Craig Chesnut

Craig Chesnut, 67, joined his loving wife on Wednesday January 6, 2021. It was a long, sad 3 months without her but he proved stronger and braver than we imagined. His passing was incredibly peaceful as he was surrounded by family. We are comforted to know that they are together again.

Craig was born April 14, 1953 to James Clyde Chesnut and Jeanelle Walker in American Fork, Utah. He was a very athletic child and loved baseball, basketball, swimming and fighting. He excelled at all of them, especially swimming and fighting. He was the swim team for American Fork High School (the only member of the team).  He won many awards and was the first swimmer from American Fork High School to qualify for State competition. He enjoyed sharing about how exceptionally “fit” his body was at that time. While there, he met the love of his life, Susan Jan McDonald. He knew the first time he looked into her eyes that he “was going to marry that beautiful long blond haired hippie”. He graduated in 1971 and patiently waited until March 3, 1973 to marry his high school sweetheart in the Salt Lake Temple, just months before she graduated.

Craig loved the outdoors. He loved when it rained and how “everything smells so clean it’s just great to savor that moment and take a mental picture to remember”.  The only thing he loved more than the outdoors was enjoying them with his wife. He could always be found fishing, fly fishing, hunting, hiking, camping or planning the next fishing, fly fishing, hunting, hiking or camping trip. He loved taking his family with him and exploring the outdoors. One of his favorite spots was Fish Lake and he made it a point to take them there every year.

He was hired by Utah Power and Light at the age of 18. He spent many years as a lineman and equipment operator. During this time, he earned several letters of commendation from the CEO for his efforts as a first responder highlighted by the Teton dam collapse by Rexburg, ID in 1976 and the Thistle slide disaster up Spanish Fork Canyon in 1983.  In 1988 he passed his Journeyman's exam to become a Journeyman meterman with his career culminating as a Meter Forman. He was a dedicated employee but was grateful to be able to retire early and spend more time with his family.

Craig loved to participate in his kids' lives. Whether it was coaching their teams, being a band parent or sitting on the ground building blocks with them, he was always there and just wanted to be with them. He loved being able to provide them with opportunities and experiences. He was extremely proud of his children and arguably their biggest fan, which carried through to his grandchildren. His family was incredibly important to him.

He is survived by his children Randon (Lynette) Chesnut, Natalie (Ryan) Wood, Bryce (Stephanie) Chesnut, his grandchildren, Elizabeth “Belle”, Jacob, Zac, Blake, Abby, Leah, Curtis, Porter, Wyatt, and Heath. His brother Bruce (Tami) Chesnut, and sister Linda (Joe) Murdoch. He is preceded in death by his mother, father, and wife.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, January 15, 2021 at 2pm. A viewing will be held prior from 11:45 to 1:45 at Anderson and Sons Mortuary, 49 East 100 North, American Fork. Due to COVID restrictions please see the SignUp Genius link below to schedule a time to attend the viewing. Please share a memory of Craig on his tribute wall.