Remembering Jason

I hope everyone will take some time to add a thought or message to Jason's family or even leave something that went unsaid to Jason that you wish you could have said. I hope this to be a great support site for family and friends who will always remember what a great guy Jason is.
I know there are many people who took pictures and video at the services. Feel free to send copies or links to me at tolmanma@gmail.com.

Sunday, January 25, 2009

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Benefit Yard Sale for Jason's Family



Benefit Yard Sale -
All proceeds to benefit the family of Jason Tolman
Benefit Yard Sale Saturday, January 31st from 7 AM to 3 PM at the Nielsen home. 1718 S. Los Alamos, Mesa.
Click here for the complete story. http://www.cecilymarkland.com/index.php?page_id=12&newsletter_id=488


Sunday, January 18, 2009

My Brother

It is still a shock to me that Jason is gone and I keep thinking in some way that he will walk back through the door.

I remember Jason for the hardworking loving brother and father that he was to his family. He never really had a bad word to say about any of them. He did get frustrated with some members of the family as we all do from time. He was always willing to help any of them if they asked and sometimes when they didn't, even if he felt like they had wronged him. It takes a big person to put your feelings aside and help when they have wronged you. Jason is a bigger man that I am.

I know that he was so proud of his family, because he was always talking about them and when they came to the office to see him he was always happier after. I remember when Harley was born and they thought that she wasn't going to able to hear and how frustrated he was that there was nothing he could do. In the end things worked out fine.

Kelly, keep that worry list up to date because I will be coming by from time to time to pick it up.

Dedicatory Pray of Grave Site

Dedicatory Pray of Grave Site for Jason Tolman
January 10th 2009
Matt Tolman

Our Father in Heaven we come here this day and by the power of Holy Melkezidek, priesthood which I hold, I dedicate this grave for the resting place of Jason Aaron Tolman until the morning of the resurrection.

Father, we ask thee to bless his family, his kids; that they will remember their father and husband. For the example he was and that they will be able to lives similar to his.

We are grateful for the gospel, for the blessings it brings to us. We are grateful for the resurrection.

Bless Kelly as she goes forward that she will receive the inspiration and guidance that she needs in raising her family. We bless his kids that they will grow to be strong, good kids, that they will listen to their mother.

We bless his parents, that they will be comforted, his brothers and sisters and the extended family. Father we pray that Kelly may have no worries. That she knows things will be taken care of. Let her rest in peace, as well as the kids in these coming weeks.

Father, we know that Jason has gone to a better place, where he has no pains and worries.
Help us to feel this way also at this time.

We say these things in the name of Jesus Christ Amen.

Saturday, January 17, 2009

From Friends

I am not sure which Tolman is recieving these messages but I just learned of Jason's passing from Cameron. I just want to let the whole Tolman-Wheeler's know that my love and prayers are with them at this time, Jason was and continues to be an amazing man and was very loved by me. I also have some photo's of Jason from around 1995 to 2000 that I could scan in and send to Kelly.


love


Lindsay Brand-Simmons

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Kelly, I had been thinking about you this week before I ever even heard anything. (it's park weather, again-)I know that nothing that I say will help... but please know that you & your family are in my constant thoughts and prayers. I am home in the day on Friday if you need someone to watch your kids. Just e-mail me: suzycummard@msn.com.I am so sorry for your loss.Let me know if I can help in ANY way!

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Jason was my friend in Jr. High and High School and I am so sorry to hear about this tragedy. he was a great man and looked like a wonderful father. He will be greatly missed and I will keep your family in our prayers.brooke(bringhurst) whiting

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I never knew Jason or his family. I read about this story online. I have watched the video three times now, crying every time. My heartfelt wishes and prayers to Jason's family and friends. He was obviously from a great family who loves him very much! -Anonymous

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That is one of the most beautiful videos of Jason's life I have ever seen. My prayers go to you and your family. -Laura
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When I heard the news I was speechless... I am so sorry for your loss... I will for sure keep you all in my prayers... -Natalie and Jeremy Belknap

