Chad Michael O'Farrell

Chad was born on November 27th, 1982, and passed away suddenly on March 6th at the age of 43. He grew up in Minnesota, where he developed the warmth, character, and values that would define his life. He attended St. Thomas Academy and later Denver University, where he double majored in real estate and construction management. He lived in Denver, Seattle, and Chicago before settling in Salt Lake City, where he built a life centered on family, friendship, music, and adventure.

Above all, Chad was a devoted husband and father. He met Stephanie in college, and from the beginning their connection was full of love, laughter, and a deep sense of partnership. They later married and built a beautiful life together rooted in shared dreams, enduring love, and devotion to their family. Chad was a proud and loving father to his daughters, Keira, 9, and Ava, 7. Being with his girls, embracing their personalities, cheering them on, and helping shape them into the people they are becoming was his greatest joy. His family was always his priority.

Chad was a builder in every sense of the word. Since 2018, he has served as Co-Founder and President of Direct®, an enterprise platform for vacation rental management. His leadership, vision, and entrepreneurial spirit were an important part of his legacy.

Music was one of Chad’s great passions. He played piano as a child, taught himself guitar as a teenager, performed in high school and college bands, and went to as many concerts as he could. In recent years, he found a new creative outlet in DJing house music. Music reflected who he was at his core: soulful, creative, curious, and full of life.

He also loved the outdoors and shared experiences with the people he loved most. He treasured camping, skiing, traveling, concerts, trying new restaurants, and spending time with family and friends. One of the many memories that will live on is the annual Alpine trip in Wyoming, including a river float that brought together more than 50 people. It was a fitting reflection of the joyful, connected life Chad created.

Those who knew Chad will remember his warmth and presence. His hugs were unforgettable, intentional, generous, and never rushed. He made people feel seen. He was fully engaged in conversation, remembered the details that mattered, and asked thoughtful questions. Though he considered himself an introvert, people were naturally drawn to him. He was humble, fun, deeply genuine, and full of integrity.

Chad also had a playful side. He loved dive bars, was a bit of a foodie, and was known for being excellent at pool while staying humble about it. He could never quite beat Stephanie at Buck Hunter, but he never stopped trying.

He and Stephanie dreamed of traveling for a year someday, then retiring in Montana after the girls went off to college. He planned the best dates and brought thoughtfulness, love, and intention to the life they shared.

Chad is survived by his wife, Stephanie; his daughters, Keira and Ava; his parents, Mike and Jane; and his brother, Shaun. He will be remembered as a loving husband, an extraordinary father, a beloved son and brother, an accomplished entrepreneur, and a loyal friend. His loss is immeasurable, but so is the impact of his life.

A celebration of Chad's life will take place in the months to come.