Anthony Jon Bettinson, “AJ” age 37, passed away unexpectedly March 1, 2023, in San Francisco, California. AJ was born May 17, 1985, to Debbie and Greg Bettinson in Salt Lake City, Utah. He spent his growing up years in the East Millcreek area and graduated from Skyline High School in 2003.
AJ had the kindest heart and was a loyal friend. He loved music, concerts, the ocean, Phish, sunshine, animals of any kind, Disneyland, Hawaii, and most of all his service dog Harpua. He truly was a gentle and loving soul, who will be missed greatly.
AJ leaves behind his parents, Greg and Debbie Bettinson, and his three siblings: Christopher Bettinson; Catherine (Aaron) Ball; and Kelsey (Nick) Hansen; 7 nephews, 5 nieces, 1 great niece, 1 great nephew, several aunts and uncles, numerous cousins, his good friend Toby Waller, and many other friends who have been touched and blessed by AJ’s life.
A viewing will be held on Wednesday, March 15, 2023, from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm at the Larkin Sunset Lawn Mortuary at 2350 East 1300 South, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108.
Miss you
My heart and deepest condolences go out to AJ’s loved ones. I had the pleasure of meeting AJ at work and he is truly one of the greatest people I have ever met. He had the kindest soul, he was the most selfless and thoughtful person I knew. I miss seeing him and Harpua throughout my week. I love you so much AJ. Thank you for being such a special part of my life.
Dear Greg and Debbie, what a beautiful man.Oh,my heart aches for you,having lost our daughter a year ago you will have many times that your hearts feel empty, broken ……they are. A Mother’s Love for her child, you carry a this miracle for 9 mo ,your life blood racing to each other, you are one, please know AJ is with Christ, home, happy, with love waiting to see his Dad & Mom. They say with time it will get easier,slowly it will. I will pray for the Bettinson family. Love Kay& Bob
I’ve know AJ for about 15 years because of our mutual love for the band Phish. In the early years of our friendship we helped each other through some tough times and it solidified our lasting friendship. I only got to see AJ a few times a year when we would meet up at a Phish show but the time we did get together will always be precious to me. I was looking forward to seeing him in a few weeks when I come out to California for a concert. He will surely be on all of our minds as we enjoy the band AJ truly loved.
So sorry to hear of this😭. Sending hugs and love to you and your family ❤️🙏
Our hearts are broken as we see and feel your loss. AJ was and is a kind and loving spirit that will be greeted safely in the arms of His Father in Heaven. How grateful we are for the knowledge of the Plan of Families. God bless you and know that you are in our prayers.
I'm so sad to hear about this devastating news. My prayers and thoughts are with AJ's family. My first memory I had of AJ was at Wasatch Jr. High. We went to see the movie Titanic I don't know how many times together. He had a smile that would light up the room. His hugs were one in a million. The world lost an amazing person. He was a friend to many.
AJ and I met many moons ago through Brianrobert (a community of LGBT Phish fans) and have shared a ton of joyful shows and latenight hangs.
He was such a sweet soul with a warm smile and big heart who easily connected with everyone he met.
I found a cute shot of AJ and Harpua from our doggie play date at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass in Golden Gate Park in 2019 and shared it with our community. Many folks in the group also shared about how AJ touched their lives and made them brighter.
We are heartbroken over this and for you his family and loved ones. So much love to you all from AJ’s Phish family 💞…
I am so deeply sorry about the world’s loss of this great soul. The Phish community mourns with you. AJ it was a pleasure to “WASTE” time with you.
I am so very sorry to hear of A J’s passing. I remember A J as a young boy at different ball games and with the Healeys. Always a beautiful smile and such a handsome young man. i was always happy to see him and visit a minute. Know the Blakesley clan are carrying a prayer in their heart for you and yours through this beyond difficult time.
Our hearts go out to you at this time. We know losing a child is difficult and want you to know of our love for you and AJ. We remember his sweet, kind, heart and the smile that lifted all that knew him.
So sorry to AJ family for their loss. AJ was such a wonderful friend. He had the kindest heart!! He will be missed dearly!!! 💜💜
To Greg, Debbie and Family
It is difficult to express the profound sadness we feel for you on hearing of the loss of your much loved son and brother, AJ. His earlier photos are certainly as we have remembered him over the years. Our hope and prayers are that you are encircled by family and friends who can help heal your hearts and ease the pain of saying, a much too soon, good bye to AJ. May your testimonies of our saviour Jesus Christ and the assurance of His resurrection guide you through the coming days.
We were so heart broken to hear of your loss, prayers and love to you and yours. Deven&Kirsten McOmie Family. .
My condolences on the passing of your boy AJ. I never had the pleasure of meeting him but as a part of your family I'm sure he was wonderful. Only time helps the grief lessen and knowing the plan laid out for us. All our love and prayers.
Greg & Debbie, there are no words during difficult times such as these. Please accept our sincerest condolences and know you are in the prayers of many, many people. I am sure AJ was greeted by loved ones who preceded him there, and know that one great day he will be there to greet You in the same manner. God bless!
I am so sad to hear of AJ’s passing. I will always remember him as the sweetest little boy and cherish the memory of him buying me roses on the family trip I got to spend with the your lovely family. I am praying and thinking of all of you and wish I lived closer. May you find strength and peace to get through this, and may AJ’s beautiful sweet souls rest in peace. Love sent from afar. 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻💜💜💜
Aj and I went to school together for many years. He was always kind and friendly with everyone. We reconnected through Facebook a few years ago and he was just as kind as ever. I am grateful for that kindness, it is far to rare. I hope that your family finds comfort in knowing that AJ had a profound impact on so many.
I'm sorry you passed, hopefully you meet Jerry up there
I'm sorry you passed, hopefully you meet Jerry up there
AJ had the best smile. I haven't seen him in 20 years but have so many fun memories and loved spending time with him. He was one of the good ones and will be missed. I'm so sorry to your family for your loss.
I'm gonna miss him, haven't seen him in years but communicated over the phone a ton, next phish show I'll keep him in mind
So sad to hear of this passing. AJ was such a kind and great kid. I am glad that I had the honor of knowing him.
I am so sorry to hear of his passing. I have heard such wo derful things about him from my daughter Christina. My condolences to all the family.
We got to know AJ through the love of Phish, he loved the music soooo much he named his sweet retriever after a Phish song.(Harpua) We are really going to miss him and all the special moments we got to share❤️❤️❤️
My heart is truly saddened to see the loss of such a wonderful, happy, caring and fun person. AJ you will always be one one of my best friends and all of our great times will never be forgotten. Hires Big H forever!
This news is heartbreaking. I’ll be praying for all of A.J.’s loved ones. I was blessed to go to school with him from 3rd grade through the end of high school and I always liked him because he was always a kind person. I’m sure that many in this world are better because of knowing A.J.