Levi's Obituary

Levi Johnson Snarr, beautiful son, steadfast brother, exultant uncle, joyful friend, world traveler, conqueror of the continents and lover of life, slipped away to greet a new day and a new adventure in the early morning hours of December 17, 2007. Levi is our gentle giant and our best buddy; our hearts are broken that he isn’t here. At the same time, our thoughts are joyful as we imagine Levi’s reunion with his brother, Zachary, other loved ones and with our Savior.

Levi was a shining star, full of energy, enthusiasm and the desire to fill each day with extreme enjoyment by partaking of the wonders and beauties of this world and through nurturing and serving those around him.

Levi was as big as he was beautiful, in stature, generosity and heart. He lived more than a lifetime in his 27 short years and was molded into an upstanding young man by the choice experiences he pursued and by the way he handled difficult and refining experiences that came his way.

He was born into a loving, energetic family on October 26, 1980, the youngest of four. With his siblings, Trent, Sydney, and Zachary, Levi was nurtured, loved and embraced by devoted parents, Ronald P. and Sy Johnson Snarr. A beloved grandmother, Cynthia Johnson, survives and misses Levi, as well. He enjoyed a wonderful childhood filled with work, play and adventure. He learned the satisfaction of hard work beside his dad and brothers in the family business, Snarr Brothers Landscaping. He had a wide circle of close friends and proved throughout his life to be a true and loyal friend. Levi loved his family, sought them out, and spent his most choice hours in their company.

Levi did everything with great enthusiasm. He never held back and pursued his dreams and quests with determination and joy. An example of this drive was fulfilling his goal to visit all seven continents of the earth on one passport. He and his mom completed their goal together mere weeks ago as he celebrated his birthday and toured the African continent with his family and close friends. Levi sent a daily blog of his trip so that he could, virtually, take everyone he cared about with him. The trip, itself, was a miracle for Levi and his family during his last days and it exemplified so much about Levi: exciting, exotic, extraordinary, enmeshed in nature, beautiful, unusual, a little bit dangerous, challenging and, seemingly, out of reach—yet completely palpable and real. One of Levi’s last great walks was to Victoria Falls, a celebration and triumph.

Levi’s life has not always been easy and we look to him as an example of living a Christ-like life. The sudden and horrific loss of his brother, Zach, eleven years ago was devastating to his whole family. Levi worked hard to resolve his feelings about this injustice and set an example to all when he declared five years ago, “I am not angry anymore.” He demonstrated, again, just how choice and refined he is as he worked and fought over the last ten months to be here with his loved ones and to continue his grand adventure in this life. He lived on fiercely, without complaint or bitterness in spite of extreme pain and suffering. His essence is joy in living.

Levi loved being an uncle and was proud of his nephews and niece, Zachary and Grady Snarr and Taylor, Paige and Logan Davis. He leaves them with his stewardship to live life fully every day and to embrace each new experience with wonder and passion. His creed, “Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all,” will be a figurative cairn to mark the way for these young souls he loved. Their parents, Trent and Heidi Snarr and Brian and Sy Davis will ensure that the legacy of their brother and friend will live on through their children.

An active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Levi found purpose and solace in his belief of a living God and eternal life.

Levi and his family express their gratitude to many who have loyally loved and served them throughout Levi’s life, particularly in the past several months. Tributes in Levi’s honor could be directed to http://www.huntsmancancerfoundation.org or 801-584-5800. Services will be held on Saturday, December 22, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Edgehill 2nd Ward, 1500 E. 1780 South, Salt Lake City, UT. A viewing will be held on Friday, December 21, 2007 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Drive, Salt Lake City, UT and before the service from 9:00 to 10:45 a.m. at the ward. Interment at Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park.

December 17, 2007 3:40am

Levi Johnson Snarr beat his horrific battle with cancer by passing onto the next life at 3:40 this morning. He is now with his older brother/best friend Zach in a better place. As sad as we are, we are truly grateful that Levi is no longer in pain. Although he has left us, his amazing example and spirit will forever remain in each one of us. Levi is a hero to everyone: not only to his family and friends but to all those that have heard his story. Amongst the most unimaginable pain, Levi continued to smile and not once complained. Again thank you to you all for your continued support throughout this experience. May his memory live on!

Funeral services will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, December 22, 2007 at the Edgehill Ward on 1750 South 1500 East.

"It's the holiday season"

I just wanted to give everyone an update on my life and health. If you are still checking this blog then I really appreciate your continued interest and concern. I am doing well. There have been some ups and downs the last couple of weeks but I am currently doing much better. I have surprised all of the doctors...none of the them expected me to be around right now but I am. My heartrate is down, my blood pressure is good, and there is nothing in my lungs. I am really looking forward to the holiday season. I appreciate the prayers and visits...they mean a lot to me. Happy Holidays to all! - Levi

Home Safely

Just wanted to inform everyone that Levi and his family made it home safely yesterday. It was a very long and grueling flight but Levi was excited to get home.

