There is no way to explain Jared in a single page, no way to describe the loss that we feel. Jared was humble, kind, intelligent, curious, adventurous, careful, patient, and so much more. He was a much loved and appreciated son, brother, friend, husband, and uncle. The best way to remember him is to share the stories of his life; even though he was only 31, all agree that he lived life to the fullest.

The thing that we can hold on to is that Jared was doing something he loved on the day that he died. He had accomplished the longest distance bicycle ride that he had been on, and he was going to complete the ride. He had his wife’s support and encouragement, had seen her less than thirty minutes before, and knew she was waiting for him less than thirty miles down the road. When he died, it was almost instant. He was not hurt on the side of the road and in pain.

Please, use this blog to talk about Jared, tell his stories, and laugh. Cry because he was taken away from us too soon, smile because we had the opportunity to know him. As his father told me: Jared would not have wanted us to just survive. He would have wanted us to live and enjoy life.

-Kelley Carr (wife)