As a family, we are filled with sorrow and heartbreak as we announce the passing of Alexander Matthew Lallas due to health complications. We are heartbroken to have lost him at the early age of 29. Although we knew he would leave us earlier than we wanted, we are deeply grieving this loss. He is such a light for all around him. Our memories of him are fond, and we feel his sweet strong spirit around us even now. Please keep us in your prayers as we mourn the loss of such a great young man.

Alexander Matthew Lallas was born on July 29, 1993 to Michael and Melody Lallas. The youngest of 4 siblings, Alex was given everything he wanted. He was adored and loved by all who met him. We all wanted Alex to be happy. As a baby, making him smile was always our first priority. Al was a smiley baby and a sweet toddler. He was cuddly and kind. He always made friends, and everyone fell in love with him easily. Especially the ladies.

He hardly complained about the hand he'd been dealt. If anything, he was an inspiration to those who got to know him and his amazing spirit. He was always getting hugs, kisses, gifts, and kind words spoken to him. He was also the first to give that love right back.

Although Al grew up with many challenges and special needs, as his siblings, our childhood was one surrounded by love and community. We loved watching Mom and the nurses take care of Al and wanted to be just like them. We jumped at opportunities to change his gauze dressings, albuterol treatments and suctionings. Instead of giving Alex a bottle, we would feed him through his g-tube in his belly. We each have fond memories of feeding him and snuggling him as we did. The loud hum of his oxygen machine lulled us all to sleep. We embraced Alex and we were unsure how long we would have him as our brother. Little did we know he would live to be a full grown man, with a beard and huge biceps. We thank God every day for the years and years we have been given with our sweet Alexander.

Alex was able to start a conversation with anyone. He was full of laughter. At times, he would laugh so hard, he would stop breathing. This was particularly funny and relatively frightening for acquaintances who didn't know Alex well. Alex could feel your emotions and your struggles, without even having to say anything. He was always the first person to ask if you were doing well or if he could help you with anything.

As quiet as Alex may have seemed, he was very particular and detailed. He loved to have his possessions organized and his days consistent. Alex was a helpful and very loving person. He had a lot of love to give and received so much love in return.

As a young man, Alex was able to serve God in the temple and as a full time service missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah. He was honored to serve and did so with a smile on his face. We are so proud of him for challenging himself to live each day like Christ would have him live, even when there were days he was in pain or recovering from illness. He was nearly always positive and happy to be alive.

As his family, we have been by his side these 29 years and witnessed the countless healthcare providers who helped keep Alex healthy and strong. They worked tirelessly, day after day, to care for our Alex from Day 1 to the end. They saw him through treatments, surgeries, ICU stays, ER visits, follow up appointments, home visits, and encouraged him through it all! For them and all who loved Al, including family, friends, church members, coworkers, and community members, we thank you with all of our hearts!

Alexander is being embraced by many loved ones on the other side. Many have preceded him in death. He is survived by his parents Michael (Patti) Lallas and Melody Sullivan, his siblings Aubrey Pontious, Adam (Karen) Lallas, and Amanda (Jordan) Salisbury-Kapp, nieces, nephews, and countless family members and friends.

For those interested, a viewing for Alexander will be held the evening of Wednesday, April 5 from 6-8pm at the Walker Sanderson Funeral Home 646 E 800 N Orem, UT. Memorial services will be held on Thursday, April 6 at 11am at the Utah Veterans Cemetery & Memorial Park 17111 South Camp Williams Road in Bluffdale, Utah. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a worthy cause in Alexander Lallas' honor.

A webcast of the service will be available at www.walkersanderson.com/webcast.