Thanks again to you all! Your comments completed this 'blog' experience. - Gavin

Can't wait to get home! - 33 hours of traveling first though

We decided to send one last blog before we came home. We caught a flight from Livingston, Zambia this afternoon, arrived in Joburg, and are now waiting for our next flight. It will be a long journey home but I am excited. I wish I had the ‘easy’ button… just push and be home. This morning after breakfast we went into Zimbabwe again and got an up-close look at the falls. They are beautiful and a great way to spend our last morning here. After the falls we went back to the Victoria Bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe and Gavin did a proxy bungee jump for me along with my cousins Doug and Mike. I’ve said it before but I am so grateful for the chance that I had to come to Africa. This experience has surpassed my expectations. Where there is a will, there is a way! I know that all your prayers and thoughts have greatly contributed to my safe travel and rejuvenation. I love you all and we’ll see you soon. - Levi

This is Gavin…. Levi doesn’t know that I’m writing this but he’s planning on passing out candy at his house on Halloween. It’s located on 931 East Searle Ave (approx 5180 South) in Murray. I think it would be neat if some of you went by and saw him… he would love it. Thanks to all of you. You greatly contributed to this whole experience with your comments, thoughts, and prayers. Thanks! He’ll have king size candy bars too!

Coming to a end....

Well, we have spent our last full day in Africa and it has been a great vacation. I’m excited to come home to see some family and friends and relax a little in my home. Overall, things have gone quite well for me here and I appreciate all of the thoughts and prayers that have been offered on my behalf. I’m quite happy for having achieved my goal of visiting all seven continents on one passport. Today I rode in a helicopter over Victoria Falls, although it is not quite the wet season the Falls are still spectacular and I can only imagine how they must look during high water season. Tonight all eight of us rode on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River immediately above the Falls and saw a few more hippos and even some elephants crossing the river. This is truly a remarkable area. I’d like to thank Gavin for all of the work and time he has put into this blog. I’ve really enjoyed reading all of the comments people have offered, and it has proven to be a great means of keeping everybody updated on the trip and my condition. I know I have been truly blessed in being able to do this trip. I am very thankful!

See you all in SLC! Levi.

A great birthday!

What a great day! I was able to spend my 27th birthday here at Victoria Falls. I hiked the farthest distance in eight months today. I was able to go down to the falls and back all on my own. Today was the tour through Chobe National Park. My mom took over a thousand pictures just today. We saw a herd of fifty elephant running down to the river as we sat in a boat watching. It was amazing. I had a really fun birthday dinner tonight. A group of Zambian natives sang happy birthday and we had special order birthday cake. It was a great day. Thanks for all the birthday wishes. Tomorrow I’ll be flying in a helicopter over the falls and I’m super excited. Thanks to you all for the comments…I love reading them. This has been an incredible experience and I can’t believe that we’ll be home Monday. - Levi

Zambia

We flew to Zambia today and are staying at a resort named the Zambezi Sun a couple of hundred feet away from Victoria Falls. The weather is much hotter up here but there are a lot of fun things to be done before we head home. We walked over to Zimbabwe just to say we were there and tomorrow we are going to Batswana to visit another game reserve named Chobe that is supposed to be spectacular! We miss the open tents and sleeping out in the game reserves in South Africa but we are excited to experience the beauty of this area of Africa as well. I am excited for a helicopter ride over Vic Falls on Saturday but think that the harness for a bungee jump may be too uncomfortable – we’ll see but Gavin has promised to do it for me in my stead. Tomorrow is my 27th birthday and I feel very fortunate to be celebrating it in a very beautiful and unique area of the world. Thanks all, Levi

Traveling day

We’ve made it to Johannesburg. We’re on the last leg of our trip and don’t want it to end because it has been so much fun. Again, tomorrow we’re off to Victoria Falls and are so excited. Our plane was delayed two hours today but it didn’t disrupt any of our plans. I’m going to get some good rest tonight so I can finish this trip with a bang. We’ll send some pics even though we didn’t take any pictures today. Tomorrow is another travel day and there may not be any pictures I love you all and genuinely appreciate the many people that are interested in my experience. Thanks – Levi

On our way to Joburg

Today is the last day at Kwa Mbili lodge here in the bush. We’ll be traveling to Joburg today and then heading to Victoria Falls tomorrow. We had an incredible experience here viewing the animals. Yesterday, we were able to see a group of lionesses trying to get to a baby rhinoceros. We were right there in the middle of it. The lions were unsuccessful because the baby’s parents were quite protective and began charging at the lions. It was amazing to see the animals interacting. Levi is doing very well and is excited to see if he can do the bungee jump on the Zambezi River (world’s highest)…. we’ll see. Thanks for the comments. Levi reads them everyday and it’s a great part of his day. The outpouring of support is amazing and I know that Levi appreciates it greatly. Thank you all! - Gavin

