On Wednesday, July 15th, Brant Valvo passed away in a tragic, traumatising way that has affected my family indescribably. He lost a battle with complex depression, anxiety, addiction, and the weight of losing his father & so many others was just too much for him to cope with. I know he is at peace now, after hurting for so long. The pain of losing someone I loved as a father figure, who helped raise me, is something I really cannot put into words.

But I don’t want to talk about how he lost his life, because that is not what defines my stepdad, my mothers’ partner of 20 years. Brant is always there to crack a joke and show you something cool! We loved catching bugs and snakes together, exploring around Marshall and finding treasures to bring home. He was born and raised in Boulder, growing up right across from the elementary school he, and I eventually, went to. He loved old cars, and always had a hot rod (or two!) that he was working on in the garage or the driveway. Brant always makes the best sunny side up eggs, and always made sure I knew he loved me deeply. Brant and my mom love each other so very much. He has always made my mom laugh, even at the hardest of times. They met in high school, reconnected when I was a kiddo (first date was cheeseburgers with extra onions from McDonalds!) He & my mom would sit and drink coffee with their cigarettes, talking from the early hours of the morning until the sun came up. Usually on the porch, or watching the morning news. I love the smell of Folgers coffee & tobacco, and I’ll always think of those warm mornings, waking up to him making me the perfect egg & watching cartoons.

My family has been left now to pick up the pieces, and try to figure out why Brant left us in the way that he did. My family, especially my mother who is absolutely suffering right now, is asking for privacy and respect while we navigate this.

If anyone would like to help our family during this tragic time, we have decided to start a GoFundMe for repairs of the house, and just general support. Unfortunately, due to the nature of the event that led to my stepdads passing, we have to completely start anew.

Thank you all for your respect, understanding, and love at this time.

I know in my heart and soul that Brant is with God, the Creator, and is safe.

I wish he was still with us.

https://www.denverpost.com/2026/07/16/loveland-police-shooting-domestic-violence/