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East High School

BENJAMIN JACOBSEN Obituary

Benjamin Garff Jacobsen 1974 ~ 2010 A young man with a great heart, a faithful spirit, a bright mind, a wonderful family, and a contagious zest for life, Ben died at home on October 13, 2010. Born March 26, 1974 in Salt Lake City. Graduated from East High School where he was captain of the cross country team. LDS missionary in the Japan Sapporo Mission. Received a B.S. degree in Civil Engineering from the U of U. As a licensed structural engineer, he was a founder of and partner in Structural Design Studio. In the LDS Church he served as elders quorum president and Sunday School teacher. Ben wisely married Allison Burbidge in the Salt Lake Temple in 1996. They are parents of Sarah (10), Cameron (7), and Nathan (4). Ben is survived by his parents, Ted and Charlotte Jacobsen; sisters Sarah Schmidt (Brian) and Laura Dunlop (Jason); brothers Bruce (Jenny), Paul (Holly), Andrew, and Scott (Courtney); Allison's parents, Dennis and Rosemary Burbidge; brother-in-law Clark Burbidge (Melissa); seven nephews; 10 1/2 nieces; beloved uncles, aunts, and cousins; and a large circle of treasured friends. Ben loved being outdoors with friends and family. He placed first in his heat in the 2008 Lotoja bike race. A year later, he completed that race in respectable time despite being diagnosed with cancer. This year, many of his biking friends wore "Team Firestorm" jerseys in Ben's honor and he was at Lotoja to support those who have been so supportive of him. His final entry in the blog chronicling his encounter with cancer states: "I now begin to move sooner than I would like toward the end of this journey but to the beginning of what will surely be an exciting new journey without the pain and stress of the past few months. I will be delighted to be free of pain but I shall very much miss family and friends (for a season), biking, early morning 'Dawn Patrol' in the snowy backcountry, the chance to help create a respected structural engineering business, hikes to Grandeur Peak with Allison, soccer games, violin recitals, Christmases, Hebgen, etc. I hope I will be allowed an occasional 'hall pass' to observe from afar the significant future events in the lives of my family." "Allison and I are deeply grateful for the love and support which we have received from medical professionals and wonderful friends and family, near and far, during the past 15 months. It has made the journey less difficult. Thank you!" "Although my mortal life has been shorter than I had hoped and anticipated, I have been greatly blessed. I have a truly remarkable wife; three bright, good children with great potential; faith in the Resurrection and eternal family relationships; six siblings who have loved, challenged and helped shape me; parents and in-laws who have loved, encouraged and cared deeply for me; great, faithful, loyal friends; wonderful business associates; and more than a few sacred times when I have known, by the Spirit, who I really am, the purposes of life, and the truths of eternity. I'll be just up the trail and around the bend . . ." Friends may call at the Parleys 6th Ward, 2350 South 2100 East, Tuesday evening, October 19, from 6 until 8 p.m. and on Wednesday, October 20, from 10:30 until 11:45 a.m. Funeral services will be at the Parleys 6th Ward Wednesday at noon. Private graveside services will occur on October 19. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Ben's name to either Huntsman Cancer Foundation (500 Huntsman Way, Salt Lake City, UT 84108) or www.rendezvousserviceranch.org.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Deseret News on Oct. 17, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for BENJAMIN JACOBSEN

29 Entries

Norma Larsen

October 27, 2010

Dear Ted and Charlotte, and families,

I heard about your son's passing. I am so sorry to hear about this.

I am the daughter of the late Art and Tella Strang. I grew up in Garden Park Ward and left after I married.

Remember to thank our Heavenly Father for the Plan of Salvation and for the gift of love that all of us share.

I lost my husband to cancer 7 years ago.

I send my love and prayers.

Sister Norma Strang Larsen

October 27, 2010

It's been a while, but I definitely remember serving with Ben (I was in Sapporo, 1992-1994).

The few memories I still have were that he was always smiling and a great guy to be around. I wish his family the absolute best.

Nate Cothran

Janelle Jones

October 26, 2010

Dear Allison, Laura, Jason and family,
I am so sad to hear of Ben's passing. I was deeply touched by Ben's remarkable faith and courage. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Much love,
Janelle Farnsworth Jones

Barry Welliver

October 25, 2010

I knew Ben through the Structural Engineers Association of Utah and admired his dedication to the profession.

