Adventurous, kind, the light of my life!
Lighthearted and funny, Colton was caring and considerate to everyone he knew or met. He was always positive, no matter the situation. He enjoyed sports and, though skateboarding was his favorite, he also played football, baseball, and frisbee golf.
In middle school, the games and practices kept the family on the go, “but it was some of the best times before the problems started,” Colton’s mom, Kasey, remarked. There were other good times–birthdays were always special, and Colton enjoyed time kayaking and camping with his dad, Clay, and his grandparents. As an only child, it was nice that he was close to his cousin Haley.
Colton was just starting to find his niche in the workplace. He found a trade in HVAC and started working as an HVAC helper. Very goal-oriented, he was considering going to school to get certified in the field. Colton sent his mom pictures of his jobs and told her what he was doing. She was proud of his accomplishments. He was excited about these new opportunities and about making plans for his future.
In thinking about how Colton’s disease changed him, Kasey said he was angry a lot. “The constant fighting and lying were the most difficult. We went from best friends to complete enemies, in what seemed like overnight,” she said. Gratefully, there were happier moments, like the last day she spent with Colton. “He was driving me around,” Kasey said. “We had the best talk about how he was going to be successful with his recovery. He was apologetic for everything we had been through. I remember he was so positive about the future and his new life.”
After Colton’s death, many friends shared how Colton had positively influenced their lives, especially during their rough times. Colton’s friend Shelbey spoke at his funeral about their wonderful, supportive friendship. Sadly, Shelbey passed away from a drug overdose in 2023.
Kasey admits she didn’t fully understand addiction and wrongly assumed that completing treatment would bring things back to normal. “My life has turned out completely different from what I imagined. Colton was my only child, and losing him was absolutely devastating. It never goes away.” Colton’s smile, hugs, and laugh are missed. It is sometimes hard for Kasey to remember the sound of his voice. She has placed a memorial bench on their favorite hiking spot.
Now Kasey is learning more about addiction. She supports others in their journey and involves herself in activities that bring awareness. “A mother’s worst fear is that her child will be forgotten,” she said. ‘He was just getting started in life. Now it is over.’
Colton’s mother, Kasey Riley, provided the information for this narrative.
August 10, 1995-March 17, 2016-Age 20
Portrait Artist: Shaun Faust
Narrative Writer: Barbara Francois
