They say the butterfly effect means even the smallest movement can create ripples that change the world. If that’s true, then his life was a powerful wave — because everyone who met him felt the impact. One conversation, one laugh, one shared moment with him was enough to leave a lasting mark.

My brother-in-law was one of those rare souls who left footprints on your heart without even trying — or knowing.

Travis Arnold met the love of his life — my baby sister — in high school, and for 19 beautiful years they built a life filled with loyalty, laughter, and deep love. They grew up together, chose each other every single day, and created a home where joy lived in the smallest moments. Together they were raising two incredible children who were his pride and joy. Being a husband and dad wasn’t just a role to him — it was his greatest purpose.

He had a gift for making everyone feel special. When you spoke to him, you had his full attention. He wanted to know what you were working on, what you were excited about, and what interests you had. He celebrated everything — the big milestones and the smallest victories. A good grade. A new job. A tough week survived. If there was something worth cheering for, he was already clapping.

And if there wasn’t? He’d find a reason anyway.

He believed in gathering, in partying, in enjoying life while we have it. He encouraged everyone to stay a little longer, laugh a little louder, and make the memory. He didn’t just attend the party — he made it better. His laughter was infectious; when he laughed, you couldn’t help but laugh too.

He was the king of movie quotes. One of his favorites, “Stay gold” wasn’t just a line to him — it was something he lived by. He held onto what was good, pure, and meaningful in life. He reminded us, in his own way, that nothing gold can stay — which makes the golden moments even more important to cherish.

And then, just when things got heartfelt, he’d drop a perfectly timed joke. He loved telling them — but he loved hearing a good one even more. The cheesier the better. He’d grin, shake his head, and laugh like it was the funniest thing he’d heard all year.

His heart was truly golden. He showed up. He loved fiercely. He made people feel seen and important.

His passing has left an unimaginable hole in our lives. My sister has lost her high school sweetheart and best friend of 19 years. Their children have lost their biggest fan, their protector, their encourager — the dad who celebrated them at every turn and taught them to enjoy life fully.

We are raising funds to help support my sister and her two children as they navigate life without him. Alongside the heartbreak comes unexpected financial strain, and our hope is to ease that burden so they can focus on healing, on remembering, and on holding each other close.

If you feel moved to give, please know that every contribution — no matter the size — makes a meaningful difference. And if you’re unable to give, sharing this story means more than you know.

The best way we can honor him is to live the way he did:

Celebrate the little things.

Tell the jokes.

Quote the movies.

Stay gold.

And never pass up a reason to gather, laugh, and truly enjoy this life.

Because that’s exactly how he lived — and how he would want us to carry on.