BYU Football Truck Fulfills Clinton Man’s Dying Wish
Jan 30, 2021, 4:56 PM | Updated: Dec 23, 2022, 11:03 pm
One of Brandon Stewart's final wishes was to take a ride in the BYU football equipment truck. Through some emails and phone conversations, his family was able to make it happen. (Stuart Johnson/KSL-TV)
(Stuart Johnson/KSL-TV)
CLINTON, Utah — Even though the BYU football season has been over for a while now, their equipment truck was seen in northern Utah. It wasn’t there to impress any high-prized recruits, but to fulfill a Clinton man’s dying wish.
When you visit the neighborhood near Clinton Pond Park in Davis County, there is no doubt you’re in BYU country.
Many people in the area love the school and were outside their homes with BYU flags, signs, and shirts Saturday afternoon.
“We love BYU. It runs through our blood,” said one fan holding two BYU flags.
For as much as they love showing their support to BYU, they love their neighbor more.
Many were also outside with his name on their homemade signs.
“He is a great guy,” said a neighbor. “One of the best.”
Brandon Stewart doesn’t have much time left.
His wife, whom he met at BYU, knows how precious their final days together are with their four children.
“We just keep faith and hope,” said Shauni Stewart. “We’ll keep that view of eternity.”
Brain cancer is often a tough opponent.
Doctors recently told him time was running out.
“It’s not OK and it’s not easy and it won’t be easy,” said Shauni.
“They love me and I love them,” Brandon Stewart said of his family with tears in his eyes.
When his family started talking to him about his final wishes, he told them he wouldn’t mind taking a ride in the BYU football equipment truck.
Stewart’s father-in-law said he always had a thing for big trucks, so combining his love for 18-wheelers with BYU football, his wish made sense to his family.
“It was not surprising to me that’s what he asked about,” said Fred Nelson, Stewart’s father-in-law.
It turns out Nelson knows the driver of that BYU truck.
Through some emails and phone conversations, they were able to make it happen.
The @BYUfootball truck just got back to this Clinton neighborhood after taking a special guest for a ride today. We’ll do some wrap up interviews for this story and start putting it together for @KSL5TV at 5 and 9. #ksltv #byu pic.twitter.com/xAvzJQvdhg
— Alex Cabrero (@KSL_AlexCabrero) January 30, 2021
Just after 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, the big rig rolled through the neighborhood and pulled up to his front door.
Stewart may not be able to speak much because of his cancer, but just looking at him, you knew what he was feeling.
BYU head football coach Kalani Sitake even made a surprise visit. So did Cosmo. And with his neighbors cheering for him, Stewart got into the truck with his family for a ride around his neighborhood.
Clinton’s police and fire departments turned it into an escort — lights, sirens, and all.
Stewart, who also served in the military in Iraq, was treated like the hero he is.
After so many sad days for this family, Saturday was finally a happy one.
“It is,” said his wife. “We woke up early this morning. I think I was awake at about five.”
No one knows for sure how many days he has left, but his family said they’re thankful that on one of his last days, he did something he has always wanted to do.
“It’s awesome and I really appreciate it,” he said.
His smile said it all.
“We know we will be OK and that we will be together again,” said his wife.
