Joseph Craig Bott

Craig spent most of his childhood living in Taylorsville, Utah.  In the early 1970's his family had the opportunity to live abroad in Germany, while his father worked at the US Air Force Base.  Craig attended Zweibrücken High School on the Canadian Air Force base from 1970 to 1971. There he got involved in wrestling. Upon returning to the United States, Craig graduated from Cottonwood High School in 1972.  He then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Vienna, Austria between 1973-1975. Following his mission, Craig attended Brigham Young University where he earned a degree in Psychology.

After meeting at BYU, Craig married Susan Carole Eaton in the Salt Lake Temple on August 20, 1976.  They welcomed five children into their family, J. Philip, Alan, Ryan, Cameron, and Ally.  Together they raised their children in Bountiful, Utah.  Raising five children, four boys and a girl could be said was the reason for Craig's early induction into the "Gray Haired Men's Club".  Craig and Susan later divorced in 2004, but they have remained friends.  

Craig soon met his beloved wife, Cindy Lee Larsen. The two married July 8, 2005, in Bountiful Utah.  He found love, but he also gained four stepsons whom he loved very much. Together, Craig and Cindy  traveled, rode motorcycles, and enjoyed what they called the “prime of their lives”. Craig and Cindy were each other's greatest cheerleaders. As Craig fell sick, Cindy was by his side every step of the way. As the blended family grew, he became Papa Craig to 21 grandchildren.  A favorite tradition for Craig, was dressing up as Santa each Christmas, bringing little gifts, and speaking to each grandchild in his German accent on Christmas Eve.  He ushered in the magic of Christmas.

Upon graduating from BYU, Craig was hired at the corporate offices of Deseret Industries. A short time later, he took a position as a guard at the Utah State Prison.  He quickly advanced positions to Captain of the Guard. Craig and his family were very proud of this because he was the youngest person ever promoted to this position.  His experience at the prison inspired him to seek a law degree.  Craig attended S. J. Quinney College of Law at the University of Utah.  Holding down multiple jobs, studying, and taking care of a growing family, Craig still found a way to excel in his studies.  He graduated in 1992.  Craig was then hired by Utah Local Governments Trust as a litigation attorney and corporate trainer.  Many knew Craig for his profound ability to teach, he was an excellent teacher and held many captivated in attendance.  Anybody who walked into his office would notice the pride and care he took in decorating with antiques and old western items. Walking into his office was truly an experience. Craig in the latter part of his career worked in the District Attorney's office for both Davis County and Riverton City as a prosecuting attorney; retiring in March of 2023. His peers held him in high esteem as a talented and effective attorney, well revered by many.

Craig will forever be remembered as an excellent storyteller who charmed you with his tales while always finding ways to make you laugh. Whenever Craig spoke, you knew a punch line was not far off. Craig possessed an outstanding view of life, full of optimism. He taught those around him that no matter how hard things got, they could overcome their circumstances by putting one foot in front of the other. He loved spending time with his family in Yellowstone National Park. Since childhood, this cherished time had been a nearly annual tradition. Craig imparted his love for nature to his children and grandchildren, and often found solace in the wilderness, God's greatest creation.

Aside from nature's beauty held dear by Craig was his love for his motorcycles, John Wayne classic westerns, reading, collecting knives, visiting historical sites, talking with strangers, and last but not least Coca-Cola. Craig had the ability to memorize movies verbatim and drove his family crazy when he would mutter every word of under his breath. He will always be remembered for his unrelenting patience, intelligence, and the right balance of wit and humor in all life situations. Craig worked hard, played hard and loved harder. He will be missed by many. 

He is preceded in death by his mother Carlene Snow Bott and his stepson Nathan Haymore.

Craig is survived by his wife Cindy Lee Larsen Bott; father Joseph LeRoy Bott; brother Christopher (Christine) Bott; sisters Dana (Tim) Fitch and Kaylene (Gleb) Gladwin. He is also survived by his children Joseph Philip (Eva) Bott, Alan Edward (Jennifer) Bott, Ryan Mitchell Bott, Cameron Craig (Rachel) Bott, Ally Elizabeth (Daniel) Bennett. His stepchildren; Jeremy Bruce (Kristine) Haymore, Jason David (Julie) Haymore, Neal Daniel (Holly) Haymore, and his twenty-one grandchildren.

The celebration of life service will be held on June 9th at City View Memoriam located at 1001 E 11th Ave in Salt Lake City starting at 11:00 AM. Family and friends are welcome to attend and say their final farewell.