Liam Owen Purser

Obituary written as a special tribute from his father, Michael Purser.

Liam Owen Purser passed away on Friday, June 9, at Primary Children’s Hospital, in one of his favorite places to be, his father’s arms. He was 11 years old.

Liam came into this world with the odds going against him. He was born on December 16, 2011, at just over 36 weeks, with a disorder called Holoprosenchephaly (HPE). This caused severe limitations in his physical and mental development. Liam underwent surgical procedures during his young life in repairing his severe bilateral cleft lip and palate. He was also put on several medications and medical equipment to replace or supplement parts of his body’s functions. He spent the first few weeks of his life in the NICU after his rapid delivery by way of an emergency C-section. Liam continued to overcome many life-threatening moments, defying the expectations of medical experts. Luckily, Liam was not alone during these times, he had his best friend and twin brother, Logan.

Liam and Logan’s bond was amazing to watch as they grew up together. As a baby, Liam would always have that overwatching concern and care of an older brother to Logan. He would look for him and watch him when he was around, and you could see and feel the love and responsibility in Liam’s eyes over his brother. Liam had many doctor appointments in the beginning and Logan would always tag along. Liam also received early intervention care of both physical and occupational therapy from Kids On the Move. Liam and Logan would also be found on UVU campus being pushed around in their double stroller with Dad while he pursued his degree. To help provide the best care for Liam, we moved from our home to Bluffdale so that he could attend the Kauri Sue Hamilton School, where he received therapies, education, friendship, and love for six years. Liam never gained the strength or ability to walk or crawl or sit up, but he did master the skill of flirting with the girls and sharing his love and light with everyone that would get to know him.

Liam became a big brother again in January of 2021. Liam’s newest little brother, Ledger, was the unexpected final piece of the family that made them complete. Liam and Ledger quickly developed their own strong bond. Liam watched Ledger, as he did Logan and all his family, with concern and responsibility of the oldest brother and first born. And we know that Liam was able to make sure, over the past two years of Ledger’s life, that Ledger was prepared, mentored, and loved by him. Liam’s parents had wondered about what the addition of Ledger to the family might mean, other than having another amazing son to expand their families love. As time went on, they had a feeling that Ledger may be the one to help fill part of the hole that would eventually be made by the passing of Liam. With that feeling, unfortunately, coming to realization sooner than expected, there will always be a part of the family missing, Liam.

Liam understood more than most people realized. His eyes would communicate his feelings along with a painful sad cry or a joyous silly laugh. You could feel he was looking deep into your soul when he looked you in the eyes. He shared his light with all to see and feel as he emulated the love of our Savior. Anyone that experienced this felt truly loved. He had the most loving and happy demeanor. His laugh was contagious. It would instantly make anyone smile and laugh with him.

His favorite things in the world, besides his family, were people’s interaction, music, books, and any kind of bouncing or bumpy rides that he could feel through his whole body. Whether taking his stroller off pavement and onto the grass or dirt, the Guardians of the Galaxy ride at Disneyland, riding off-road in a UTV, or just being bounced while holding him in our arms. These were what always brought out a big smile and happy squeals and giggles. Liam and his family loved spending time with other families and kids like Liam with the Mascot Miracles Foundation. Liam played baseball for the Rays in the Miracle League and was an honorary player with his brother’s soccer club, Salt Lake City FC. He also loved to sing and dance with his mom.

Liam’s mom is his biggest advocate, cheerleader, snuggler, caregiver, dance partner, and educator of all things Liam. She made sure anyone that was curious about Liam or wanted to meet him, got the opportunity to make a new friend in him. She would teach and remind others on how to involve him in activities with other typical kids and Liam loved her so much for those efforts. Liam’s mom would sacrifice anything for Liam. Liam’s mom would do anything for Liam. Liam’s mom would give anything for Liam.

Liam was blessed with a family that loved him dearly, his father and mother, Michael and Traci Purser, his brothers Logan and Ledger, and furry sister Bella. He was surrounded with love and affection. He was kissed, cuddled, held, read to, sung to, and played with every day. In addition to his immediate family, Liam is mourned by an extended family of cousins, grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends, nannies and neighbors. The family is grateful for the countless hours given by medical professionals, therapists, educators, and other professional workers as they have loved and supported Liam.

Liam is our “Valiant Prince.” He was pure and innocent, one of God’s choice spirits sent here to teach valuable lessons in life. He taught the importance of making time for loved ones, to slow down and enjoy the sweet and simple things in life, what it means to love, to serve, and to have charity or the pure love of Christ. Liam’s eleven years here on earth were considered a gift by his family.

Funeral services to celebrate Liam will be held at 11AM on Saturday, June 17, 2023 at the Sage Ward, 14242 Loumis Parkway in Bluffdale, Utah. Public viewings will be held at the same location from 6-8PM on Friday evening, June 16, 2023, as well as prior to services Saturday beginning at 9AM. Interment will follow at the Riverton City Cemetery.

Funeral services will be streamed via Zoom for those wishing to attend virtually. To watch the previously held services, please click the "Watch Services" link above.