Houston native killed in Kenya terror attack laid to rest

HOUSTON (FOX 26) — Houston native Jason Spindler, who was killed during a terror attack at a hotel complex in Nairobi, Kenya, on Jan. 15, was laid to rest on Thursday.

Jason was an accomplished global citizen who made it his life's mission to improve the lives of those struggling in developing countries. Even in his death, Jason had the ability to bring people together. 

More than 300 people gathered at the Beth Yeshurun Cemetery on Thursday to say their final goodbyes to 40-year-old Jason Jacob Spindler. The pall bearers were some of Jason's closest friends, many whom flew in from places around the globe including Kenya, South Africa and England.  

"He was the glue that’s kind of brought us together," said Nikhil Patel, one of the pall bearers from London. "We’re a very, very close group of friends. We live all over the world but because of him, we’ve become family."

"He was a funny guy," said Amit Glabovski, one of the pall bearers from Nairobi. "He was always making sure to have plans for all of us to hang together, whether it’s across the world or just have more meaningful life."  

On Sept. 11, 2001, Jason was working on Wall Street and had just gotten off the subway when the first of the Twin Towers came down. His family said Jason immediately ran towards the rubble to begin rescuing people. It was after that moment when Jason realized he needed to make a career change and instead, devote his life to public service. He joined the Peace Corps and eventually co-founded I-Dev International, a company that invests in social entrepreneurship in third world countries. 

"We hope to live on his legacy of enabling people," said Aaron Fu, one of his pall bearers who flew in from Cape Town, South Africa. "He always looked to see where he could add value, whether that’s make you smile a bit more, laugh a little bit more, explore a little bit more, push a little bit harder."  

Even in his final conversations, Jason never stopped fighting for justice and human rights. His family now hopes to continue his legacy and company's mission through the Jason J Spindler Foundation. 

"Jason, I have so many memories and so many stories," said Jason's brother, Jonathan Spindler. "I can’t even make it an hour or even a moment without something reminding me of you."  

"There’s something wrapped up in your destiny," said Jason's brother, Aaron Spindler. "And if you give, you shall receive. The only gift that will set you free. I love you, Jason." 

Jason leaves behind his grandparents, his parents, two brothers and three nephews.