Apollo Andrew Bavelas

Apollo "worked" with  the RITES program in Sunset for the past 10 years. He took the paratransit to and from work and loved the ride, and his special bus drivers. He attended Project Turn for 2 years prior to RITES. He was a "Wildcat" while attending Woods Cross High and had many important and lasting friendships as a result. He went to Monte Vista School for Jr. High .
    Apollo also went to Morgan Elementary and JennyP. Stewart where his teacher believed in him, and he answered by going beyond the limits that tests on paper show.
    When Apollo was 3 years old he was in the"Open Arms Program" in Mankato MN. It was there he first learned society was a happy loving place. He rode by himself in a van to get there. Imagine a 3 year old being so independent.
    He enjoyed Special Olympics and tried most sports, but enjoyed bowling the most. He was an avid swimmer and loved going for long walks in his wheelchair. We have so many stories about Apollo's sense of humor. He liked playing practical jokes and laughing at funny situations. Thanks to Mark Fenwick our longtime neighbor, for showing a child with special needs that life and friendship are fun .
    He was well cared for the first 18 years of his life by PCMC. When his needs became more complicated and he grew whiskers they suggested he move on to the University of Utah where he was treated with dignity by the best medical teams. He belonged to the Uni home program which coordinated his care for years. Due to the excellent care at the University Hospital, and Godly intervention, we had an additional 15 years added to his life, with a transplanted kidney.
    Much gratitude to the following: The Relief Society of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints for their constant care and spiritual support.  MaryAnn Nef Apollos long time caseworker. Apollo has had so many Docters, nurses, CNAs, teachers, and neighbors who have meant so much to him: Dr. Roy Goodart, Dr. Tieze, Dr. Snow, Dr. Rebecca Meyer, Dr. Nielsen, Dr. Ahmed, Dr. Mauch, Dr. Kyle Jones, Dr. Wall, and Dr. Traci David,  and many residents and teams at the University. Susan Blackham, "Because You Loved Me" he went beyond the mark and showed what love and belief do. Bev Williamson for believing in Apollo's physical abilities, and introducing  him to special Olympics. The Davis School District for their belief that "all minds are capable of enlargement".
    Preceded in death by Alex Miller (cousin) James Bavelas (Papou), Magdalene Bavelas (aunt).
    Funeral services will be held Saturday, December, 12 at 12:00 noon in the Centerville North Stake Center, 1450 North Main.  Friends and family may gather Friday evening from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, and Saturday at the church from 10:45-11:45 a.m. prior to the services.  Interment Centerville City Cemetery.