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Thank you for taking such good care of my best friend and your little blessings. You will be missed so much. -Anonymous
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We all will miss Jason very much. He was a strong willed boy and loved everyone. We all love hime and will miss him very much. Uncle Doug
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I am so sorry for youy loss. I will remember you and your family in my prayers -Becky
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Dear Jason,
I wanted to tell you that you are such an amazing person and will always be in my heart. I have known you for such a long time and we have had some good family times together. We will all help your family out as much as they need. I love you Jason and i will see you again. You will always be in our prayers and your family too.
Love,
Kristina Beckham McCray
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Kelly,
I am so sorry for what you must be going through. This is very sad to hear. I hope your baby continues to grow strong and you and your family are continually watched over. We will pray for you. Families are Forever. Love you! -Cassie
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hi mrs. kelly,
you may not know me but i am one of kristins friends, mr. jasons neice. she told me about what happpened and im very truely sorry about what happened. mr. jason will always be in my prayers and heart... i dont think you need to worry about where he is because i know he is somewhere special...i heard he was a good guy!
with all love and respect,
Aminah Yossef
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My prayers are with your family at this time. -jewly
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You may not know me but my brother knew Jason and I was friends with Cameron all through high school. I am so sorry to all your family for your loss. I don't know all of you but I know how much Cameron loves his brother. I am sorry Cam and to all of you. You and your family are in our prayers.
Rooney Family
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I would like to give my deepest sympathy to Jasons wife, children and family. I never really knew Jason, only met him once through my husband Gus, who used to work with him. My heart goes out to all that knew him. I had lots of tears reading all the good heartfelt stories that others have left. May God bless his family with what ever they may need. Sheila

Thursday, January 15, 2009

Gratitude

I just wanted to write a quick note here to all of our friends and family.
I am truly grateful for huge amount of prayers, thoughts, phone calls, money, food and work that has been given so freely to my family. I know that Jason is just as grateful as I am. It is such a blessing to Jason, myself and our children to have the knowledge of being together again for all eternity. This truly is what is helping mw through this time.
I know my house has never been cleaner or the frigde fuller throughout our marriage.
Thank you all so much, Kelly, Karsen, Morgan and Harley

Monday, January 12, 2009




Posted by Picasa

Video Slideshow of Jason

From Misty Selvidge

Jason and Kelly we love you! I am Mike's sister, cousin of Jason. I remember Jason and how cute he was as a kid and always had a caring heart. As an adult all the kids loved playing with Jason! Kara and I would always watch out for all our brothers and we love them dearly!! I send my deepest sympathy to Kelly and her kids and all the Tolmans. I am glad I got to spend this week with all of you. It was fun and healing to get together and hear stories of Jason. His viewing and funeral was so nice! I'm sure Jason was there with us all and was very pleased! Kelly-I was a single Mom for a couple of years and yes it will be busy and hard but if you stay close to the Lord he will carry you! The Lord has a soft spot in his heart for single Mom's! I can't wait to go through the temple with you and see you and Jason sealed with all your children. I know he is up in heaven with your unborn child right now telling him/her to watch out for you! I am here for you!Eric, Cami, Cassie, Carli, and I love you all so much. All the Tolmans are like my bros and sister since my siblings are in UT, and VA. May all our memories of Jason comfort us and heal us through this emotional time in our lives. Love always, Misty Selvidge(Chappell)

The Funeral




The funeral was very nice. When I get the program scanned I will post it here. Jason's sister and sister in law sang a song written just for him. Jason was moved to the Mesa Cemetery and there his brothers took his casket and put it in the back of his truck he so loved. They rode in the back and drove slowly to his final resting place. There a dedicatory prayer was said by his oldest brother. Hundreds of people came to show their support for Jason and his family. His family appreciates the outpouring and expresses their thanks to all of those who assisted in the past 10 days.