Well wishes for his family to hold onto his memory and know that his life touched many you may not have met.

October 21, 2010

The world is dimmer without him. What a gift it was to have Ben in our lives! Allison, we love you so much. Love, Ariane & Dave

Craig and Jan Zwick

October 21, 2010

Dear friends Ted and Charlotte,
Jan and I send our love and sympathy to you, Allison and the entire Jacobsen Family at this sensitive time of loss of such a precious son, husband, father, brother and friend. Ben was a powerful, yet gentle person who blessed lives everywhere by his pure heart and exemplary life.
We are so sorry that we have been in Oklahoma City all week and unable to be there for the funeral services. We have thought about you all week and send our warmest support and condolences at this time of loss.
Our hearts go out to precious Allison, and we pray that she will be sustained by angels of love who will help her through this time of temporary separation from her eternal companion.
May you all know of our love and deep admiration and of the loss we all feel as this fine young father has been called home to celestial glory.
We combine our faith with yours as we reflect upon the great plan of happiness which gives us hope and understanding. Ben will live on in all of our hearts and we are all better for having known him.
God be thanked for the entire Jacobsen Family who have been a source of inspiration and goodness to everyone who has known them.
We love you with our whole hearts and look forward to seeing you again soon.
Our love and genuine sympathy,

Lindsay Nebeker

October 20, 2010

To the whole Jacobsen clan,
What a shock to see this! We love the Jacobsen family, having lived in the Garden Park area for a while. What a beautiful writing. I'm so sorry. We are certainly thinking of you all and hope to connect on a more personal note soon. Prayers, indeed.
Love,
Lindsay and James, et. al Nebeker

Delsa Moe

October 20, 2010

Dear Ted and Charlotte,

How sad it was to hear from Pres. Orgill today of your son's passing. Although I didn't know Ben, the fact that he is your son makes it personal to me and I grieve with you too. After reading his obituary, I can see he was able to accomplish alot in his short life and impact the lives of so many and that is only because of the great family who loved him and shaped him while he was on this earth. He definitely has a strong testimony of the Plan of Salvation and that is very comforting. My aloha is with you all during this time of sorrow.

October 20, 2010

Dearest Sarah,

Ellie and I want to tell you how sorry we are that you have lost your Dad. You are such a wonderful, kind, creative girl and we have been thinking about you a lot. You are in our prayers along with your mom and brothers. Know that we are here if you ever need anything.

Ellie Cemer and Holly

Julie Stout

October 20, 2010

I am so sad for your loss. Ben was such an impressive man and had an exceedingly rich life in his few years here. Many of us should take a cue from him in terms of his dedication, outlook and passions. Allison, I hope you and your children are blessed with the help of angels and that you feel Ben in your life with regularity.

Brent Maxfield

October 20, 2010

I met Ben while he was working on the Draper Utah Temple. I have enjoyed the association ever since. We also worked together on the Structural Engineers Association of Utah SEER Committee. Ben always had a smile on his face and was fun to work with. The structural engineers in the State of Utah have lost a wonderful associate. Ben, we will miss you. Thank you for your example of faith and courage.

R. Kay Petersen

October 19, 2010

Laura first introduced me to Ben, before he attended East High. I felt her pride in her brother even then and soon learned to understand it.

Ben Jacobsen was more than an athletic captain. He was a truly extraordinary young man and member of an extraordinary family. Ben and his siblings were all leaders of one kind or another at East High School.

I had opportunities to enjoy his respectful and reverent personality many times. I particularly admired his ability to focus on his academic challenges and share his skills and spirit with his friends.

Ted and Charlotte, I grieve with you for your loss and take pleasure from knowing that your reunion with Ben will be joyful.

Ben and your family have been in our prayers this week.

R. Kay Petersen
Principal East High - Retired

Andrea Arnold Ingleby

October 19, 2010

Ted, Charlotte, Bruce and Family,
We are saddened to hear of the passing of Ben. He was always so happy and nice. Always had a great smile. I enjoyed working with him the few times I was able to.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your entire family during this difficult time.
Love,
Bruce and Andrea Ingleby Family

Jolynn Snider

October 19, 2010

My heart is sadden by Ben's passing, but I know that his spirit lives on. Allison and family my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Jim Dillon

October 18, 2010

I venture to speak for, and send condolences from, our entire Japan Sapporo Mission (1993-1995). I haven't seen Ben since the mission so I can only speak of him as a Choro in Japan which I'm sure is no different from the life he lived since then. He was a remarkable missionary and was known among all missionaries as one of the best, a very dedicated, lovable, successful, and fun elder to be with. He loved his mission so much that he was able to extend his mission a month and thus ending his service with my MTC district where we were more than privileged to have him a part of our testimony meeting the last night at the mission home. What a great Man of God.

