Michael Janulaitis

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Michael Janulaitis, who died suddenly in a tragic backcountry skiing accident, doing what he loved most—connecting with the beauty and peace of the wilderness.

Born in Illinois, Michael grew up moving across various parts of the country with his family before they settled in Southern California. It was there that many of his lifelong passions for outdoor adventures took root—skateboarding and surfing along sunny coastlines, and skiing in California's mountain ranges. Snow skiing became his lifelong passion, and he later lovingly taught it to his daughter, Alexis, when she was just a toddler. It was the incredible mountain ranges and skiing that brought Michael to Utah after college.

Michael’s strong, adventurous spirit continued throughout adulthood, where he combined his love for the outdoors with his career. He and his wife, Jaymie, designed their lives together so they could run their businesses remotely, allowing them to embark on extended camping adventures across national forests, wilderness areas, and the serene expanses of BLM lands. He thrived most when surrounded by the beauty of nature, whether backcountry skiing, boating and water skiing, dirt bike riding, studying the beautiful stars under a dark, vast sky, and exploring remote landscapes alongside Jaymie.

Michael also appreciated the value of travel and cultural experiences, which were instilled in him early through international journeys with his parents and sister, shaping his adventurous spirit and curiosity about the world.

Michael cared deeply about the environment and the well-being of our planet. He was an advocate for sustainability and conservation. Whether camping in remote wilderness areas, skiing in untouched backcountry snow, or simply enjoying the tranquility of the outdoors, Michael’s profound respect for nature was evident in everything he did.

Professionally, Michael channeled his creativity and precision into his business, developing software products designed to help companies efficiently manage and secure their technological systems. He was awarded “Best Productivity Software by PC Week with the Best of Comdex Award”, early in his career. His dedication to quality and exceptional customer service earned him a loyal following of clients who valued his expertise and integrity. Michael’s meticulous approach and thoughtful innovation created a lasting impact and respect throughout his industry.

Michael earned a Certified Open Water II scuba diving certification and a pilot’s license, reflecting his enthusiasm for exploring both beneath the waves and high above the earth. He also pursued his passion for backcountry skiing, not only through personal adventures but also by actively taking classes, rescuing several skiers and snowboarders in the backcountry, and sharing his expertise and love for the sport with others.

Above all, Michael was a devoted husband, father, son, brother, and uncle deeply loved by his family, friends, and clients. His infectious zest for life, adventurous spirit, and love for our planet — its forests, mountains, oceans, lakes, and the environment as a whole — will be profoundly missed.

Michael is survived by his wife, Jaymie, daughter Alexis, parents Carol and Victor Janulaitis, his sister Vicki and brother-in-law Michael Isip, nephew Cole Isip and niece Mia Isip.

Those wishing to honor Michael’s memory may consider a donation to Utah Open Lands, Utah Avalanche Center, Summit County Search and Rescue, or a Memorial Plant A Tree.

Michael’s spirit remains with us always, in every mountain he loved, every adventure shared, and in the hearts of all those who were fortunate to know him.