Joshua K Earl

Salt Lake City, UT-On Sunday, January 29, 2023, Joshua Earl, Public Service of Valor recipient, passed away at the age of thirty-seven after complications following a cardiac arrest. In every area and time throughout his unique life, Joshua made deep and loving connections to his family and friends. Those who knew him often witnessed him acting from his strong sense of loyalty and compassion to help those he could, in any way he was able. He lived with a sense of relentless optimism, and his zest and passion for life were boundless.

Josh was friends with hundreds of people from all walks of life, many made throughout his years in the hospitality industry. He was always there to offer a drink, a smile, and compassionate conversation to anyone in need. His generosity and warmth were only exceeded by his creativity and optimism, as he spent much of his life writing stories and making games. His drive was focused on bringing people together and manifesting joy into the world around him, and his acts of heroic selflessness and bravery were too numerous to recount.

Josh's presence and charisma were magnetic and it was impossible to leave a room he was in without befriending him. He was the kind of person who would help others simply for the act of helping. He loved animals and was observed several times by friends helping dogs to cross the street, or helping them out of danger. His laugh was contagious and unabashedly full of vigor and life. His creativity was without limit as exemplified by the numerous games, novels, and film scripts that he'd share with friends.

-Eli Amodt

Josh was a modern day warrior in the truest form. He fought for all he loved and held dear and would never back down from doing what was right, regardless of the difficulty or even danger that could befall him. He was as selfless and caring as anyone could ever be. He loved truly, deeply and genuinely. You never had to guess what was on Josh's mind as he was always open to have a conversation with you. Josh was and continues to be a bright presence in all of our lives and would want us to carry that light forward. He is the family we all chose because he is truly a brother to all. Josh was taken from us too soon, but since day one he really knew who he was and was unapologetically himself; a feat that most take a lifetime to accomplish. There were never any barriers with Josh because anyone would feel welcome and safe in his presence. His vigor and impact are eternal; he will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

-Zak Amodt

We lost a brother, a true companion to help you hold the light in life's deepest darkest adventures, someone that can lift your spirits with a simple gesture and a smile. I met Josh back in elementary school and his energy, charisma, and vigor was as present back then as it was until his last days. Josh was a beautiful soul and a magnificent human, one you truly want to be around, that you want on your side when the zombie apocalypse happened, and would feel safe when he was present. His energy and charisma inspired everybody that he came in contact with, emanating confidence and joy. I'm thankful and blessed, and truly happy, that I had the opportunity to have him as a friend and a brother.

He lived life like an adventure, always willing to be the point man or one to go first, always putting others before himself, always willing to keep the energy going. I will miss the silly banter, the game nights, and our war time nerf battles. Josh is one of the greats and I will never forget him. How can anyone forget that Viking warrior of a man we know and call Josh? I love you dude, we will meet again.

-Jonathan Blanski

Salt Lake City lost a true hero. Josh was a modern day folktale hero to those that ever had the privilege of meeting him. His presence evoked images of a Paul Bunyan, with his thick beard and hulking presence. Anybody else born into this circumstance would relish the opportunity to take advantage of others. Josh, however, was a selfless and humble soul. He never lived in his ego, but instead lived for others. His constant enthusiasm for making games and writing was always done in service of making others smile. He loved to make and create things. His passion was in the work itself, he enjoyed the process of improvement.

He would never hesitate to put himself in harm's way if it meant helping another, even going so far as to help someone who was in crisis, though it meant risking a dangerous fall. When he wasn't saving others in dire situations, you could always count on Josh to listen when you needed an ear. If there was something that anybody, not just his friends, needed, you would see him there. Josh, you will be missed so much. The light that you carried will live on in your friends and family. We will strive to honor your memory by living the way you did. Save a seat, order a drink for us, and we'll bring the nerf guns.

-Lorin Burnett

Joshua is survived by his partner Katherine Paul, parents Ken and Sherry Earl, his brother Anthony Jennings and sister Nicholette Earl, and additional family Candy Kerr, Scott Durfey, and Jeff Nay. He will be loved and remembered as a son, brother, and a friend of hundreds more.