Stephen Bryan Dobson

It is with broken hearts that we share the passing of Bryan Dobson, a beloved father, husband, brother, son, and friend. He left this world far too soon, and his absence leaves an unfillable space for all who loved him.

Born and raised in Salt Lake City, Bryan graduated from Brighton High School and went on to attend the University of San Diego, where he became editor of the school newspaper. After college, he lived in Lake Tahoe, where he worked as a ski instructor, and later moved to San Francisco. There he worked at Oracle as a technical writer and later went on to co-found Thump Radio, a program that connected people through music and dance.

Eventually Bryan returned to his hometown of Salt Lake City, where he married Jennifer Yanni and together they welcomed the greatest joy of his life—his twin daughters, Hannah and Haddie.

Bryan lived with passion, humor, and a sharp wit. He was known for his intelligence, his love of a good joke, and his slightly cynical take on life that always came wrapped in warmth. He approached even the simple things like a meal with care, often taking time to craft the perfect bite. Friends and family will remember his adventurous nature, his ability to rally people into trying something new, and his way of making every gathering a little more fun.

Music and the outdoors were his sanctuaries. Whether he was listening to psychedelic trance or Taylor Swift, he loved how deeply music could make him feel alive. In nature, he found peace in skiing and hiking the Cottonwood Canyons and camping in places like Goblin Valley and Buckhorn Wash. Some of his happiest moments were taking his daughters into these landscapes he cherished, watching them discover the magic of the outdoors.

Above all else, Bryan was proudest of being a father. Hannah and Haddie were his whole world. He adored sitting with them by the fire, music in the background, his arms wrapped around them—content, present, and deeply at peace.

Bryan was a devoted son, a husband, brother, and a loyal friend. His kindness, humor, and adventurous spirit created bonds that lasted a lifetime. He built deep connections wherever he went, and he leaves behind not only his family, but also a wide circle of friends across the world who are heartbroken at his passing.

And though his story ended too soon, it was one filled with passion, adventure, and love.

Bryan is survived by his twin daughters, Hannah and Haddie (11); his wife, Jennifer Yanni; his parents, Skip and Connie Dobson; his brother and sister-in-law, Mike and Venessa Dobson; and countless friends and family who will carry his memory forward.

He will forever be missed and forever remembered