His natural ability to memorize and perform his favorite comedic lines never ceased to bring smiles to all those around him. Paul loved to laugh, and we loved to laugh with him. His grandmother, Mary Jane Madsen; grandfather, Frank Root Jr.; grandfather, Leslie Stewart of Paradise Valley, NV; and his cousin, James McDowell of Alaska precede Paul in death. Paul is survived by his wife, Kristi; his brother, Frank and wife Liane; brother, John and wife Sarah; sister, Amber and husband Blake; brother, Jake and wife Candice; sister, Jennie and husband Briggs; father, Frank; mother, Darlene; grandmother, Marie Stewart of Paradise Valley, NV; and many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 AM, Friday, April 2, 2010 in the Meridian Idaho East Stake Center, located at 11443 McMillan Rd., Meridian. The family will greet friends from 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM, Thursday, April 1, 2010 at the Relyea Funeral Chapel, and on Friday from 10:00 AM - 10:40 AM at the church prior to the services. Burial will follow the services in the Dry Creek Cemetery. www.relyeafuneralchapel.com
Read more: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/idahostatesman/obituary.aspx?n=paul-root&pid=141335892&fhid=6470#ixzz0tL1gnDFr