Seth Orion Newby of Pagosa Springs, Colo., made his transition on Feb. 11, 2013, at Children’s Hospital Colorado in Aurora. He was born in Durango on July 8, 2005. Seth’s precious life ended due to rare lung diseases. This beautiful, eternally sweet child, now an angel in heaven, was an angel on earth and left a permanent mark on the hearts of many. He loved school, his iPad, puzzles, reading, writing, painting, throwing pebbles in Lake Pagosa, Thomas the Train, and life! Seth was kind, loving and peaceful to his last breath in his mother’s arms. His generosity lives on in cornea donation and lung research.

Seth’s parents are grateful to everyone who helped during Seth’s illness and the many people who helped Seth have a wonderful life. Special thanks to Patty Shull and Janelle Karas. Deepest gratitude to the amazing people at Pagosa Mountain Hospital, Durango Mercy Hospital, Texas Children’s, Children’s of Colorado, Ronald McDonald House and Flight for Life. Seth is survived by his mother, Nila Velchoff, his father, Gary Lynn Newby, his maternal grandmother, Esther Velchoff, of Bellville, Texas, and aunts, uncles and cousins.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 23, at 4 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship in Pagosa Springs, 70 Greenbriar Ave., at the corner of North Pagosa Boulevard and Park Avenue. No flowers please. Contact info: nilanewby@yahoo.com.

A Seth Newby Memorial Fund at Wells Fargo Bank has been established to assist his mother with expenses and rebuilding her life. Nila will be relocating to Denver.

 Agnete Bartz, 78, passed peacefully on March 6, 2013, at her home with her husband and son at her side. Agnete was born Nov. 10, 1934, in Copenhagen, Denmark. She was a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Copenhagen Law School and did graduate law studies at the University of Illinois, Urbana. There she met and married her husband, Robert. They have one son, Granton. She worked as a tax expert for a bank trust department, a major law firm and later a CPA firm. She became an American citizen.

She and her husband celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012. They travelled the U.S. and the world extensively. Agnete is survived by her husband, Robert, her son, Granton, and his wife Elitsa, and two granddaughters, Nicole (9) and Lynelle (8), her brother, Poul, and his wife, Jytte (who live in Denmark).

It is requested that donations in lieu of flowers be made to the Salvation Army. Agnete is greatly missed.

Barbara Taborelli, 91, of Rio Rancho, N.M., passed away after a brief illness on Wednesday, March 13, 2013.

Barbara was born on Nov. 20, 1921, to Fred and Clara Graves in Baldwinville, Mass. She is survived by her sister, Janet Ramspott (Gordon), and brother Robert (Phyllis), stepdaughters Sylvia Taborelli and companion Clifford Miller and Barbara Handal and husband Ron Baird; and granddaughters Doralice Handal and Alexis Handal and husband Kevin Ferrell.

Barbara received a bachelor’s degree from Framingham State University in 1943 and completed her dietetic internship at University of Michigan Hospital in 1944. She served as a 2nd lieutenant in the U. S. Army Medical Corps from 1945-46. She was the dietician at Lovelace Medical Center from 1962 until her retirement in 1980. After retirement, she and her late husband served on the board of the Piedra Park District Water System in Arboles, Colo., the site of their summer home. She was a member of Altrusa International of Albuquerque and volunteered for 25 years for Meals on Wheels in Albuquerque.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Rinaldo, her sisters Jean and Ruth, and her brother George. Cremation has taken place and no services will be held. If friends desire, they may make memorial contributions to the charity of their choice. To view information or leave a condolence, visit www.danielsfuneral.com.

Eli “Lee” A. Lopez, 81, died Friday, March 14, 2013 in Las Vegas, Nev.  A funeral mass was held in Las Vegas at St. Christopher’s Catholic Church on March 20. A visitation will be held locally at St. Peter-St. Rosa Catholic Church in Arboles, Colo., on Saturday, March 23, from 10 a.m.-noon.  Burial will follow the visitation at Rosa Cemetery in Arboles at 12:30 p.m.

