Barnel Fail Jr.

Barnel Fail Jr., referred to as "Jai" by family, passed away peacefully on November 4, 2016 in Salt Lake City at the age of 47 surrounded by his family and close friends, after a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Born on January 25, 1969 in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida to Christine and Barnel Fail Sr. Barnel was the first-born son to his parents. His love of sports started at an early age and football was his first love. His early talents were developed playing football at Piper High School, where he graduated in 1986. After graduation, Barnel moved to West Virginia and then on to California, where he played junior college football at San Jose City College , before transferring to his beloved University of Utah. Barnel ended his college football career at Mesa State College, earning a spot on the All Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference (RMAC) teams in 1994 and 1995. Barnel returned to the University of Utah, where he completed his bachelor's degree in 1996. The relationships he formed during these years proved to be strong and Barnel considered his teammates as extended family members.

Barnel married Kenya, the love of his life, in 1994. After establishing their home in West Valley and later Sandy, Barnel worked for the Salt Lake Detention Center as a Counselor, then Supervisor/Team Lead and finally Treatment Supervisor. His second job at Delta Airlines supported his family's love of traveling and enabled the family to visit many domestic and international destinations. He touched many lives as a Mortgage Loan Advisor at Advanced Funding, where he graciously assisted countless individuals with their dream of home ownership. Together, Barnel and Kenya raised Cameron, Sequoya, and Braylen with care. His children will remember him as a kind, gentle, and fun-loving father who encouraged them to pursue goals and never settle for anything less than their best.

Barnel was known for his huge heart. His friends and family grew accustomed to his willingness to help at a moment's notice. He never failed to give a helping hand and could be counted on to answer the call of a friend in need. His charismatic and magnetic personality was a joy to all who knew him. Those who knew him were blessed to learn many valuable lessons from him.

His positive attitude was inspiring to many people. Over the past two years he did everything possible to fight cancer in a physical sense. He humbly acknowledged the blessing of an extended life because of the many prayers.

Barnel is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Kenya; children Cameron, Sequoya and Braylen; mother Christine (Ruben) Cruzado, brothers Cornell Fail (A'Shasa), Terell Fail (Cynthia), Pernell Fail, Edwin Walker; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father Barnel Fail, Sr.

The services are Friday, November 11, 2016 at Wasatch Hills Seventh-day Adventist Church 2139 Foothill Dr., Salt Lake City, UT 84109. There will be a viewing at 11:00 a.m. followed by services at noon. Family and friends are invited to gather for a luncheon directly following the service to share memories and celebrate his life.

Our family would like to express its sincere appreciation to the many friends who provided support during Barnel's illness; Wasatch Hills and Central SDA Church, Delta Airlines, Advanced Funding, his University of Utah Football family and his DT family as well as countless neighbors and other close friends. Also special thanks to the staff at The Huntsman Cancer Institute and Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic for their compassionate care, dedication and commitment during his courageous battle.