This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

My father-in-law, Fritz Helland, was found on Wednesday, a week after disappearing from his East Millcreek home. He had fallen to his death while hiking ("Missing Utah man's body discovered in Neffs Canyon," Tribune, Nov. 1).

It's a small miracle his body was found before being covered by snow. But the deeper miracle is the flood of compassion that flowed over his family from the start.

The police were amazing as they rapidly organized and coordinated the search. They tenderly attended to our feelings; they were like family.

Nearly 1,800 volunteers participated in the two-day search. To see hundreds of people lined up in the volunteer tents to help was profoundly emotional. Our heartfelt thanks to all for your concern, support and prayers.

The loss of a loved one leaves a void in the heart. But our remarkable community's response has more than filled that void with unexpected joy. Our gratitude runs deeper than our grief.

Brian Challis

Sandy