Obituary-Jaimee Elliot

 

A bright radiant light blessed our lives by joining us on August 23, 1982. That same bright light left this earth unexpectedly on February 9, 2023, leaving the world darker with her passing. Our sweet Jaimee had the biggest heart full of unconditional love for everyone with whom she encountered. Sadly it was this same heart that was no longer strong enough to withstand a recent illness.

She was involved in dance and tennis through her high school years, but skiing was always her passion. Her ski-instructor dad taught her to ski at the young age of 3 and by the time she was 6 years old she would beg to help in his classes. By age 12 was allowed to be a peer instructor. She was determined and worked hard to pass all the required tests to become the youngest ski instructor ever at Beaver Mountain at the age of 14. Jaimee was an excellent and talented skier. Her power and grace to aggressively attack the mountain looked like a well-choreographed dance impressing any that would watch. Her heart loved the challenge of the steep slopes and chutes. After graduating high school, Jaimee crated up her dog, shouldered her backpack and headed to Alaska to teach skiing at Alyeska (Girdwood, Alaska), then returned to attend SUU and taught at Brian Head, then Snow Basin, and finally at Snowbird. She was certified in both alpine and adaptive skiing to help the disabled ski. She was a gifted teacher with a magnetic energy that made the learning process a game of pure fun for children and adults.

Jaimee grew up mostly outdoors whether it was at Beaver Mt. in the winters, or Blue Water Beach at Bear Lake, Utah in the summers. She preferred a tent to any other form of accommodation. From a young age, Jaimee helped in the operation of her parent’s business and became extremely efficient at managing Blue Water Beach, a resort full of swimming pools, campground, yard work, hotel, restaurant, and boat rentals. She always had a smile on her face, a pruning shear in her hands, and a well-organized plan of how to improve the resort experience for guests. After graduating from college with her bachelors in business administration, she wanted to explore the world and secured a job as a flight attendant for Delta Airlines. Flying allowed her to expand her love of exotic places and “odd” foods. Who else do you know has canned squid and seaweed in their pantry? She loved the flexibility and options for exploring the world, and yet would come back often to the lake to work on her days off.

In 2016 Jaimee fell in love and married Jason Bart Fife. They immediately connected over the love of skiing, camping, the outdoors, and dogs. They often would travel and take their dog, Stanley. Jaimee was like the “dog whisperer” as she seemed to share a common soul with most animals. Before “Stan the Man”, there was Sadie, Jaimee’s first dog. Jaimee loved all of Gods creations—people, plants, pets large and small, seashells, rocks, you name it (ok maybe not spiders, which terrified her). 

Jaimee was an adventurous, fun, free spirit with a touch of mischief and a lot of wit filled with dry humor and zest. She could quote lines from almost every Mel Brooks movie and any film with Leslie Nielsen. Especially her favorite movie, Airplane. She loved to mountain climb, mountain bike, hike, cross country ski, sail and paraglide with her family (even if she ended up landing near, or in, a tree). She even tried skijoring and has now become one of the photos they use to advertise the event. With any occasion, or even none at all, Jaimee would always carry a bag of “dress ups”. She and her cousins instigated the wearing of tu-tus and butterfly wings and/or arm swim floaties whenever you go skiing, which is now a tradition we will continue.

Jaimee always had a charitable heart and deeply cared for those less fortunate. She often would go out of her way to walk among the homeless and give them of her food and clothing. She treasured the humanitarian trip we took as a family to Mexico and hoped to do more in the years to come. Because of her amazing heart, she could easily relate with everyone and was often the “glue” between people. She was described as “a beautifully bright ray of sunshine even in the rain” and had the gift to make all feel welcome and valued.

Jaimee leaves behind her husband of 5 years Jason Bart Fife, her parent’s Ray and Cathy Elliott, siblings Michael (Dorine) Elliott, Mark (Jessica) Elliott, Laycee (Cody) Mozingo. Her niece and nephews, Evelyn Elliott, Wesley Elliott, and Callum Elliott, who will miss her loving touch immensely. Also her many close cousins and dear friends who are sharing in our ache. She is happily reunited with her grandparents Mark and Donna Heyrend, and Bob and Ruth Elliott.

*As per Jaimee’s and Jason’s wishes, we will have 2 spreading of her ashes. We welcome you to please mark your calendars to come share either or both events with us.

1. March 19, 2023 at Beaver Mt. Ski Resort up Logan Canyon. At 12:30 pm We will meet at the base of the Dream Lift to ride to the top and then spread her ashes there. We will then ski down Gentle Ben while being led by her adorable niece, 5 year-old Evelyn, who will be wearing a tu-tu and butterfly wings just as Jaimee had taught her. (all are welcome to wear the same if you would like). Behind Evelyn will be Jaimee’s sister Laycee who will be skiing Jaimee’s favorite skis. We will end up at the yurt near the Dream lift which will be available all day for those who don’t ski and just want to gather and enjoy the mountain air. Skiing is $60 for all day, $45 for ½ day, or a single ride ticket is $10. You are welcome to come share the day with us in honor of Jaimee.

2. June 24, 2023 will be at Bear Lake. We will meet on the Aspen Creek Meadows Beach that will be well signed. It is located roughly 2 miles over the Utah/Idaho border in Fish Haven, Idaho on Highway 89 just after Loveland Lane Road, (1/2 mile before “downtown” Fish Haven as you travel north). It will be a potluck gathering starting at 1:00 pm.