It is with deep sorrow and boundless love that we announce the passing of our beloved Dakota, who left us far too soon. Dakota joined our family when he was just two months old, and from that moment on, he filled our lives with warmth, laughter, and quiet strength.
A gentle and happy soul, Dakota was a loving child who grew into a kind and thoughtful young man. He had a heart full of compassion and a quiet presence that made those around him feel safe and seen. Though soft-spoken and introverted, his impact on the people in his life was profound. His calm, caring nature helped forge friendships that have lasted from elementary school to the very end—bonds that were only possible because of who he was.
Dakota found joy in the simple things. He loved playing basketball and was passionate about track and field, especially discus and shot put. His competitive spirit and sense of fun shone through in every game of Wii Sports, Mario Kart, or Call of Duty on Xbox. League of Legends was a favorite too—he could spend hours gaming with his friends, sharing laughter and strategy late into the night.
Board games were a big part of Dakota’s life. He never strayed from his favorite Monopoly piece—the battleship—and made sure everyone played Uno by the rules, especially Kalan. Those moments of playful seriousness will be missed more than we can say.
Dakota cherished time with his friends and loved going out on the weekends, building memories that now live on in all who knew him. He was so proud to have recently started working at Burnaby Lake Nursery and was looking forward to returning to culinary school—a dream he carried with quiet determination.
We’ll miss the late-night smell of his lasagnas and pizzas coming from the kitchen. We’ll miss his frequent Skip and DoorDash orders—especially those from Wendy’s and McDonald’s. But most of all, we’ll miss him—his presence, his laugh, and the love he gave us every day.
Dakota, we love you more than words can ever express. You are forever in our hearts, and your light will never fade.
Thank you all for the support and warmth you've provided Dakota's family at this time of loss.
