Jeffrey James Rast

Jeffrey James Rast, 51 passed away March 27, 2024, after a 2-year courageous fight with stage 4 cancer. He returned to his Heavenly Father, peacefully, surrounded by his loving family. He was born September 22, 1972, in Salt Lake City, Utah to William Kent Rast and Melba O. Rast. He was the second of four children and had countless friends that shared his adventures.

Jeff was an accomplished athlete in many sports but excelled in High School and Collegiate track events, setting state and national records. His nickname by his friends was, “Fast Rast”.  Jeff attended Viewmont High School and Ricks College. After attending Ricks College for two years, received an associate degree and returned a third year to continue his education and served as an Assistant Track Coach.

Jeff had an adventurous spirit and loved the outdoors. He hunted, fished, rafted, skied, and snowboarded with his two boys. Jeff loved to hike the canyons of Southern Utah, often alone.  After marrying Mailee in 2022, they would trek the red rock country together and travelled to special places.

Jeff held his religion close to his heart and loved Seminary and served two years in the San Bernadino California Mission where he held several leadership positions. Jeff was known for his knowledge of the scriptures and Latter-day Saint theology and had a strong testimony of the Savior and was influential to those that needed a guiding hand. Jeff was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints throughout his life.

Survived by his loving and dear wife, Mailee, and two sons from a previous marriage; Chandler Rast, Parker Rast, Mother and Father; William Kent Rast, Melba 0. Rast, Brother; Jonathan Rast, Sisters; Kriśtyn Olsen, Kimberly Howard and many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Special thanks to Utah Valley Hospitals ICU Nursing staff for their kind care for Jeff. The family wishes to thank the many friends and family whose generosity helped Jeff fight this dreadful disease.

Funeral services will be held Friday, April 5, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Ricks Creek Chapel, 1475 North 50 East, Centerville, Utah. A viewing will be held prior to the funeral from 9:45 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.

A viewing will also be held Thursday evening, April 4, 2024, at Russon Mortuary, 295 North Main Street, Bountiful, Utah, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Interment in the Bountiful City Cemetery, 2224 South 200 West, Bountiful, Utah.

Services will be streamed live on the Russon Mortuary & Crematory Facebook page and on this obituary page.  The live stream will begin about 10-15 minutes prior to the service and will be posted below.