Jacob Zalit

Jacob Zalit, known to his family as Vovo . . . which means grandpa in Portuguese, was born December 24, 1917, and passed away November 6, 2014, at the age of 96. He was most recently a resident of Taylorsville, Utah, formerly of Los Angeles, California, Sao Paulo, Brazi,l and Daugavpils, Latvia. He was married for 70 years to Zelma Zalit, prior to her passing in 2012. They met as children after immigrating to Brazil from Latvia. They both grew up in the small Latvian colony of Varpa, established in 1922, in the interior of the state of Sao Paulo, Brazil. They knew each other for over 90 years, the entire time of which he proclaimed his undying love and devotion for her. Jacob and his family immigrated to the United States, establishing themselves in California, in 1960. Jacob led a very culturally and socially rich life, lived in several countries and spoke multiple languages: Latvian, Portuguese, English, Spanish and some Russian. He made friends easily and loved to share wisdom, anecdotes and stories with them. Jacob had an extensive, life-long career in photography and advertising both in Brazil as well as in the United States. He was an avid reader and a fan of laughter, boxing, Perry Mason and I Love Lucy. He loved music and sang in choirs his entire life. Jacob also played the violin and the harmonica. During his last weeks, wherein he lived in an assisted living home, he continued to make friends amongst the residents and the staff, telling his stories and playing his harmonica for them. Jacob was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was one of the early Rio Claro pioneer baptisms as the LDS Church began to be established in Brazil, consequentially, he and his wife Zelma were two of the first Latvians to be baptized. Jacob and his family were active members of the church wherever they lived, and were actively engaged in sharing the gospel. Both Jacob and his wife, Zelma, went on to serve a mission in 1998, in the Porto Alegre South Mission. He is preceded in death by his wife, Zelma; and only son, Frederico Zalit.He is survived by daughter-in-law, Diane Zalit; and grandchildren, Tracy and Jerel Davidson, Daniel and Lauren Zalit, Andrew and Loya Zalit, Grace and Travis Jemmett, David and Kelly Zalit, and Peter and Carrie Zalit; and great-grandchildren, Elayna, Kyla, Avery, Evan, Lorelai, Benjamin, Harrison, Isaac, Lily, Calvin, Amelia, Lucas, Kathryn, Maxwell and Zoe; as well as many loving friends and family members throughout the United States, Latvia and Brazil. Life is eternal. Families are Forever. We love you. God be with you 'til we meet again. Funeral services will be at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 15, 2014, at the LDS Chapel on 3976 West Dimrall Drive (5615 South), where there will be a viewing from 9:30 a.m. to 10:40 a.m. prior to services. He will be buried in the Murray City Cemetery. Arrangements under the direction of McDougal Funeral Home. Place of Birth:LatviaPlace of Death:Taylorsville, Utah