John was the fourth child and second son of Darres and Linda Hathaway. Oh how we love this son!
He was born 11/11/1985 (he really liked that date, especially when he turned 11!) in Salt Lake City, Utah and died 3/31/2021 at his apartment in Salt Lake City. He was 35 years old. John loved his family: sister Katie Johnson and husband Mark; brother Brian Hathaway and wife Laura; sister Erin Jones and husband Devin. Wonderful nieces and nephews Jessica, Joshua, Savannah, Matthew and Mary Johnson, of Greenville, South Carolina; adored Grant, Lila, Daniel and Rachel Hathaway, of Salt Lake City, Utah; cherished Khloe Jones, Layton, Utah. His aunts and uncles in Idaho, Utah and Georgia and the cousins mourn with us. Preceded in death by Garth and Aleda Anderson and Shirley and Beth Hathaway, missed and loved grandparents, as well as a cousin, Dane Hathaway.
John had a great companion in his cat (it's true!) whose name is Ralston. A rescue animal he became John's finest friend, one who could sense his moods and difficult days then provided comfort and love. More than once he alerted John to sugar lows with an annoying tail swish in the face, or kneading his chest, rubbing that furry face along John's until he could wake up.
John loved his nieces and nephews unabashedly. He was a shy man but they brought out the best in him, especially when they wanted to share rides on his power wheelchair.
When he was 11 years old, John was diagnosed with Becker Muscular Dystrophy. It was a hard and discouraging fight to try to fit in at school and church, to find his place in the world. He never wanted the dystrophy to define him; the many doctor appointments and steady decline of his health were kept at bay, we believe, because he fought so very hard to be "normal." Diabetes and a failing heart - he fought them as well. We think he was incredible!
John will be remembered at a graveside service Tuesday, April 6, 2021 at the Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Salt Lake City, Utah. A brief service beginning at 1:00 will give us a chance for farewell, but not goodbye. We will remember John, and speak this name every day.
Recorded services can be viewed here: https://us02web.zoom.us/rec/play/wqwN0IWImKAnBNQ2H8kIqInfA2dPCacfRcAYuvdbG-8-58OgYyL05D2u0FRz07p5hfjJqgL1OpdpKN4a._E6lIOWF0hMzOnqe?autoplay=true&startTime=1617734372000
So sorry to here of your loss.Our Prayers Are With You.
I was just recently informed of John’s passing yesterday. The obituary was a wonderful tribute to John’s life and captures the goodness he had in his soul. I am sorry to hear of his early departure from those he loves here, but i am confident he has just as many loved ones waiting to welcome him to his next steps on his journey. We love you all!
The Hathaway family. I am so sorry for the hurt and sorrow you are going through with the loss of John. I can not imagine loosing a child . My deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family.
Linda and Darius, I'm sorry for your loss. I watched the funeral service and your biography of John was wonderful. Your love poured through the service. I pray you have continued Peace from the Savior.