Mr. Lopez was born on May 28, 1931, in Arboles, Colo., on the family ranch, to Margarito and Theodorita Lopez.  He grew up in Arboles on the ranch.  He enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1951 and served for three years.  Upon his discharge, he worked in road construction all around the southwest United States.  It was during that time that he met Lupe Cruz while working in the Flagstaff, Ariz., area.  They were married in 1956 in Flagstaff.

The young family moved to Las Vegas, Nev., in 1961.  Lee continued working with the Operating Engineers Union Local 12 until his retirement in 1982.  Lee also operated his own business in Las Vegas from 1976-1982 in road construction.

He spent his retirement years commuting between his homes in Las Vegas and Arboles.

Lee was a workaholic; he enjoyed his work and projects on his ranch.  Due to poor health in his later years, he enjoyed the views from his screened-in porch in Arboles.

Lee is survived by  his wife, Lupe Lopez of Las Vegas, Nev.; children John Lopez of Las Vegas, Gloria Lopez of Las Vegas, and Eli Lopez of Arboles; siblings Elisida Enriquez of Durango, Colo., Manuel “Rudy” Lopez of Anchorage, Alaska,  and Pete Lopez of Arboles; grandchildren Patricia, Steve, Joanna, Leanna, Tony, Leah and Shana, and several great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a son, Bill Lopez (formerly of Las Vegas); brothers Tony, Dan and Richard Lopez; sisters: Florence Vallejos and Angelina Barela.

Many of you may remember and knew James La Rue.

James is 36 and he lived here in Pagosa Springs for the best years of his life.

James came to Pagosa in 1994 when his aunt Susan and uncle Bob Holthaus had a business called Bear Cave Photo.

But most of you remember him as the little guy with a huge friendly smile and big heart, working at Radio Shack for Rollie Jackson.

James left Pagosa Springs in October 2012 to return home to Dewey, Ariz., to be with family the later part of his life, as he was battling colon cancer since March 2011.

James lost that fight March 23 at 2:20 p.m. when he joined his Lord and Saviour.

He gave all he had till the very end and still had that positive attitude and huge smile which carried him through the toughest times.

He felt very blessed to have his pastor, Curt Wiggers of Crossroads Christian Fellowship Community Church, along with congregation members and friends, Don Volger and Perry and Manon Schjolin visit him a couple weeks ago. The four made the trip from Pagosa Springs to Dewey to fulfill James’ dying wish to be baptized. That baptism was performed March 11, 2013.

Although James was raised in Arizona where his immediate family lives, he always was proud to call Pagosa Springs his home. He had an incredible extended family here. He loved the area and the people. He called it God’s Country.

He leaves behind two brothers who live in Colorado: Rusty, in Pagosa Springs, and Weston, in Yuma; his mother Dena Riley, sister Misty Matthews, nieces Shianne LaRue Matthews and Alisa Matthews, grandmother Barbara Murray, uncle John Murray, aunts Susan Murray Anderson and Tina Murray, and cousin Tyler Murray, all of Dewey, Ariz.; cousins Tasha Ramirez, Angelina Pratt, Aaliyah Lopez, Junior Lopez, Angelina Leon and Issaih Pratt of Peoria, Ariz.; stepsisters Doreen Riley and Starla, and nephews Morgan and Kyle Duwell of Harrisburg, Ore.

He has now joined his stepdad Jimmy Riley and grandfather James Murray and others that have gone before him. What a joyous day that must have been for them all.

His mother, Dena, plans on returning to Pagosa Springs in the near future to have a memorial service to celebrate his life with his friends and extended family. Look for postings of that event.

For such a young and small statured man, James touched so many people in this little town of Pagosa Springs. In such a short period of time.

James will miss you all and he thanks you for being a huge part of his life.

He will see you all again on the other side.

Mass for Mancos resident Jessie Eva Cassio will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, April 6, at John Paul II Catholic Church in Pagosa Springs. A Vigil will be held Friday evening at 6 p.m. at the church.

Jessie was born August 31, 1922, in Denver, Colo. the daughter of Hobart V. and Margaret E. (Maupin) Medlam. She passed away on Monday, March 11, 2013, at Valley Inn Nursing Home at the age of 90.

On Feb. 6, 1944, Jessie married Melvin Lee Cassio Sr. in Berkley, Calif. In her free time, Jessie enjoyed ceramics, crossword and word search puzzles, and completing jigsaw puzzles.

