C. Avery Salmon

Jul. 12, 2004 ~ Apr. 14, 2024

Christopher Avery Salmon was born to Glynis and Christopher Salmon on Monday, July 12th, 2004, and right from the start, the entire family was smitten by the combination of his blond hair, radiant blue eyes, and startlingly broad shoulders. The youngest of six children, Avery (named after Glynis’s baby brother who passed away at only 3 months old) was unrelentingly doted on by his siblings, Jordan, Jaydrian, Kody, Shandra, and Ansleigh. Throughout his life, they were his closest and most important friends. Precious moments were found jumping on the trampoline, playing video games, sharing music, and dancing together. He was also close to many of his cousins, aunts and uncles, sharing wonderful times with them on the lake, at the farm, or amidst the red rocks of Southern Utah. His first words were “Jeez-ah” (Jesus), and “‘Row-ni” (Moroni) along with attempts to say the names of many of his sibling’s friends, soon followed by “Dupe-ah-man” (Superman) and “Body” (from the title of a song he loved to listen to). At an extraordinarily young age, his deep fascination with Superheroes and music was clearly evident. Growing up next to the mountains in Pleasant Grove, Utah, Avery attended Manila Elementary, PG Junior High, PG High School, and Timpanogos High School, followed by his freshman year at the University of Utah. Embracing his surname and beating any name-callers to the punch, Avery christened himself “Fishy” and was known almost exclusively by that moniker by friends, fellow students, and teachers alike. Avery was passionate about art and visual media in so many forms, including comics, video games, movies, and photography, and was hugely gifted in exploring the creation of his own works. Several of his photographic compositions won awards for their style, professionalism, and uncommonly keen (and unique) thematic content. “Indie” music was another deep and abiding obsession; even more than most people, his songs were avenues of expression for him. He especially relished attending live performances of artists that he connected deeply with. He also enjoyed being a part of the stage crew for several PG Junior High theatrical productions, and stunned everyone by choosing to actually get onstage, winning the lead role of “Benedick” in Shakespeare’s "Much Ado About Nothing" (which brought down the house)! He served as Tech Rep on the Student Council during his senior year at Timpanogos High, creating several exceptional video pieces that far exceeded expectations (with some even proving to be slightly controversial). His vision, perfectionistic attitude, and craftsmanship elevated these projects, and he hoped to continue in film as a career. Extremely sensitive and perceptive, Avery’s deep feelings for others and capacity for empathy remain as hallmarks of who he was (and still is); he once wrote an English paper describing his role in the family as “the glue.” Tragically, Avery was also afflicted with severe, treatment-resistant depression and anxiety, which began to slowly manifest itself during his later teens. He willingly engaged in years of therapy and endless trials with medication and other treatments, all of which failed to alleviate the pain and suffering that continued to grow without release until Sunday, April 14th, 2024 when he chose to end that unrelenting darkness. We believe with all our hearts that he is now in the loving embrace of his Savior, family and friends on the other side until we get to hold him again, and take peace in knowing we are meant to be together. He is survived by his loving family: Glynis Leigh Salmon, David Christopher Salmon, Jaydrian Alliah Salmon, Kody Joseph Mikesell, Shandra Nicol Salmon, Ansleigh Michelle Miksell - Higbee (Cade) and his devoted girlfriend, Hailey Ann Petersen, who will miss him every single day, but are so very grateful that his pain is finally over. He is preceded by his brother Kenneth Jordan Mikesell who passed away on August 2nd, 2013. We are eternally grateful to his mental health superheros, Chloe Coleman and Dr. Deven Jennings, who went above and beyond in every way possible. “Judge less; love more.” Funeral services will be held Saturday, April 20, 2024 at 2:00 pm in the LDS chapel located at 408 West 1300 North, Pleasant Grove, Utah. Family and friends may attend a viewing before the service at the church from 1:00 - 1:45 pm. Condolences may be sent to the family at olpinmortuary.com.