In Loving Memory of John

It is with great sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic news of a beautiful life lost far too soon. On May 17th, just ten days after his 23rd birthday, we said goodbye to our John.

An extremely talented and artistic soul, John was an inspiration to so many. He approached life with a resilient determination and a humble spirit. He was an avid skateboarder, recognized across the country as one of the very best, and many of his happiest moments were at the skate park where he was surrounded by friends who shared his passion. Above all else, John had the biggest heart for people. He welcomed outsiders with open arms and often gave his last dollar to someone else who needed it more. He loved his family, his girlfriend, children and animals...and they loved him. He will always be remembered for his compassion and empathy for others and he will be deeply missed.

His sudden passing is truly heartbreaking to all who knew and loved him, but will be felt the hardest by the growing family he left behind. In the saddest of all circumstances, John was only 2 weeks shy of meeting his first child due on May 30th, a son he planned to name Roman. He and his girlfriend, Dalene, were excitedly anticipating Roman’s arrival and just celebrated their baby shower last month. Dalene is now facing the enormous responsibility of raising their baby as a single mom. Even with family and friends rallying behind her, the financial challenges that lie ahead are daunting.

We have setup this GoFundMe page to show our support to Dalene during this difficult time - to allow her the opportunity she deserves to grieve John’s loss and welcome their baby boy without the financial distractions that have surfaced in the wake of this tragedy. We want to help her pay off their lease in Arizona and finance her move back to Colorado so she can be closer to family. We want to help her pay off John’s car so she has reliable transportation for herself and baby Roman. And we want to support her with the many “odds and ends” that are sure to come up as she jumps into motherhood.

Any contribution, big or small, will make a huge difference and will help us honor John’s memory as he so badly wanted to be here for his baby boy. We are forever grateful for your love and support.