Lance Robert Velasquez September 5, 1965 ~ January 30, 2019 After a 9 year heroic and courageous battle with Pancreatic Cancer, Lance Robert Velasquez, 53, of West Haven, Utah succumbed to his illness on Wednesday, January 30, 2019, surrounded by his family. Lance was born September 5, 1965, to Lynda (Bybee) and Vernon Velasquez in Brigham City, Utah. From the minute he was born, his mother knew he was a fighter.
This was the case up until the day of his passing. Lance graduated from Box Elder High School in 1983 and then furthered his education at Utah State University. Lance was employed for over 30 years with Flying J, which had been deeply embedded in his heart, soul, and existence.
For many of his friends and family Lance’s name is synonymous with Flying J. In Lance’s own words “Cancer takes a great deal from a person, however, I am selfishly pleased to say my 30 years at Flying J belonged to me. Cancer, nor anything else, can change what the company and myself have done for one other”. Lance had often reflected on the beginning of his career, where he worked directly for the founder, Jay Call.
Lance devoted his life to the company, and 30 years later, he would proudly say this with the same fire and dedication. His career moved him to Texas, where he met and married the love of his life and soul mate LaTaschia Ward on May 20, 1995, in San Antonio. They moved back to Utah and made it their home.
Together they had two beautiful daughters, Alexus and Alyssa. His girls (all 3 of them) were by far the light of his life and his greatest accomplishment. He was a very involved, supportive father and husband and was often found in the stands cheering on his girls as they both cheered for Fremont High School and competed in power tumbling at Northern Star Bounders.
Through both of these, Lance and his family were able to meet a lot of wonderful people, who also became lifelong friends. The unconditional love that Lance had for his girls was visibly clear to anyone they were around. Lance truly defined the words “Father” and “Husband”.
Lance was a vibrant, charismatic and charming man. He had an impeccable sense of humor and had a unique way of making anyone laugh. He found pleasure in making the best of every moment and could start a conversation with just about anyone.
Many of these conversations often started with his “Mexican word of the day”. He thoroughly enjoyed being the life of the party and was even caught a time or two teaching his nieces and nephews how to hide Cheetos or Cheerios in their noses, or teaching them to play a new card game while losing several bets and IOU’s. In April of 2010, Lance was diagnosed with Pancreatic Cancer.
However, this diagnosis was not going to stop him and he would soon beat all statistics of the disease. He took this diagnosis and used it to become an inspiration to many. Lance always wore a smile despite any pain he faced.
That is because he knew his positive attitude and assertiveness with his health had literally saved his life time and time again. He was able to communicate the positive energy through his Facebook page ‘I made a difference today’ which quickly exceeded over 1000 members in a very short period of time. He truly believed he was put on this Earth to save and help others – and he often got that feeling through this site.
Lance was featured in local newspaper stories and played a leading role in the movie ‘Love Kennedy’ where you can witness their family growing a new found faith and becoming active members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Lance thoroughly enjoyed camping and boating with his family and friends and always found it as a way to entertain people. He loved the outdoors and he took many hunting and fishing trips.
He enjoyed story time around the fire and always looked forward to the annual family reunion camp trips. It’s safe to say that Lance wouldn’t let his diagnosis stop him from enjoying life. Lance is survived by his wife, LaTaschia and daughters, Alexus and Alyssa.
His sisters Anita Hindberg (Matt Romer) and Kristina Herrera both of Brigham City. His stepmother Michelle Velasquez of Roundup Montana, his brother Steve (Marie) Simmons of California, sister Denise Achelis of Sandy Utah and sister Cathy Buchannan of Tacoma, Washington. Also surviving are his brothers Eric (Amy) Nicholas of Las Vegas, Nevada and Ryan (Byron) Winward of Sandy, Utah along with his sister Melissa (Mark) Powers of Morgan, Utah.
He is also survived by many nieces and nephews. Lance is preceded in death by his parents, Lynda and Roger Simmons and Vernon Velasquez. Our family would like to thank the offices of Dr. Gray and Dr. Moesinger along with the staff at The Chemo Country Club along with Ogden Regional Hospital for all their efforts over the past 9 years.
They would also like to thank all of the friends and family members who provided support throughout the years. The family will meet with friends on Thursday, February 7, 2019 from 6-8 pm at Lindquist’s Roy Mortuary, 3333 W. 5600 S. A celebration of life will be held at the West Haven Stake Center, 3330 S. 4700 W. on Friday, February 8 at 11 am with a visitation from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the Stake Center. Lance owes his life to early detection, being persistent and thorough.
Tests were ultimately what saved his life and gave him nearly nine years more than he was expected to have. Listen to your bodies very closely. Lance encouraged everyone to think about early detection and how critical it is in prolonging life.
Don’t ignore mammograms, colonoscopies, etc. Make them a priority in your life!
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