Rhino and male lions

We’ve now seen all the animals we wanted to see. Yesterday we finally saw the rhinoceros that we’ve been searching for the last couple of days. We saw a mother and baby rhino and were able to get fairly close . . . it was a cool experience. While we were tracking the rhino we ran into two male lions on the side of the path. We hadn’t seen male lions with full-grown manes until yesterday so this was very exciting. Lions can spend 18-20 hours a day sleeping so it can be very hard to spot them. Luckily these lions were resting in some shade that was 10 feet from where we were driving. Anyway, it was a great day all around. I can’t believe how many people are checking these updates…. I appreciate that support. Tomorrow we leave the bush and head for Victoria Falls. Thanks again for the much appreciated support. - Levi

Update from the african bush

Greetings from Kwa Mbili Lodge! Trent arrived today and is so excited to experience his first safari…hopefully he’ll be able to see some of the same animals that we’ve seen. We only need to see a rhinoceros out of the ‘big five’ (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhino). We’re hoping that we’re lucky and that we’ll see that rhinoceros today. Trent didn’t bring any good luck with him...he arrived in Johannesburg on Saturday night but was up all night listening to everyone celebrate South Africa’s victory over England in the Rugby World Cup, slept in, and missed his flight. Instead of joining us today he arrived this afternoon and is so happy to join me in this experience. I had a rough day yesterday moving from one lodge to another. Traveling isn’t the easiest for me especially on these terrible dirt roads. The safaris also include driving on dirt roads but seeing all the sights helps me forget the pain. We are having such a good time. We saw a cheetah and a leopard yesterday. It’s been invigorating to breathe some fresh air and get out to see this beautiful country. Today, I’m doing much better and am looking forward to the rest of this trip! Again, thanks again for all the support, prayers, and comments to my blog. - Levi

Greetings again from Africa

We really appreciate all the support that you have all shown through your comments, prayers, etc. We're glad you're checking up on Levi cause this internet sure slows down the process the further you get into the bush...be grateful for your high-speed internet! We've continued to have an amazing experience as seen in these pictures. I've taken over 3,000 pictures and we've only been here 5 days. Levi continues to amaze us all. He is the first one up in the morning ready to go on the morning safari. We've heading to another game preserve tomorrow...we don't know about internet but we'll do our best to stay connected but you my not hear from us until we arrive at Victoria Falls. Again, we are truely grateful for all those that are checking this site...it means a lot to Levi and he gets excited to see who has posted comments. We continue to pray that he'll have the necessary energy to do what he wants here and we hope you also do the same. Tomorrow Trent arrives and we're excited to see him. love, Sy

Some pics from Timbavati Kambaku Safari Lodge

We hope that you guys enjoy these pictures...it took almost two hours to post them. We are here in the middle of the African bush with really slow dial-up internet. This place is amazing and we have enjoyed being here with Levi and seeing him so alive, energetic, and happy. The bush has brought even more light into Levi's eyes! - Gavin

I have been trying to

send 6 pictures and only the peeing giraffe and her thirsty partner went through. You are lucky to see this one!! I will keep trying. We are seeing AMAZING animals. Levi said today that this is one of the highlights of his life!! By the way, this is how the male sees if she is ready to breed! The internet here is VERY slow. Hopefully the next one will be better. Thanks so much everyone for your support and comments!! Sy

Kambaku Lodge in Timbavati Game Reserve

It has been a couple of amazing days. After one night in Johannesburg we flew to Hoedspruit in South Africa and came here to a safari lodge in the middle of the African bush. We have spent the last two days going on safaris. It has been invigorating to be out here amongst all these beautiful animals. We’ve seen zebra, giraffe, hippopotamus, elephant, leopard, lion, buffalo, and many more all in their natural habitat. Today we had a really cool experience seeing a male leopard chase another male leopard. We then chased one of those leopards in our safari Land Rover to get an up close look. Not many people get the chance to see leopards so we were very lucky. Immediately after, our guides started tracking a pair of lions. We didn’t expect to actually find and see the lions after an hour and a half of tracking but with the skills of two professional trackers we found them. We parked the Rover a few feet away as we got an up close look. I am doing well. I am hanging in there and trying to enjoy the most of this amazing experience. When we are in hot pursuit of an animal I’m able to forget the pain for a moment and that makes this trip all worth it. Hope all is well with everyone back home. I greatly appreciate all the support that you offer me. Thanks for the comments made thus far on my blog and the many prayers. It is good to know that so many of you care. - Levi

At the Johannesburg Airport with Elder and Sister Koelliker

WE'VE ARRIVED! After 26 hours of traveling, we arrived here in Johannesburg. Elder and Sister Koelliker surprisingly greeted us at the airport. It was so nice to see such great friends. It was a long couple of flights and we’re incredibly tired but we are more than excited to be here in South Africa. My mom and I have accomplished our goal to reach all 7 continents on one passport. Tomorrow we’re off to a game preserve…we’ll keep in touch. - Levi

Welcome

Welcome to my blog. I am off to Africa on Oct 15 for a couple of weeks. I'll make sure to keep you all updated on my travels and my progress. Thanks for checking out the site. - Levi

Levi with Elder Oaks