GRAND BLANC TWP, MI – A veteran.

A Detroit Tigers fan.

A student of the U.S. Constitution.

A friend to all.

The four people who died following a shooting and fire on Sept. 28 during a morning service at The Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township are being remembered in different ways, but they all shared one common bond in life: their faith.

‘Everyone was family’

Thelma Rina Armstrong was born May 8, 1971, in Klerksdorp, South Africa, where she worked and became the manager of a local grocery store in the community, according to her obituary.

“She was known for her loyalty to her work, the kindness she showed to her customers, and the extra time she always took to listen to anyone in need of a friend. To Thelma, everyone was family,” the obituary reads.

Armstrong immigrated to the United States, according to her obituary, where she found work and “made many new friends along the way.”

Service to a new country

William Patrick “Pat” Howard moved to the United States in his youth.

Born on Nov. 27, 1947, in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Howard spent much of his life in Michigan, graduating from Owosso High School before a 30-plus year career as a train dispatcher for Grand Trunk Western Railroad, per his obituary.

“Pat had a curious mind and a passion for knowledge. He was an avid reader of nonfiction, a thoughtful writer, a student of the U.S. Constitution, and a lifelong learner,” his obituary reads. “He found joy in music, cooking, gospel study, building a model train set in his later years, and sharing meals out with his beloved wife.”

He married Katherine “Kitty” Mae DeLong, on June 24, 1972, in Owosso, and four days later the couple were “sealed for time and all eternity in the Salt Lake City Temple, beginning a lifelong partnership rooted in faith, devotion, and enduring love.”

Howard also served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Korea during the Vietnam War.

“His enduring sense of duty and discipline became the foundation of a life marked by integrity and purpose,” Howard’s obituary reads. “On August 21, 1996, he deepened his devotion to the country he served by becoming a United States citizen—a milestone that reflected his commitment to the values he held dear.”

‘Loved member of the community’

John Thomas Bond, Jr. also served in the armed forces.

He was a U.S. Navy veteran and serving during the Vietnam War.

Bond was born on Nov. 8, 1948, in Valparaiso, Indiana, and was a member and served as a Commander at the Linden VFW Post #4642, per his obituary.

“He was a well known and loved member of his community,” his obituary reads. “A lover of golf and trains. He always loved spending time with his family and grandkids.”

‘A man of quiet courage’

Craig Douglas Hayden was a Flintstone.

Born Oct. 13, 1952 in Flint, Hayden met his wife, Carol Susan Kidder, at her graduation party in 1972, and the couple married in December 1973 in Fenton.

He worked as a toolmaker for more than 40 years for General Motors, was a pilot, a Detroit Tigers fan and enjoyed playing guitar and spending time with a pair of lifelong friends.

“A beloved husband, father, papa, uncle and friend, he will be remembered as a man of quiet courage, patience, understanding, and kindness to all those he met,” his obituary reads. “He touched countless lives throughout his life and will be known for his service to his family, friends, church and community.”

Love of Christ

While they all came from different areas, the victims’ paths all crossed because of their love of Christ.

“Pat’s legacy is best seen in the lives of his children and grandchildren, in his example of discipleship to his Savior, Jesus Christ, and in his tireless devotion to truth, faith, and family,” Howard’s obituary reads.

Described in the obituary as “a man of deep spiritual conviction,” Howard was baptized into The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Nov. 17, 1962, “and spent the rest of his life in faithful service through numerous church callings.”

Hayden and his wife joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints on Feb. 23, 1980, “and were sealed in the Washington D.C. Temple for time and all eternity on March 19th, 1981,” his obituary reads.

“Craig would go on to serve multiple callings in the church, including Bishop, Young Men’s President and as a Scoutmaster,” Hayden’s obituary reads. “Craig spent his time, coming to the aid of friends and family, and offering an ear to those who needed someone to listen.”

For Armstrong, described as “a woman of deep faith,” she was a convert to the church in 2011, though as her obituary reads “she had always lived by a strong belief in Christ.”

“She raised her two children on her own in a Christ-centered home that was always open to any child who needed a place to belong,” Armstrong’s obituary reads. “Her love for the Church began the moment the missionaries first knocked on her door. She felt an instant connection when she saw the name tags they wore, each bearing the name of JESUS CHRIST.

“From that day forward, she loved every missionary who visited her home and made an effort to keep in touch with each one and their families, eventually earning the title of ‘Missionary Mother.’ Her faith was unbreakable, regardless of the trials she faced, and she loved everyone with the same unconditional love she knew her Heavenly Father had for her.”

Armstrong served at the Grand Blanc Township church as a teacher of the five-year-old class and “loved her ward family so much and wanted everyone to feel loved,” her obituary reads. “She took an interest in everyone—from the widowed to the newborn—and was a radiant light to anyone who knew her.”

She found the greatest job in her family, especially her grandchildren and “adored and embraced her role as ‘Yia Yia’ with endless love and delight,” her obituary reads.

“Thoughtful and generous, Thelma was known for sending kind messages, giving heartfelt gifts, and checking in on those she cared for,” Armstrong’s obituary reads. “She was always ready to help, giving selflessly without hesitation, and she touched the lives of everyone she met with her warm smile and open heart.”