Surviving Jessie are her children, Melvin Lee Cassio Jr. and wife, Darlene of Pagosa Springs, Colo., Marvin Lewis Cassio and wife, Ellie of Carey, N.C., and Marshall Lloyd Cassio and wife, Beckey, of Wooster, Ohio; nine grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; by her sister, Grace Beyers of Aurora, Colo.; and by her daughter-in-law, Cheryl Darlene Cassio of Houston, Texas. Jessie was preceded in death by her parents; by her husband, Melvin Cassio Sr.; by her son, Michael Leon Cassio Sr.; by her grandson, Michael Leon Cassio Jr.; and by her brother, John Warrener.

Memorial contributions may be made in Jessie Cassio’s name to Valley Inn Nursing Home.

For further information or to send condolences, log on to www.ertelfuneralhome.com and click on the obituary section.

Lynda Brown crossed life’s threshold on Friday, March 29, 2013. She was born on Aug. 23, 1948, and moved to Pagosa Springs in June 1996 with her husband to begin another chapter in her life.

She loved her gift shop, her home, her flowers and her cats.

She is survived by her husband, George Clous, and sister Peggy Brown, both of Pagosa Springs; and her nieces Tammy, Michelle and Angie, and grand-niece Tiffany, all of whom she dearly loved.

A celebration of her life will be announced later in the spring when the trees and flowers are in bloom.

Willie Louise Chasteen, 86, passed away Friday, March 29, 2013, at home in Pagosa Springs, Colo. Mrs. Chasteen lived in Pagosa Springs for the past two and a half years. Services will be announced at a later time and cremation will occur.

Mrs. Chasteen was born Dec. 27, 1926, in Indianola, Okla., the daughter of Tommy and Josephine Hayes. She grew up in the Indianola/Crowder/McAlester, Okla., area. She began working early in life (as many of that great generation did), though her most important job was as a mother and wife, and she excelled in the craft of making a house a home. She was married to Otis Albert Chasteen on June 16, 1945, in McAlester, Okla.

An active member of the Crowder Baptist Church, Willie enjoyed quilting, gardening and especially her grandchildren and family.

She is survived by a son, Harold Albert Chasteen (spouse: Rosalyn) of Perry, Okla.; two daughters:  Shirley Ann Housley (spouse: Barry) of Pagosa Springs, Colo., and Lesa Reyes (spouse: Page) of Perry, Okla., siblings: Myrtle Perry, Cletus Nail and J.C. Vaught, all of McAlester, Okla.; many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and one great-great-grandchild.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Otis, her parents, daughters Barbara Louise Chasteen (infant) and Lucille Nguyen, and son Albert Junior Chasteen.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent to a hospice organization of your choosing.

Martha Schjolin went to join her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Easter Sunday morning at 6:50 a.m. at Pagosa Hospital in Pagosa Springs, Colo.

Martha attended the Detroit Conservatory of Music in Detroit, Michigan as a piano performance major. After moving to Tucson, Ariz., Martha taught elementary piano to scores of students over her musical career. She also enjoyed singing with her church choir.

Later in life, Martha turned her attention to her four-legged friends and began a second career in dog grooming. She also started the very first mobile dog grooming service in the country, appropriately named “The Woof & Purr.” She continued grooming until retiring to Pagosa Springs in 1996 to enjoy the beauty of the mountains, rivers and aspen trees.

Born Martha Schotte in Waters, Mich., on March 14, 1930, Martha married Robert Scott Schjolin in August of 1955 and had one son, Perry Scott Schjolin. She would occasionally jest that he was equal to three or four kids and figured one was enough.

Martha is survived by her only son, Perry Schjolin, and his wife, Manon, three grandchildren — Scott Schjolin, David Schjolin and Cari Rutland; and six great-grandchildren — Jonathan, Cheyenne, Mckenna, Dominick, Brooklyn and Seattle.

Martha was a sunny, caring and tender-hearted woman who always made people laugh and could find humor in the most difficult situations because of her love for Jesus Christ.

Memorial services will be held at CrossRoad Christian Fellowship, 1044 Park Ave. in Pagosa Springs on Friday, April 5, at 4:30 p.m.

