In the last week, after the attack in Nairobi, the true brightness of Jason’s life has shone far and wide across all corners of the planet. A deserving and yet understated tribute to such an incredible human being.

If you search the news, you will see articles, memories, tweets, funds, and a foundation in Jason’s name. There really isn’t enough that we can do to not only memorialize Jason but also to continue his work and passion for people.

On January 21st, 2019, in Nairobi, Kenya. We had the bittersweet chance to celebrate what would have been Jason’s 41st birthday. Instead of simply grieving his death, hundreds of people flew in and gathered in Nairobi, to commemorate his life.

I had the privilege of speaking to his life and character. I spoke:

I am incredibly honored to share some thoughts on Jason Spindler. Before I start, I want to sincerely thank each and every one of you who has reached out to me, moved my house, wiped my tears, and forced me to eat. I’m grateful.

I made two new years’ resolutions this year. The first was to lose some weight. The second was to debut my amateur stand-up comedy. In the most unfortunate of circumstances, Jason has effectively given me the opportunity to accomplish both before the end of January.

The first time I met Jason was at the Rouge Deck in the Dusit D2 hotel. We got into a debate on whether or not vodka could be made from grapes. I googled Ciroc vodka to show him, and he told me Ciroc was not actually vodka. Jason was always “right.”

The second time I met Jason was at Peponi’s in Lamu. This time, we hit it off. He was charming, vodka aside. We watched shooting stars from the beach and swam in the ocean under the milky way. We even dated for a while, but then, I turned 30.

Many of us took trips with Jason to go climbing and explore different corners of the world. Jason was so adventurous. Except for that one time I saw him Chandarana 15 minutes after he checked in on facebook that he was “Rock Climbing in Thailand.”

Jason and I almost went into business together to open a bar. He taught me how to build a business plan, pitch to investors, and connected me to many of you here today. Then after multiple challenges, when I needed inspiration the most, he told me, “You’ll never make it.”

I wasn’t the only one Jason supported in business, he was a true catalyst. He built and supported many tech companies for example – tinder, bumble, grouper…

But Jason held himself and everyone to a very high standard, including his uber drivers. In the course of 5 min and $2, he would teach a driver how to read a map, use the app, and still scare them by reporting them directly to the Head of Uber. I took this page out of Jason’s book, but lacking Jason’s unique charm and high level connections, I have since been kicked off of Uber twice for “attitude problems.”

Probably the most significant part of our social dynamic was our weekly poker games. He loved to host, he would set his iconic JBL Bluetooth speaker, order Cheza Beef from OhCha, and brag about how he never lost. That’s Fake News.

All of the things that allowed Jason to excel in life made him suck at Poker.

– His ambition told him he could make it work with a 5-10 off suit.

– His honesty made it impossible for him to bluff, and;

– His determination to never give up cost him all his chips, every time.

Furthermore, despite Jason’s professional caliber in finance, he didn’t seem to understand how to repay his poker debts – How many people here are still waiting for that mpesa transfer?

But on a more serious note, I’d like to share one last anecdote.

The last time I went with Jason to Lamu was perfect. We ate dinner at the majli’s, laughed by the bonfire, and danced and twirled our way through the narrow sand alleys to our house. I asked him, “Where is your favorite place in the world to dance.” Without hesitation, he answered, “Here and now.”

Jason inspired all of us to live, grow, and take chances. He fit more into 41 beautiful years of life than most of us can hope to in 100. He found joy and excitement in everything that he did. His love and zest for life lives on inside each one of us.

Whether you knew Jason in love, in business, or in adventure, I invite you all to raise your glass, here and now, to toast the life and legacy of Jason Spindler.

“Death leaves a heart ache, no one can heal. Love leaves a memory, no one can steal. Your life was a blessing, your memory a treasure, you are loved beyond words, and missed beyond measure.” To Jason.

I will be forever grateful to hold and to advance Jason’s thoughts, ideas, and inspiration in this world.

In loving memory of Jason Jacob Spindler.

21 January 1978 – 15 January 2019