Parents prepare to bury Kenya terror attack victim Jason Spindler

HOUSTON (FOX 26) — The parents of a Houston native killed during a terror attack in Nairobi, Kenya, are speaking out the night before their son's funeral. 

After spending the last several days in Nairobi, Joseph and Sarah Spindler returned home to Houston with their son's body and are now mentally preparing themselves to bury him on Thursday morning. 

"We were very grief-stricken, but we had the comfort of knowing that he touched so many people's lives," said Jason's father Joseph Spindler.

"I still can't believe it, that I'm not going to see him," said Jason's mother Sarah Spindler. "It's just not in my brain yet that he's not here."

While overseas, Joseph and Sarah met with multiple Kenyan authorities, but also had the opportunity to celebrate the life that Jason built there.

Jason had been working in Kenya for the last three years. The University of Texas alum was one of 21 people killed during a terror attack at a luxury hotel in Nairobi on Jan. 15.  

Sarah said ironically that terrorism was something he was dedicated to reducing through his company's work in social entrepreneurship. 

"In a way, he was meant to reduce the need for terrorism," added Sarah. "In that when these young people have nothing to do, they are recruited by Al-Shabab, Al-Qaeda and become terrorists."

Joseph and Sarah told FOX 26 News that they were stunned by the outpouring of support after 500 people showed up to Jason's favorite bar in Naiorbi to celebrate his life and 41st birthday. An impressive network, considering he'd been living in the Kenyan capital city for just three years. 

"We have learned so much of our son that we're proud of that," added Joseph. "We didn't know because he didn't brag. And you're shown that reflection right now, of all the things we're proud of him."

Jason was accomplished in his career, adventurous in his nature, but most importantly, kind and generous in his character. His impact, now felt by those he touched in places he's visited all over the world and his legacy, remembered through his company's mission.

"We have started the Jason J. Spindler Foundation and we are going to continue his legacy and his work in social enterpreneurship and impact investing in the third world country," said Joseph.

The Jason J. Spindler Foundation can be reached at 700 Louisiana, Suite 3950, Houston, TX 77002. The foundation can also accept contributions on PayPal at donate@jjsfoundation.com.

Jason Spindler's funeral will be held at Beth Yeshurun Cemetery at 11 a.m. Thursday.