On May 31st of 2016, we lost one of our lab family members. Jared Roberts, one of the most brilliant and selfless individuals we have ever known, passed away suddenly and tragically. His memory will forever be with us, and his contributions both to science and to our lives will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. Below is a copy of his obituary. Memorials were held both in Irvine and in Salt Lake City.
To read more about Jared’s career and scientific contributions please click here.
JARED MICHAEL ROBERTS
May 2, 1984 – May 31, 2016
On May 31st, 2016 the world lost an incredible, extraordinary soul. Jared was a cherished son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, uncle and friend. He was born May 2nd, 1984 to James Roberts Jr. and Treasa Riley in Salt Lake City, Utah. He graduated from Riverton High School in 2002. He explored different paths after high school starting with computer programming and technology, but ultimately discovered his passion in the field of neurobiology. He received his Associates degree in Psychology with honorable mention in 2008 from Salt Lake Community College. His continuous desire to learn led him to The University of Utah, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology in 2012. He had found his ultimate passion. His exceptional talent had put him on the radar of two prestigious schools: Johns Hopkins University and University of California Irvine. He chose to attend Johns Hopkins but, after a couple years, he ultimately decided to follow his professor, mentor, and friend Dr. Michael Yassa to UC Irvine. There he was tirelessly working towards the completion of his PhD in Neurobiology and Behavior, which he would have completed in 2017.
He was a brilliant scientist, a gifted mentor, and a selfless friend. He didn’t take life too seriously; his mischievous personality could always brighten the day. He always knew how to comfort anyone in need. His award winning work led to insights in how the brain works and how it is affected by Alzheimer’s disease. He had a constant desire for learning and a fascination with technology and the intricacies of how everything worked. His brilliance was beyond words.
He was always surrounded by love from his family and friends. His best friend was his sister Brittany, whom he cherished more than life. They were each other’s greatest supporters and fans. Beside work, his hobbies included rock climbing, video gaming, canyoneering, snowboarding, skiing, and LARP.
He was loving, sweet, honest, caring, and kind. He will forever be remembered with laughter and smiles. He is survived by his grandparents; father Jim (Pat), mother Treasa (Mark); sisters Brittany and Melissa (Diego); brothers Cody (Rachel), Zack, Rhett, Chase, Colton, and Justin; uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, and cousins. He is preceded in death by great grandparents; step-grandfather Clausen Bennett, step-grandmother Carol Rice and brother Tyson Rice.