On May 25th the Castle Country area lost a member of the community who has impacted many people in a very positive way. Honorary Deputy Jace Marietti passed away after living valiantly for 20 years with Type-1 Cockayne Syndrome. Every community member has had some sort of interaction with this extraordinary young man, whether it was at his beloved Castle Valley Center or around town with his mom running errands. He touched so many with his kindness and ability to love unconditionally.

Jace had a very rare condition called Type-1 Cockayne Syndrome, which causes premature aging. His parents, Jason and Valorie first noticed signs around the age of 1 years old and tried for years to get answers of why their son’s structure was so thin and small. The form of the condition was so rare that many doctor’s didn’t know much about it. It was mom who researched for hours on end through the internet for an answer and finally she found what she was looking for – a name for her son’s condition. Regrettably, the more research conducted she found there was no cure and the lifespan for an individual with the condition was 12 years old. But with his spunk and zest for life, Jace surpassed that and would have celebrated his 21st birthday in September of this year.

This young man won the hearts of so many in the community and his dream was to become a Police Officer. He was able to ride in a cop car, sirens and all, followed by other law enforcement vehicles to his surprise ceremony held in March of 2014. It was not only local law enforcement agencies that were in attendance, but many from around the state. The group was escorted, as well as community members followed closely behind, as they made their way to the special presentation. There was not one dry eye in the crowd as this young man was named an Honorary Deputy and given a homemade quilt adorned with patches from every department in the state. Those in attendance would agree that the big smile he displayed and his excitement for his special day was absolutely priceless.

It was not just local community members that he won the hearts of but it extended to his very favorite rock group, Nickelback. Jace’s mom reached out to the lead singer of the group, Chad Kroeger who in turn sent a personal message from the band for his 19th birthday. Jace was beaming with excitement and his response was that they were now buddies. Nickelback posted on their Facebook page after receiving the news of their little buddy’s passing, “There is no footprint too small to leave an imprint on this world.’ Yours was a life lived with courage, selflessness, compassion and beauty. Godspeed Jace. Our deepest condolences to the Marietti family. Team Jace. “

Jace was a huge staple in our community and his passing has left so many  heartbroken. Whether you knew him or not, implement in your own life his amazing ability to live life to it’s fullest, always show kindness and love unconditionally – he would want that for everyone.

The family will receive friends at Mitchell Funeral Home on Saturday, June 3 from 5:00-7:00p.m. and we will gather to celebrate his life at Mitchell Funeral Home on Sunday, June 4 at noon. The family will be there to receive friends on Sunday starting at 10:00 a.m. There will be a luncheon at the Hope Center immediately following.

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Jace Marietti Scholarship Fund at EUCCU, 675 East 100 North, Price, UT 84501 or on his Team Jace Facebook page.