With immeasurable sorrow, we announce that Dylan Michael Jewel, age 24, our beloved son, brother, family member, and friend passed suddenly on Friday, October 16, 2020 in San Francisco, California.

The world lost a gentle, kind, and generous soul and those closest to Dylan lost a part of themselves that can never be replaced.

Dylan will be missed every moment by his Mother, Shannon Jay, his Father, Mark Jewel, his step parents Rae Jewel and Chad St. Clair, his sisters, Lexie Jewel, Emma Kirchhoff, and Hannah Bowling, and his step siblings Hannah St. Clair, and Brandon McGinnis, his grandfather Ray Jewel, and his many aunts, uncles, cousins, and extended family members. Dylan is preceded in death by his grandparents, Jane Rainey, Val Jay, and Shirley Jewel. Dylan also was preceded by the love of his life, Michael “Mikey” Dwyer. Their time together was the happiest of Dylan’s life.

Dylan held great friendships during his short life and leaves behind many grieving friends from around the world. His best friend of many years, Sarah Louise Valdoz, is but one of many young people who mourn his loss and will carry him in their hearts forever.

Dylan was the best big brother. He loved his little sisters completely. He always deferred to what they wanted, even as young children. He got such joy out of their personalities. Like all brothers, he also got great joy out of irritating them or beating them at the various games they would play. But it was always done with the greatest love and affection.  

Dylan was a truly wonderful person.  He was highly intelligent and put great energy to learning about various cultures around the world. He dedicated the last seven years of his life to studying Buddhism. His Buddhist faith helped him through many challenges and propelled him to form many relationships around the globe in an effort to support and educate others in their quest for enlightenment.

Dylan grew up in Rohnert Park, California and moved to San Francisco in 2014. While growing up, Dylan most enjoyed video games, time with his friends, and playing the piano. Dylan played beautifully and also spent time helping his youngest sister, Emma, to learn. He excelled in academics and could and would debate everyone on a wide range of topics. He was most passionate about human rights and the value of all life.

Upon moving to San Francisco, Dylan attended the University of San Francisco with an academic scholarship. He chose to leave the college path after a few years and began working. During his time in San Francisco, Dylan lived with his partner Mikey for a period and then moved in with friends upon Mikey’s passing.  He enjoyed living with his various roommates, including his sister, Lexie and best friend, Louise. He even at times shared places with his other close high school friends, Dallas Deza, Bert Morales, and Brad Mazzamuto. And he spent much time with his close friend Zack Silberman as well.  We are comforted by these close friendships and how much they meant to our son.

There is no pain greater than the pain of losing Dylan. But we know he would want us to continue on to live wonderful lives and to only think of him with love.  His faith in Buddhism will guide us to know that he is at peace. He didn’t yet want to leave this world, but we know he would accept this path and consider it part of his journey toward enlightenment. 

He will never be forgotten and will always live in our hearts and memories.