Creighton Arthur King was born on December 20, 1972, in Provo, Utah to Raymond Arthur King and Gaye Wood King. He passed away doing what he loved, flying airplanes, on Wednesday, August 23, 2023.

Creighton was greeted by his second-best friend, his dad, Raymond who passed just last year. They are no doubt working on their next plane together! He is watching over his eternal companion, wife of 28 years, Tonya Jean King and his two greatest blessings, daughters Allison Camilla (18) and Amelia Ruth (16). He is survived by his loving mother, Gaye Wood King, and siblings Hawni (Dan) Reynolds, Brandon (Heather) King, Harmonie (Marc) Wheeler, Elizabeth (Alex) Reichert, and Rebecca (Brad) Marshall, 16 nieces and nephews as well as 8 great nieces and nephews that know him as “Great” Uncle Creighton.

Growing up, Creighton was enamored by airplanes. He would ride his bike to the airport and wash planes to hitch rides. With his dad, he helped build their first airplane in the garage of their home. He often reflected on those first flights with great joy! Summers in OshKosh, Wisconsin became the norm as the family would attend EAA AirVenture each July. The family would also go to the Moab Jeep Safari and spent many Easter seasons rock crawling. These two activities would be lifelong adventures Creighton and his family would participate in. Always exploring and living life to the fullest, he was always up for an adventure, as long as Tonya and the girls were by his side.

Creighton graduated from Skyline High School in 1991. He served a two-year mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in the Florida Tampa Mission from 1993-1995. It was near the end of his mission when he “met” his wife. A mission companion had a picture of Tonya. Creighton was smitten and asked for her address to write her a letter. Always going after what he wanted, he invited her to the airport upon his arrival home. The “girl by the garbage can” was there and on March 10, 1995 their love story began. They married in the Salt Lake Temple on September 16, 1995.

Graduating from the University of Utah in 2003 with two bachelor’s degrees (Finance and Accounting), everyone knew that a desk job wasn’t going to suit Creighton for long. He was an entrepreneur by heart and knew he wanted to be his own boss. In January 2005, he began his relationship with Maxxis Tires. Becoming known as “Mr. Maxxis”, Creighton supported short course racing throughout the country for 10+ years in the Maxxis support truck. During this time, he was the star of “Behind the Scenes with Creighton King”, a YouTube video series that interviewed racers and celebrities. Creighton made many lifelong friends during these years.

While working on his race plane Last Lap Player in 2013, Creighton needed a lined ziptie. He was tired of “crappy zipties” cutting through wires on his engine mount. After going to a few hardware stores and not finding one, he decided to create one! GripLockTies was born in 2014. The rubber lined, releasable ziptie has made a huge impact in many industries. As the owner and inventor, Creighton was most excited to finally produce GripLockTies in the good ol’ USA. On the day he passed, the final checks were being completed on the machines. You got them here! Well done!

His “can-do” vision, expertise in many areas, likeable personality, sense of humor, willingness and patience to teach and mentor, and never-ending quest for fun was a magnet for the many friends he has throughout the world. He was bigger than life!

Creighton was a true patriot. He loved the United States of America and the State of Utah. He served as a delegate for several years, taking this role very seriously. He was one of the earliest, and most ardent supporters of the original Utah Flag. He proudly flew both the American flag and State of Utah flag in front of his home.

Creighton was never shy about sharing his testimony of the restored gospel of Jesus Christ as a faithful member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. One of his greatest joys was teaching others. Either on his mission or through his Sunday School classes, he was eager to share his love of the gospel. Although sooner than we had hoped, Creighton looked forward to being welcomed home to the loving arms of the Savior and being told, “well done thou good and faithful servant”.

His greatest joy was his family. He would share his love of his girls with anyone he met. Creighton never let an opportunity pass without telling them he loved them and that they are his greatest blessings. He has always been a supportive dad and husband, facilitating whatever was needed so his girls could participate in their interests - dance, art, violin, guitar, drums, band, golf, cheer - you name it and he made it happen for them. He treasured being able to support his girls at recitals and performances becoming sentimental every time and beaming with pride. There was never a doubt we were loved beyond measure. His legacy will continue through their achievements.

A viewing to honor and remember Creighton will be held on Wednesday, August 30th from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm and Thursday, August 31st from 9:00 am to 10:30 pm at the Brookhaven Ward, 4980 W 3285 S in West Valley City, UT.

Funeral services will take place on Thursday, August 31st at 11:00 am at the Brookhaven Ward.

“What’s the most important lap? The Last Lap”