On Easter Sunday, March 31, 2013, Sis Manzanares was called up to heaven to be with our Lord God.

She passed away peacefully at home with her family and friends by her side. She is now in heaven with her father Herbert Seifert, mother Tracy Seifert, and brother Gary Seifert. She is survived by her husband, Vincent Manzanares; daughters Melissa McPeak, Monica Bentley, stepson Vincente Manzanares; grandchildren Travis McPeak, Vincent McPeak, Jeffery Bentley, Brian Bentley and great-grandson Carl who was the apple of her eye; sisters Barbra Trow, Sandy Hase, Norma Maez, brother Mike Seifert, and countless family and friends.

Everyone called her “Nana” and she was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her beautiful blue eyes just glowed when she looked at you. Her tender warm hands that comforted so many now are being comforted by our Lord in heaven. She will be greatly missed and loved for all eternity. We know she will always be with us in our thoughts and our hearts. We love you and know it is now time for you to shine bright in the heavens above. Be at peace and kisses all over until we will be together again.

There will be a gathering Saturday, April 6, at 2 p.m. at Vince and Sis Manzanares’ residence. It will be a potluck style and she wants us to celebrate the good times and not be sad. We have done everything she wished for. Thank you all for your prayers and support during our difficult time. And, remember, we will all be together again some day.

1929-2013

Marilyn Joyce Winter, 84, passed away peacefully at her home on March 23, 2013, with her family at her side.

Joyce was born on Feb. 21, 1929, to John Daniel and Erna Emma Gilbert in Goodland Kans. She graduated high school in Goodland. She attended The University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kans. She met the love of her life Donald Wayne Winter; they were married on June 14, 1951, in Goodland. They were married for 39 years before God called her beloved Don home. From this union they were blessed with three children: Dan, Susan and David. Joyce and Don raised their children in Burlington, Colo., until they moved to Pagosa Springs in 1978.

She is preceded in death by her parents John D. and Erna Gilbert, her husband, Donald Winter, her sister in-law, Betty Gilbert, her in-laws Lois and Wayne Winter and Sylvia and Ernie Reynolds, and a grandson Joseph Wayne Winter. She is survived by her son, Dan, and his wife, Inez, of Pagosa Springs; Susan Anderson of Parker, Colo., and her son, David Winter, of Castle Rock, Colo.; her grandchildren, Aaron and Hilary Anderson, Byron Anderson, Ashli and Nathan Stretton, Brian Winter, Cara and Kyle Brendlinger, Nicole Winter and Gabrielle Winter; her great-grandchildren Kyler Henderson, Madisen and Hannah Stretton, Ava and Jocelyn Anderson, Quentin Brendlinger and Ezekiel Trejo. She also has two great-grandchildren on the way. She is also survived by her only brother, Bob Gilbert, and her only niece, Sandy Viviano and her husband Frank, and their children Lauren, Frank Jr., Jenny and Tina, all of Toledo, Ohio.

Joyce worked alongside her husband Don at The First National Bank in Burlington, Colo., and at Citizens Bank of Pagosa Springs, in Pagosa Springs. Joyce cherished every second that she spent with her family. She was a wonderful cook and had many talents. Her greatest achievement in life was being a mother and grandmother. She always put her family before herself. She will be dearly missed by everyone who loved her. Her wishes were to be cremated and laid to rest next to her husband, Don. A graveside service will be held on May 26, 2013, at 11 a.m. in Pagosa Springs at Hilltop Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the American Cancer Society in her name. They can be mailed to The American Cancer Society, 1800 East 3rd Avenue, Suite 101, Durango, CO 81301.

Ada McGowan

Ada McGowan went home to be with her Lord on Wednesday, April 10.  A memorial service will be held at Centerpoint Church on Friday, April 12, at 4 p.m.

The family requests that any donations made in lieu of flowers be made to the Centerpoint Youth Department.  Centerpoint is located at 2750 Cornerstone Drive.

John F.X. Kerwin of Pagosa Springs, beloved son of John and Judy Kerwin of River Forest, Ill., who preceded him in death.

