Wednesday, December 19, 2007

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.

Monday, December 17, 2007

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.

Monday, December 3, 2007

"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