September 1, 1988 ~ July 10, 2016

Jacob O’Malley was born on September 1, 1988 in Carson City, Nevada. He grew up in Zephyr Cove, Nevada and graduated from Whittell High School in 2007 where he played soccer, ran track, raced for the high school ski team and performed with the Black and White Choir. Jake was also active in youth groups at Tahoe Community Church as well as being in Boy Scouts.

When people speak of Jake O’Malley many common words arise: kind, generous, friendly, patient, and happy. Jake was a gentle soul; always offering encouragement, support, and a smile. Jake took pride in his work and the camaraderie of being a wildland firefighter and strove to always produce work he was proud of. Determined to leave each experience with a lesson learned, Jake was quick to volunteer for new experiences to further himself and learn more. He was observant and insightful; his character and work ethic were shaping him into a fine leader.

A great lover of music and art in many forms, his colleagues and friends know that Jake had artistic talent of his own, which he pursued through wood-burning and fly-tying. He also loved the outdoors; two of his favorite activities were skiing in the winter and fishing in the warmer months.

Jake was a rare gem who was truly cut from a different cloth. Those people whose lives he touched are truly bettered for it. He had so much love to give and his loss is not only felt deeply in the hearts of his immediate relatives, it radiates out to a fire community whose network covers many states. Though he is no longer with us, he leaves a strong legacy of hard work, compassion, and honesty with a full heart.

Jake is survived by his parents, Leonard and Cynthia O’Malley, his brother Kyle O’Malley, his grandparents Dick and Marge Luippold, as well as the Newell, Luippold, Hendrickson and Goles families and his one true love, Bettina Scherer.

For information regarding memorial services please visit http://www.inmemoryofjake.squarespace.com