Jacob Oveson

Jacob Edwards Oveson passed out of this life in the early hours of May 20, 2015. He was 20 years old.

Jacob was born on August 4, 1994 to Mark Merrill Oveson and Patricia Edwards Oveson at Avista Hospital in Louisville, Colorado. He attended High Peaks Elementary and Louisville Middle School before entering Peak to Peak High School, where he graduated in 2012. He earned his Eagle Scout award at the age of 14. He was a star on the Speech and Debate team and a talented track and cross-country runner. He had begun college at Brigham Young University where he studied Economics, one of his passions.

From his earliest years Jacob had the gift of inclusion. He knew instinctively how to welcome everyone into his world. He climbed mountains with athletes and played strategy games with misfits. His answer to every challenge was “Yes.” And every lonely soul could expect to hear, “Come in and join us!”

Those close to Jacob can attest to his ability to create fun. He had an infectious love of games and was hugely dedicated to creating his own. He is the author of some dozen titles, though he never got to publish one; the delight of his friends and family was reward enough to keep him writing. Whether playing with family or competing with strangers, Jacob cared most about the bonds of friendship formed between players. He was always graceful in victory and humble in defeat. All who have faced him, win or lose, can recall his warm smile, outstretched hand, and cheerful "Good game."

Jacob once wrote, “Reality is, we’re heroes every one of us. The boundaries are defined by the walls we set ourselves; you take your dreams and you make them. Live free and let it be known when I say that the world is a majestic place, filled with wonder and beauty and passion. Let it be known: I am the Realist.”

In his late teenage years, Jacob was afflicted with a mental illness that would lead to episodes of great unhappiness and confusion. Despite terrible psychological turmoil, he fought to maintain meaningful relationships with his loved ones and to be a positive influence in their lives. His family considers themselves privileged to have known and loved him.

Jacob is survived by his parents and by six brothers and sisters, Randall, Mallory, Alice, Jaroldeen, Spencer, and Jason. He is also survived by his grandmother Dixie Randall Oveson. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2015, at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 701 W. South Boulder Road in Louisville. A viewing will be held beforehand at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be at the Louisville Cemetery following the services.

Funeral arrangements are being handled by Greenwood & Myers Mortuary, greenwoodmyersfuneral.com.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests a contribution to West Ridge Academy in West Jordan, Utah. Contact John Stohlton at (801) 301-7283, or visit the Academy's website at westridgeacademy.com.