Jason Snelson

Jason Keith Snelson arrived in this world the same way he arrived everywhere else - 2 weeks early and without notice. He was born on January 22, 1981 in Provo, Utah, the first-born child to Kim and Brian Snelson. He later became the (usually) adored older brother to four siblings, whom he alternately doted on and teased relentlessly. The teasing often stopped with reminders of "Jason, be kind." If it didn't stop, he got a time-out on the garage steps.
Jason grew up in the Provo area, graduating from Timpview High School. He served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Quito, Ecuador, where he grew to love the people and country. He returned twice more to visit the people there and had a few "Mamitas" that adopted him. After his mission, he went to BYU-Hawaii to study International Business. Jason loved life on the island. It wasn't unusual for him to be out hiking or down at the beach, when he should've been studying.
Following college, Jason went to Korea to teach English for a year. One year turned into 3 years, as he made friends and explored Asia. He was a favorite teacher and we loved reading the comments that his students left for him on social media. He also showed his tender-hearted side by rescuing his dog Bingsoo ("snow cone" in Korean), which he brought back home with him.
After a period of teaching, he returned home to complete an MBA, with an emphasis in Human Resources. Upon graduation, Rolls Royce Motors, recruited him and he had a wonderful career with them, with assignments around the United States and England. He was with Rolls Royce for 6 years and honed his HR skills and made life-long friends there.
Jason loved experiencing new cultures and new places. Most recently, he was recruited by Delta Airlines as the Human Resource specialist for flight attendants based in Salt Lake City, Utah. This allowed him to return home to Utah and be closer to family, one of the reasons he chose to leave his career at Rolls Royce. Of course, if we're being totally honest, it was the free flight benefits that swayed Jason and sealed the deal. He loved working with the flight attendants, and would buy treats for the break room and made small care packages to give to the flight crew, whenever he traveled. He also made the most of his flight benefits. It wasn't unusual for a text from Jason to pop up on the family thread with a picture of somewhere exotic
and a text that read, "I'm in (fill in the blank)!!" The last time he did that, he had gone to Peru for the 'long weekend.' He traveled the world (59 countries!) and savored every minute.
Jason dearly loved his family and his family loved him. Fiercely. Family trips, to far-off places, was one of his favorite things to do. While still on a trip, he'd often ask us, "So, where are we going next?" He planned travel adventures with his siblings and they knew that whatever schemes Jason cooked up would be an adventure, even if it meant sleeping on a window seat in China. His nieces and nephews loved it when Jason talked in funny voices (his Mickey Mouse impression was flawless), teased them, jumped on the trampoline with them, or swung them in the air. Jason loved to play games. It didn't matter what kind of game – he loved them all (and was annoyingly good at them). He loved anything that brought people together. It was Jason
that told us about escape rooms (years ago, before they were cool), which have become a family tradition.
Jason loved people. He was curious and interested in their stories. He had a quick and witty sense of humor, and laughed easily, enthusiastically, and loudly, especially if he was teasing you. He loved to make others laugh too, with his trademark blend of goofiness and poker face.
Jason met Restie in December 2019, and the following year, they began a long-distance relationship, due to Covid. They were married in a small ceremony on Valentines Day of this year, looking dapper in matching white suits.
Jason lived his life with enthusiasm and energy. He was up for any adventure and our lives were a little more exciting - and a lot more fun - by having him in our family. We are shattered that his life was cut short, through a tragic car accident. Yet, we are simultaneously grateful for the 43 wonderful years that we had with his bright, fun personality in our lives.
Jason is survived by his husband Restie Angelo Taruc; his parents, Brian and Kim (Loosli) Snelson; his siblings, Brooke (Joshua Hoffmann), Chad (Kalie), Chanelle, and Aubrey; six nieces and nephews, and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.
A viewing will be held on Friday, June 14th from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Nelson Mortuary, 4780 North University Ave., Provo, Ut. 84604
Funeral services will be held Saturday, June 15th at 11:00 am, with a viewing preceding the service from 10:00 am to 10:45 am, Stake Center, 303 West 3700 North, Provo, Ut. 84604
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Huntsman Cancer Institute.
We love you forever, Jason!