He will be greatly missed by his brothers and sisters Peter, Nora (Frank) Orfanello, David, Helen (Charles) Kavlock, Amy (Tiarnan) O’Corrain, Karen Obermeyer (Steve), and Marian (Dave) Rathbun. He was a cherished uncle to Daniel, Erynn, Claire, Matthew, Maria, Lorelei, Franke, Grace, Charlie, Tadhg and Oscar.

He is preceded by his sister, Anne, and brother, Andrew.

“You are a good and faithful friend. Enter into the joy of your maker.”

Former longtime resident Ernestine E. Trujillo (Lister) died of age-related illness at a Phoenix, Arizona hospital. She was 81 years old.

Known as Ernie, she was born to Ruben Joe and Frances A. Lister (Vigil) in Pagosa Springs on March 8, 1932. She grew up in Pagosa, attended local schools and was a member of the Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

She married Joe S. Trujillo in 1953, and the couple had five children. The marriage later ended in divorce. She moved to the Denver area to be with her family and later moved to Phoenix in the early 1990s. Most recently, she lived with and was cared for by her younger sister, Linda, at her Phoenix home.

She was an excellent homemaker and always put her children first and supported them in their various activities. She had a pleasant demeanor and enjoyed visiting with family and friends. She will be greatly missed.

She was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Frank G. Lister, Joe U. Lister Sr. (Delfie) and Abel A. Lister. She is survived by four sons, Don and Rick of Phoenix, David of San Jose, Calif., Joey of Denver, Colo., and by one daughter, Barbara, of Phoenix. She is also survived by an older sister, Ruby (Evert) Jones of San Bernardino, Calif., and by a younger sister, Linda Buldoc (George) of Phoenix, as well as her grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. Cremation has occurred and final memorial for her is yet to be scheduled.

John Sherwood, 1927-2013, passed away after a long battle with Parkinson’s. At least now he is at peace and no longer in pain. He was a great personality and loved by many of those who met him along life’s path over the years. He was a man of many occupations — a coal miner, a train engineer, an electrician, a handyman, an inventor, an artist, a gold miner and many more. He always had a story to tell about his adventures in life. He had many nicknames: Sonny, Jack, Papa and Papa Smurf. He loved his family and friends and he loved Colorado.

He leaves behind his sons Greg and Kit, and daughter Tami; grandchildren Gant, Shelly, Michelle, Doug, Paula, Brian and Nicole; great-grandchildren Luke, Lyon, Marin, Lane and Payson; brother in-law John and Verna.

He will be missed greatly by all his family and friends.

We love you. R.I.P.  Mr. John Sherwood.

Lester Raymond Vining, Jr. was born Nov. 16, 1925, in Michigan to Lester Vining, Sr. and Laurel Vining. He went by Raymond until shortening it to Ray as a teenager.

Ray was a hard worker, a real handyman and could build or repair almost anything. Ray retired from Wolf Creek Industries where he was employed as a delivery driver hauling loads of house logs all over the state of Colorado and neighboring states. He loved being out in the woods hunting anything from squirrels to elk or the next load of firewood.

On Oct. 16, 1948, Ray married Audrey Jean Armstrong. They celebrated 64 1/2 years of married life together. They have four children: Gene Vining and wife Wendy, Stanwood, Mich.; Kay Murin and the late Frank Murin, O’Brien, Fla.; Vicki Welsh and husband Phil, Fort Lupton, Colo.; Marlene Thayer and husband Deighton, Frederick, Okla. Over the years, the family has grown to include 12 grandchildren, and 23 great-grandchildren who were Ray’s pride and joy.

In August 1971 Ray, Audrey, Vicki and Marlene moved from Stanwood, Mich., to Pagosa Springs, where they lived for nine years before finding a happy home in Arboles, Colo. After retirement, gardening became his favorite hobby.

Ray was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1999 and put up a good fight, but in February 2006 he moved into the Pine Ridge Extended Care Home. On April 17, 2013, at the age of 87, Ray was called home to be with the Lord. His struggle came to a peaceful end with Audrey at his side.

A memorial service will be held at the Allison Community Presbyterian Church in Allison, Colo., on Saturday, April 27, at 11 a.m.

