Dov Siporin
May 21, 1974 - March 26, 2015
Dov Siporin was born on May 21st, 1974 in Oregon to loving parents, Ona and Steve. Dov was the oldest brother to Lev. He graduated from Logan High School and then the University of Utah. He worked happily at ARUP Laboratories for 16 years. He married his high school sweetheart, Tara, and had the two most wonderful children the world has ever seen, Matan and Siena.
In the winter of 2008, at 33 years old he was diagnosed with colorectal cancer and he began treatment at the Huntsman Cancer Hospital. Not one to take the indignities of treatment lying down, he started small (small for Dov anyway) by writing quotes of the day on his ass for the radiation techs and playing jokes on his doctors. Matters escalated and soon he was wearing costumes and bringing candy, cheerleaders, firefighters, news crews, strippers and on one memorable occasion, “Death”, to chemo. He told stories, he gave speeches, and he talked new patients through their first brutal days. He wrote poetry to share his experiences and feelings with others, helping them to see what he saw in the world. He loved it; he loved life. He loved the patients, the nurses, the doctors, the staff, his friends (even the ones he had never met in person), his coworkers, and even strangers in elevators. He brought light, love, and laughter everywhere he went.
Dov passed away on March 26th. Though it seems impossible to all who knew him, there is a Dov shaped hole in the universe now. Please remember Dov by filling that space with as much love and kindness, laughter and gratitude as possible.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to either the Huntsman Cancer Hospital or the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundations, both organizations near and dear to his heart.
There will be a memorial run for Dov on Thursday, May 7th, 2015. Information will be available at www.runfordov.com later this week.
In Loving Memory
Tara and girls: my thoughts are with you as the day we hoped would never come, came. Dov touched us all at HCH and will be forever in my heart as the man who fought valiantly to let his little girls really know who their Dad was : sweet, kind, a rebel with a cause, funny and so selfless with his time and energy. And Tara you allowed him to share that with so many- bless you. I will miss his hugs and vow to give a as many a day as I can in his honor.
Julie O'Brien, APRN
SLC, UT
Tara, I always felt like Dov was my brother in arms of the cancer battle. Thank you for sharing his life with me. And to think that I was strong, his strength, love and support is stronger than any that I have seen. I'm glad that I was able to talk to him a couple of days before and tell him that I loved him and thanked him for sharing his journey with me. I know he will always be with you and I will never let his memory be forgotten by sharing his jokes and pranks with everyone I meet battling the same cancer battle. My love goes out to you, your beautiful kids. Ed
Ed Goble
nan, nan
Dov's life stands as a testament to the man that he was, and nothing that I can say about him could ever improve upon that. For those who have not known him, you need only to know of the love for him held by his children, his wife, and his family and friends to know the main that he was. His legacy is kindness and love. Though Dov does not remain here with us, his place in our hearts remains with us always.
Ashley Johnson
West Jordan, Ut
My fondest memory with Dov was when he stopped in to work one day and I asked him if he had a moment to read something I had written about my daughter, ho was diagnosed with cancer at 17. Dov had such a wonderful gift of writing and poetry so I respected his opinion! He read it and looked up and said it was one of the most beautiful things he had read. Coming from him, it meant so much. He will be missed by so many! I wish you peace and comfort during this time and always.
Kande Shackelford
Salt Lake City, UT
Steve and Ona, I send you great love at the loss of your beautiful son Dov. I do not know what else to say. Your great hearts reflect in his smile. Blessings on you both, Dov's family, your other son and other friends and relatives who have been near and dear to Dov. I am glad to have connected with you two at the Logan meeting the other spring, and grateful for my times with you when I was a student.
Emily Lower
Springville, Ut
Dov was an amazing man! He touched so many hearts with laughter and kindness. He will be missed by all. Prayers and healing flying your way Tara. Love to you all. Lisa
Lisa Skodack-Jones
Boise, Id
Tara and family: I only knew Dov briefly, but remember the first day (in an elevator) that I met him. He was of course wearing his "fuck cancer" shirt. Later, I was able to talk to him briefly when he was visiting Siena at ARUP (my son, Lucas, was in the same pre-K class). I was always amazed at his humor, his gift of kindness to people he had just met, his gratitude toward each moment he lived. He stands as a true hero reminding us all that we are all dying, some faster than others, and to "carpe fucking diem". He will live on in all the hearts he touched. May we all live as fully as Dov did. Hugs to you and your family.
Tammy Burgess
Salt Lake City, UT
I can't help but smile when I think of Dov. He was a joy to be with and always made people laugh. He made a huge difference in so many lives and I'm so glad our paths crossed. He will be missed.
Aubrey Hemingway
Murray, UT
Siporin families, thank you for sharing Dov because we know you were and should be foremost in his heart and soul. Dov gave his all to our cancer community. May his humor be eternal.
Stephanie Woody
SLC, UT
My condolences to the family during this difficult time. I am truly sorry for your loss. Please find comfort and hope in God's promise found at Revelation 21:3,4.
R gray
nan, nan
Tara, and family. Thank you for sharing your love and Dov with us he is and will always be a one of a kind Hero. The first time I met your husband, I told him he reminded me of an elf. He of course said with a giggle he was one but not to tell his boss. Bless you
T C. Swasey
Tooele, Ut
Dov was truly one of a kind. The world is a little darker without his light around. But I always smile when I think of him! My condolences to Tara, Matan, Siena, and all of his extended family!
Nancy Heidman
Sandy, UT
Dear Siporin family, Our son Peter has been a friend of Dov's since high school days. There friendship was always upbeat, funny, serious, sad, and unfailing. Dov spoke at Peter Mormon missionary farewell back in the day. Dov borrowed a tie and talked about the bond that they shared as brothers. Peter was planning to join Dov and many high school friends a little later this month, he, like all of us, thought Dov would be around longer and that event could take place. We will always remember his interesting way of looking at life and enjoying each moment of every day as much as possible. The Blair family sends their warmest regards to you all and wish you peace and fond memories. Karen and Jim Blair
Karen & Jim Blair
Logan, UT
Dear Ona and Steve: I am very sorry for your vast loss. Although I didn't know Dov, it seems he was a bright light to the world.
Peggy Neuber
Logan, Ut