ST. GEORGE, UTAH - Christopher Mark Southwick, 53, of St. George, Utah, passed away late Thursday evening, May 26, 2011. He had been helping his family set up a camp site in Pine Valley for the Memorial Day weekend when he began feeling symptoms of a heart attack. Emergency personnel worked diligently to save his life for over an hour. He was then transported by Life-Flight to Dixie Regional Medical Center where shortly after arriving he was pronounced dead. Chris was born March 8, 1958 and raised in Ogden, Utah to loving parents Paul and Beverly Southwick. He graduated from Ogden High in 1976 where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Jill Belnap, on March, 14, 1980 in the LDS Logan Temple. Chris served an LDS mission in Hamburg, Germany from 1977 to 1979. He graduated with his bachelor's degree from Weber State University in 1984 and finished his education with an MBA in 1987 from the University of Utah. Chris advanced his career in Michigan for 17 years at McLaren Regional Medical Center and then Providence Hospital as the Director of Cardiovascular Services. His family of six resided in Grand Blanc, Michigan where they supported Chris in his various religious callings. He served as a bishop, a member of the Grand Blanc Stake Presidency, and a counselor in the Detroit Mission Presidency. Chris was also very influential and respected throughout the community. In 2007, he accepted a position in St George, Utah with Intermountain Health Care as a Regional Operations Officer leading services such as cardiovascular, imaging, respiratory, and women's and children's . Chris was a traditional family man with the motto, "family comes first". He loved spending time outdoors enjoying the scenery of Southern Utah. He held the Gospel of Jesus Christ close to his heart and shared it with everyone. Chris is survived by his wife, Jill Belnap of St. George, Utah; children: Seth (Jennifer) Southwick of Moscow, Idaho, Mitch (Carolyn) Southwick of Ogden, Utah, Samantha (Cody) Crowther of St. George, Utah and Ellie Southwick of St. George, Utah; six grandchildren; father, Paul; and siblings Rod, Craig, Selinda, Dave, Sue, Jon, and Lane. He was preceded in death by mother, Beverly and sister, Shauna. Chris was a great leader, loving father, compassionate friend, and an inspirational role model. The example Chris led is the legacy he is leaving behind. He will be greatly missed. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 2, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Sunset LDS Stake Center, 82 North Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah. Visitation will take place Wednesday, June 1, 2011 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Boulevard, St. George, Utah, and Thursday, June 2, 2011 from 9:30 a.m to 10:30 a.m. at the Sunset LDS Stake Center, prior to services. Interment will be Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. at the Washington Heights Memorial Cemetery in Ogden, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, 435-673-4221.