Robbie Cragun

Our very special son and brother, Robbie Cragun, passed away Friday, November 3, 2023.  Robert Van Cragun was born January 4, 1979, in Salt Lake City, to Calvin and Celestia Van Tussenbroek Cragun. He was the last to join our family and will forever be missed.
Robbie was fortunate to make special friends throughout his life beginning at Children Behavioral Therapy Unit (CBTU) at age two, Jordan Valley School until 2001 and has since attended TURN Community. We have been so grateful for the benevolent staff and extraordinary participants at each of his stops along the way. 
Robbie was such a sweet spirit, genuinely loving. His happiest moments were just being near his family, watching, but not necessarily participating. His secret smile would show through as he listened and watched us all interact. Later he would repeat his favorite phrase he picked up from the festivity, often incessantly, to our annoyed amusement.
In his younger years, Robbie would play Disney movies on repeat and ask us to sing loudly while he `clapped. His favorite song was The Bare Necessities, which his brother David was always up for performing. The two of them would enthusiastically duet sharing a special bond between brothers – “yeah, man!” Later, Robbie discovered the iPad and could navigate his way on YouTube often finding the silliest videos to play over and over and over and over… 
Robbie and his dad were constant companions, and the pair were well known for doing everything together. When Cal passed away, it left a void we are sure Robbie noticed. However, he didn’t talk about him often perhaps because his dad was always nearby. 
His mom became his full-time caregiver in 2017 when Cal became unable to help. She devoted her life to him and his care. Learning to shave an adult man, adjusting her social and spiritual commitments, and finding daily joy in being his constant companion. To our mother, who will perhaps feel his loss most profoundly, we express our deep admiration and love. As a woman of faith, we hope you take comfort with this message: well done.
Robbie is survived by his mother, Celestia, his sisters Marlayn (Russ) and Cari (Randy).  He is also loved by Devan, Lauren, Andrew, Caitie, Lexie, Kaci, and RJ. He was so special to many aunts, uncles and family who were always kind and patient with him.  He was preceded in death by his father Calvin and his brother David. 
There are so many people who have been important in Robbie’s life and immensely impacted ours as well. We will miss you all. We want to thank his aide, John Begay, who has faithfully showered him these last 18 months. The staff at TURN welcomed him every day and kept him interested in the community.  His neighbor friends accepted him and encouraged him to participate. His ward friends have shown him love and concern and made Sundays fun.
There will be a visitation Wednesday, November 8, at Cannon Mortuary, 2460 Bengal Blvd, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, a graveside service Thursday, November 9, 11:00 am at the Salt Lake City Cemetery, just off 11th Avenue. 
We take comfort in knowing his legacy will continue through the gift of organ donation.