Saturday, January 10, 2009

Jason's Obituary

Jason Aaron Tolman, passed away suddenly in his sleep January 2nd, 2009 at the Glamis Sand Dunes. He was born January 2, 1982 in Mesa, Arizona. He was a kind, loving husband, father, uncle and friend. He loved the outdoors and especially loved riding his sand rail. He was preceded in death by his grandparents Veldon and Reva Naylor. He is survived by his wife Kelly M.; children Karsen Romo, Morgan and Harley; siblings Matt (Brenda), Mark (Juliet), Kara Sanders, Jeremy (Caterina), Ben (Michelle) and Cameron, parents; Rod Tolman (Kathy) and Pauline Wheeler (John); grandparents Almo and Ruth Tolman, 21 nieces and nephews and a large extended family. Visitation will be Friday, January 9, 2009 from 6-8 PM at Bunker's University Chapel, 3529 E. University Dr. in Mesa. Funeral Services will be Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 10:00 AM with visitation at 9:00 AM at the LDS chapel at 1438 N. Driftwood Dr. in Gilbert. Interment will be at the City of Mesa Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Jason Tolman Family Memorial Fund at Bank of America.

http://legacy.suntimes.com/EastValleyTribune/Obituaries.asp?Page=LifeStory&PersonID=122373906

Friday, January 9, 2009

The Viewing

It was wonderful to see how many people came to the viewing. Our count makes it at least a couple hundred. Thank you again for all your support for the family.

Yes many tears were shed but also much happiness was shared in the reuniting of family and friends who have spent too long of time apart. There were pictures displayed and the video was redone and more was added. In honor of Jason who always wore a hat on backwards, his brothers all wore hats at the viewing on backwards. It was a neat showing of support and a good way to remember Jason.

As a special showing of support Jason's Granparents who are in their nineties came. We love them dearly.

Once again, Thanks.

From Mike

Kelly, my name is Mike Chappell and I wanted to pass on my deepest sympathy for your loss. I knew Jason very well during the first half of his life and miss him very much. I used to run around the streets of Mesa with Jeremy, Ben, Jason, and Cameron. My two brothers, Tim and Chris, and the Tolman boys definitely left our mark on the Southern and Val Vista area. Most of my childhood memories were with this group of little rascals. Jeremy and Tim were always the older ones with the girls as friends and Cameron and Chris were the little guys running around doing our biddings. Ha! =) We definitely got into our fair share of mischief. I think we were all such good friends back then because of the bond between two sisters – Paula and my mom, Kathe. It is really quite amazing to look at these two women and look at all the things they have been through together… everything from marriage, children, mother’s death, dual family vacations, divorce, a burned house, brother’s death, moving huge distances, father’s death, and now a son’s & nephew’s death. I think I am telling you this because there is great value in the example of these two women--the bond of two sisters that does not break. Other than that I just wanted to say that there are generations of family and history you have joined through meeting and loving Jason. And there will be generations of family and legacy that yours and Jason’s kids will build. Family is Forever.
My love,
Mike

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

The Schedule - From Kelly, Jason's Wife

The Schedule:

Friday Evening: Viewing 6-8pm at the Bunker University Chapel (Val Vista and University)
Saturday: Viewing 9-9:45am Church building
Family Prayer 9:45am Church building
Funeral 10am church building
Graveside Approx. 11:45am Cemetery Center N of Brown


Donations: Bank of America ask for the Jason Tolman Family Memorial Fund (not available till Thursday 1-8-09)
Church Building is on Driftwood and South of Baseline, in between Lindsay and Val Vista

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

I remember when...

Like so many others I talked about you with my family and here are some of the things that they came up with that they remember about you. They remembered you holding them in your lap as you let them "drive" your rock crawler while camping at Kinder Springs. They remembered you and your other brother's taking them to ride quads and Rhino's and motorcycles in the desert for new years two years ago. I have a video of it if anyone wants it. Juliet remembers how you would come over to pick up Karsen everyday when we were watching her. You never complained at least to us, and you were always excited to see her, even though sometimes it meant changing out car seats from the Jeep. You are a great dad to her.

Even now Jason, I remember pushing you on a big wheel when we lived on Garnet in Tierra Rica. I must have been babysitting and you were probably only 2 or 3. Even then you loved the "bikes."

Most of all Jason I remember my last extended time with you was hiking to Reavis Ranch the October before we came out to St. Louis. We had never done anything like that before so it seems unusual to look back at it. I remember how you made it back to the car almost a half hour before everyone else, except maybe Jeremy. I remember you and my other brothers laughing at me because I packed a 13 pound queen size air mattress 9 miles into the campsite. It seems pretty funny and it was, considering I was already 40 pounds overweight.

