On behalf of Marco Rodriguez and Robyn Simmons, it is with heavy heart and great sorrow we inform you all that on Friday November 24, 2023 at 4:29PM MST, our beloved Justin Simmons passed away after a brief but intense fight against cancer.

Justin was born in Ogden, UT to Duane and Robyn Simmons on July 15, 1984 and had two younger siblings, Kyle and Shantell. Justin loved the Utah outdoors and all that nature had to offer. In addition to being their big brother he also served as their protector and looked after them fiercely.

Justin excelled in school both academically and in sports. He loved to read and was quite the history buff. He played both varsity football and baseball and graduated from Ben Lomond High School and made many friends for life.

Justin moved to Arizona in the early 2000's and attended/graduated from the Arizona Culinary Institute. His passion for working as a sous chef was obvious and we all were guilty recipients of his many creations.

He went on to manage several kitchen's throughout the valley and loved working in this fast paced and demanding role. Justin met his soul mate and life partner of almost 18 years, Marco Rodriguez in 2005. He and Marco built a life based on love, respect and dignity for all people. Their shared joy was evident through many friends and family and their kindness, generosity and humor were omni present. Their schnauzer Huey has been a integral part of their family for over 10 years. Huey guarded over Justin and was a significant part of his recovery while Justin was battling his medical demons.

Justin's first big health battle came as a result of kidney failure and he endured several years valiantly as he patiently waited for a donor. Our collective prayers were answered when a match came through and he was given the gift of life via a donation from an angel that lost her life much too soon.

Justin loved doting over his many nieces and nephew: Riley, Luna, Lani, Hailey, Kailey, Jax and Marley. They will miss his laugh and love and the spoiling he so enjoyed showering over them.

Justin's wish was to not have a traditional funeral. We will be arranging a celebration of life and will post the details on this thread.

Please share this widely with his many friends and, in lieu of flowers, consider a gift in his name to The Trevor Project or The National Kidney Foundation.

https://www.thetrevorproject.org/

https://azkidney.org/general-gift-donation

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.phoenixmemorialmortuary.com for the Simmons family.