Jared Merrill Ahlstrom
"Beloved Son"
Jared Merrill Ahlstrom, our adventurous son, grandson, brother, and uncle has left home for the last time. Jared passed away August 5, 2010 at the age of 32. Jared was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, April 23, 1978 to Ronald Murley and Kristin Slaughter Ahlstrom. Jared loved adventure: mountain biking, hiking, camping, snow boarding, virtually anything to do with the great outdoors. Jared also loved to fly and fulfilled his dream of obtaining a pilot's license. In addition to flying, Jared enjoyed skydiving and paragliding. As a child, Jared was fascinated by the way things worked. This was often frustrating as he would disassemble not only his toys but also those of his friends. Jared's love of mechanical things continued throughout his life.
After completing high school, Jared purchased a broken-down Volkswagen bus. He spent the winter in the garage restoring the Volkswagen to working order. Once the bus was operational, Jared headed out, seldom to return home. Jared found kindred spirits in Moab and settled there for many years. While in Moab, Jared worked as a bicycle mechanic, carpenter, bartender, and airplane mechanic. Everyone who worked with Jared commented on his strong work ethic and pleasant nature. One winter, leaving everything behind, Jared loaded what he could on a bicycle and rode to Baja, Mexico and back.
Always willing to help anyone, Jared would (and did) give the shirt off his back to a stranger in need. Loved ones often thought Jared was born a few decades too late; he seemed to be a flower child of the Sixties.
Jared you are deeply loved and will be greatly missed. We look forward to being together again.
Jared is survived by his parents Ronald and Kristin Ahlstrom; siblings, Todd (Christina) Ahlstrom, Chad Ahlstrom, Courtney (Scott) Wardle, and Taylor Ahlstrom, three nieces and two nephews--Spencer and Miriam Ahlstrom, Emma, Lauren, and Jackson Wardle; grandparents, Joan Slaughter, Harry and Myrtle Ahlstrom. Jared was preceded in death by his beloved grandfather, Ward Slaughter.
Funeral services will be held Thurs. Aug. 12, 2010, 12:00 noon at Larkin Mortuary, 260 East South Temple where also friends may call Wed. evening from 6-8 p.m. and from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to services. Interment: Salt Lake City Cemetery. Online condolences at
larkincares.com