Jason I remember how you always helped me fix my truck and car because I had no money and you never complained. When I couldn't get the airconditioner to work you showed up with the tools and the know how. I remember being jealous that at 16 you had your own super cool 4 wheel drive Blazer and I was still stuck in a crappy old Chevy Corsica. I remember wishing I had the guts you did go 4 wheeling in places I wouldn't try to climb. Again I remember being jealous that you could play the guitar in what seemed like without even trying because I spent 2 years in lessons and couldn't play anything.

Thanks so much Jason for showing me how important it is to take time to enjoy life. I always seem to find reasons why I couldn't take time to go riding, to the dunes or camping. Your life reminded me that not everything in this life is about work and that I too should enjoy it. Thanks for being a great brother, friend and example. You were a model of selflessness and I'll never forget you.

Love, Mark

Monday, January 5, 2009



This video is a work in progress. As we come across more great stuff it will be added later. Feel free to send me any pictures you have of Jason that you might want included.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Mom's Message

I regret deeply that I must write to you tonight to let you know that my 2nd youngest son, Jason Aaron Tolman, passed away suddenly in his sleep yesterday, January 2nd. He had gone with his brother and several friends to the sand dunes near Yuma to celebrate his 27th birthday, which was also yesterday. He was having asthma problems and they say he was breathing deeply and snoring loudly. He had forgotten to take his inhalers and medicine with him. They decided not to awaken him, but when his brother Ben finally went in to get him up an hour later, he was already gone. Because it was in California they will be doing an autopsy on him on Tuesday which will provide us with more information, and then we will bring him home on Wednesday. As it stands now, we will probably hold the funeral on Saturday morning. We don't know anymore at this time. Jason leaves behind a beautiful and lovely wife, Kelly who just learned she is expecting their 4th child. Jason was so excited when he came out to announce it to me only a few weeks ago. He deeply loved his little three year old son Morgan who went everywhere with him. They were quite a pair and loved being together, whether it was working in the yard, riding quads, cleaning the motorhome, watching TV or fixing the cars. Morgan never left his side. Today Morgan sent his daddy a letter to heaven attached to a helium balloon. His oldest daughter Karsen, was not legally his, but he loved her like his own. The first thing she asked today when she came home from visiting with her father was "Where is daddy?" I had the privilege to be their as Kelly told Morgan and Karson about Jason's passing. It was a sacred experience being in their innocent pressence at that time. Jason's youngest daughter isn't quite one and a half but she was the 'apple of his eye'. Born with gorgeous auburn hair, she has always been "daddy's girl". Jason had just recently been to the Bishop to see about getting his Patriarchael Blessing and he and Kelly had talked with the Bishop about going to the temple to be sealed for all eternity. That was their goal and plan for this new year. For Christmas, they gave me a beautiful temple hankie that Kelly had made with the phrase "Families Are Forever" embroidered on it. Within a year, they will be a forever family! Jason also leaves behind his father, five brothers and a sister, and many nieces and nephews and friends that love him. I can't begin to express how my heart aches and hurts, even though I understand the gospel completely and have a knowledge that Jason still lives and that we will be together again. Mothers just aren't supposed to bury their children! That just isn't the plan! But with reflection, it also makes me want to live a better, more humble life and gives me reason to be a better mother and grandmother. Life is so fragile and I don't ever again want to waste an opportunity to tell those I love how much they mean to me. We never know what tomorrow holds or where the path will take us, and we must live and enjoy every moment. I write, not for your sympathy, but because I want you to know how special you are to me and my family. You are loved. You are appreciated. You are counted as a dear family member or friend. I need you to know that and believe it. May you be blessed and happy! John and I had to leave the valley and come home tonight, but we will be returning back to Mesa on Monday to help with preparations to honor my son and celebrate the life he lived. Kelly and her children, and all of us will be needing your love and prayers and support at this difficult time in the coming week. Thank you for remembering us. With love, Pauline