Kathlyn and Mike Thayne

October 18, 2010

We are so saddened by Ben's passing, taken much too soon. We will see him again when we join him and the Garffs who have gone before. Charlott we send our great love and support to you and to Ted and to Ben's family

Emily Kunz Schofield

October 18, 2010

Allison and Family,
I really can't think of what to say other than I cried when I found out about your loss. My deepest sympathies for you and your family at this time. We'll keep you and your family in our family and personal prayers.

Jessica Jenkins

October 18, 2010

Allison and family,
I am so sorry for your heartache at this time. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

ENTELEN Design-Build

October 18, 2010

To Ben's Family:

We at ENTELEN Design-Build are deeply saddened by Ben's passing. We had the wonderful opportunity to work with Ben on a professional level as he assisted us in completing our projects.

Unfortunately, we were not aware of his and your struggle as he fought this battle. Ben was always very professional and assertive and thoroughly completed the projects assigned to him. He is a good, kind, honest man and we enjoyed working with him. He will be greatly missed in the professional community as well as at home.

We are confident Ben will be involved in making sure the "many mansions" are safe and structurally sound as he prepares them for his family and loved ones (John 14:2).

We express our deepest sympathies to you at this time and wish peace and wonderful memories will always be yours while you await reunion with Ben.

Sincerely,

ENTELEN Design-Build
Sam Cheney, Steve Burt, Kurt Fashimpaur, Jonathan Burt, Rich Green, Jeff Burt & company

October 18, 2010

We are so saddend by your loss. We too have only men Ben a time or two but there is a great bond in the Garff family that extends to all. Our love and prayers go with you and we know that your faith will carry you through the hard times.

Mary Ann Prows Swalberg

October 17, 2010

Dear Allison and children, Dennis and Rosemary,

Please accept our deepest sympathies at this most difficult time. You are a very special family and we are so thankful to have you with us as members of the family tree. Our thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with you.

With love,
The Prows/Swalberg/Boyce Family and all your cousins.

October 17, 2010

Dear Sarah,

I am so sorry your Dad passed away. You are a fine young lady . I just wanted to let you know i am thinking of you.

Love,
Nannette Miles (sewing teacher)

October 17, 2010

We will always be grateful and inspired by your tremendous family. May the Savior's warm arms comfort you in the days ahead.
Love always,
Rob & Cindy Norton and Family

October 17, 2010

My thoughts, prayers and tears are with you and the family. I am grateful for my association wth the Jacobsens and Burbidges. May you feel of my love and support at this time.
Diana Garff Gardiner

Barbara Tanner Gibson

October 17, 2010

This touched my heart. I read of him on J. Cannon's facebook entry a couple of weeks ago. J. is my neice's husband. We are on a mission in Japan. I put his name on the prayer roll here in Tokyo. I was surprised to see that he served a mission here. May you all be blessed and comforted.

Bill Kirton

October 17, 2010

Allison, We send our love and prayers to you the children. Ben is the best. Aloha
Bill and Rachelle Kirton

Keith and Katherine Kunz

October 17, 2010

Dear Allison and your beautiful children,

We extend our condolences and love at this time of temporary separation. May the Lord's blanket of love enfold you and your family with warmth and peace. May the eternal stitches that bind family quilts together remain vibrant and steadfast. May sweet music replace the sad refrain of your departed Ben with the hope of a brighter tomorrow. We love you.

Garrett and Amy Burbidge

October 17, 2010

Allison, please accept our condolences for the loss of your sweetheart Ben. Please know that we love you and pray for you as you face the challenges ahead.

George & Pearl Garff

October 17, 2010

Our hearts are saddened by the loss of this wonderful man. We only met Ben a time or two, but the love we have for his mom has been a gift in our lives. To his wife, Allison, and to his children we send our love and deep condolences. I have suffered the loss my first wife to death and the pain is unbelievable and I feel your loss. With and through your sweet faith and the support of your wonderful extended family you will be comforted now and over time.
Blessings and love,
George and Pearl Garff

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