Ethan Chase Attermann

Our sweetest Ethan Chase Attermann “got first dibs on hugs from Grandpa Gordon” on Saturday night, January 29th. He closed his eyes and went to sleep, snuggling with his loving Grandma.

What a perfect ending to a wonderful story.

Knowing Ethan would have challenges from our 18 week ultrasound, we had a difficult choice to make. After many ultrasounds, we knew we had a fighter and so we decided against doctor’s recommendations and welcomed him into this world with open arms. He made his grand debut on June 2, 2000. He was healthy, but tiny and after only a week stay, we got to take him away from the doting NICU nurses and bring him home.

He changed our lives completely. Some things, like sleep, were hard. But the rest…oh, what a gift we were given. We only asked God to let him just be happy. He gave us that. But he also gave us so much more. He wasn’t just happy. He was silly and funny and so very handsome and charming, and he had a head of gorgeous curls that men were jealous of and made the the ladies swoon. He loved watching his videos on his iPad. (He could use it better than we can). He smiled, then crawled, then walked, then danced in circles in the kitchen. He clapped at funny things, gave giant, amazing hugs, especially to our guy friends and Grandpas. (You were so lucky if you were in this very exclusive club). He clapped at funny things and laughed until he choked if someone got hurt or threw something. Did I mention his amazing hugs? And his kisses. He’d push his thumb against his mouth and smash his face into yours and make the cutest sound. We are so grateful we have some of these on video. It would light up a room. He loved long walks, long drives, and listening to music. Oh, he loved music. And he had good taste. CCR, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young, and Michael Jackson and most classic rock and 80’s alternative music, just to name a few, but mostly Bob Marley. We know every single word on the “Legend” album. That music will always be hard to listen to without tears.

He loved being read to, going to school, swimming, sitting in the sunshine, camping, going for milkshakes, playing on his keyboard, (which we had to replace every year because he would beat on it so hard). We will miss him walking into a room, taking our hand, leading us to his room, handing us “Good Night Moon”, getting up on his bed, sitting up and making us read his two favorite pages over, and over and over again. We also can’t imagine not seeing him peek his cute little face around the corner, thinking we couldn’t see him. But it’s cuddle time that is the most painful. Cuddle time at night with Ethan was something we can’t explain in words. We would lay down next to him, open our arm, and he would lift his head and and lay it right on our shoulder. Then he would pull his knees up and snuggle into our side, as close as he could possibly get. Then he’d let out a funny little chuckle. It was his favorite thing too.

We will hold on to these memories so tightly. He brought so much love to so many people. The outpouring of love for him has been so overwhelming and so beautiful. Thank you.

He is survived by his loving parents, Chad Bennett and Jenni Dodds Attermann, his doting brothers, Chase Alexander and Julian Phillip Attermann. He also leaves behind some very heartbroken grandparents, who were such a huge part of his life and cared and loved him as much as we did: Grandma Sharon Attermann Fritz and Bill, Grandma Linda and Grandpa William Petty, Jr., and Grandpa Phillip Dodds. Also so very many loving friends, family, cousins and teachers.

He is preceded in death by his Grandpa Gordon Attermann, his Uncle Wade and his Aunt Kristi. We find a little peace knowing they are all together, building tee-pees, BMXing, and doing lots of cuddling.

We’d like to thank the amazing teachers and staff at Jordan Valley School for their love and care for Ethan the past 21 years. We know you all loved him dearly and that you are hurting too.

Our hearts are completely broken into pieces. The hurt isn’t only emotional, but also physical. We are huddling together as a family and trying to smile at the precious memories we have.

Our Ethan boy will forever be loved and cherished. He was our most special gift.

Friends are invited to greet his family and celebrate his life on Thursday, February 10th from 6:00 until 8:00 PM at Starks Funeral Parlor, 3651 South 900 East, Salt Lake City, UT. Guests are encouraged to use the entrance and parking on the north side of the building. Graveside service will be held on Friday, February 11th at 1:00 PM at Larkin Sunset Gardens, 1950 E 10600 S, Sandy.