Lois Marie “Mickey” Johnston Paschal passed away peacefully on April 18, 2013. She was born Oct. 1, 1923, in Oklahoma City, Okla. Her parents were John Franklin Johnston and Ima Lucille Anderson Johnston. Ima Lucille passed away after giving birth, and Lois was raised by her maternal grandparents and her five aunts.

Lois graduated from Classen High School in 1941 and Mary Hardin Baylor University in 1945. At college, she acquired the nickname “Mickey,” because she was “quiet as a mouse.” She was a speech major and was active in the drama club.

Mickey met her future husband, Dr. William Raymond Paschal, Sr., while she was in college and he was in the United States Army Air Corps. They were married in Dallas, Texas, on March 24, 1946. They had five children and eventually settled in Oklahoma City where Mickey was a homemaker and served as president of both the Oklahoma County Medical Women’s Auxiliary and the Quail Creek Women’s Golf Association.

In 1976, Lois was adopted by her close aunt Leta Anderson Gillette. Her bright smile and infectious giggle displayed her love for life. She loved to snow ski, golf and climb her beloved Colorado mountains. Most of all, she loved her family, cheering every success and lifting us up from every failure.

Mickey is preceded in death by her parents, aunts and son, William Raymond Paschal, Jr. She is survived by her husband of 67 years, her children, John Mark Paschal of Oklahoma City, Carolyn Paschal of Pagosa Springs, David Paschal of Austin, Texas, and Allen Paschal and his wife, Adrienne, of Fort Worth, Texas. Memaw will also be dearly missed by her 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at a later date in Oklahoma City. Memorial contributions may be made to the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation, or charity of choice.

Charity Jane Pitcher passed away in the early morning hours of Sunday, April 14, at her Santa Fe home of over 50 years. She is survived by her loving husband, six children, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.

She will be deeply missed, and always loved.

No services are planned. In lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite charity.

May 31, 1919  to April 21, 2013

Sylvia was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Charles Pargin; her parents W.D. and Anna Cooper; siblings Charles V. Howard, Brayton, Miriam Robbins, Bessie Farrow, and Ann Bland; grandson Larry Kingsley and son-in-law John Dillinger.

She is survived by her daughters Shirley Kingsley (Jim), Dolly Dillinger, Charlotte Metz (Bill); brothers John and Joe Cooper; nine grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and 15 great-great-grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews.

Sylvia married young and approached life and family as a partnership, taking her role as wife, mother and grandmother very seriously. She was an excellent care giver, cook and homemaker. Sylvia and Charles were children of early day pioneers and raised their family on the ranch at Pargin’s Lake, 17 miles west of Pagosa Springs. They sold the ranch and retired near Cortez, Colo., in 1964, later moving to Cedar Hill, N.M. Charles and Sylvia enjoyed traveling and gardening, making many trips with their Airstream across the northern hemisphere, traveling from Alaska to the Yucatan.  With their strong faith, they also traveled to Israel to visit the birthplace of their savior. After Charles’ death, Sylvia, at age 87, continued to enjoy travel; particularly fond of islands she had read about in Avonlea books, she visited Prince Edward Island and St. Thomas Island.  Sylvia lived in her and Charles’ residence until age 92 when she then took up residence at Gingrich Home for the elderly on Crouch Mesa.  At the time of her death, she was surrounded by her daughters and her new family, the loving staff at Gingrich Home, who sent Sylvia into eternity with song and prayer.

A memorial service will be held on April 27 at 11 a.m. at her daughter’s Cedar Hill residence.  The service will be followed by a noon meal.

July 25, 1989-April 17, 2013

Josh left this earth to continue his journey on Wednesday, April 17.

He was laid to rest April 24 in a private service in Colorado Springs.

Josh was always there to lend an ear or shoulder when someone needed it. He always had a way to make you smile. He made an impact on the many lives he touched. He lived in Pagosa for three years before moving back to Colorado Springs last June.

Known for his kindness and love of others, he acquired the nickname, “Huggy,” because when he greeted people, he would always give them a hug. He loved music, reading, his friends, video games and talking to people.

He was preceded in death by his younger brother, Jacob, and left behind his father, Jon Eliason of Pagosa Springs, his mother Jodi King of Colorado Springs, as well as his grandparents on both sides, and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.

He truly has earned his wings.