Keaton Lee Bridges was born on December 22nd 1999 and he passed away on Tuesday, September 15th from complications following a drug overdose. Keaton is preceded in death by his great grandparents, Victor and June Hovda and his big brother, Victor Bridges. Keaton is survived by his mother and father, Leah and Edward Bridges along with his grandparents on both sides-Virginia & Darren Johnson, Ed & Soosi Day and Joanne & Ed Bridges. Keaton is also survived by his sister, Latasha and two brothers, Donald (DJ) and Skylar, and his niece and six nephews.

Keaton should not be remembered as just another addict. Keaton was first a son, a brother, an Uncle and was a wonderful friend. He was always there to lend a hearing ear and would oftentimes put his life on hold for his loved ones. Keaton’s heart was so big, so beautiful and so healthy that in his death, he gave life to those needing a heart, liver, pancreas, kidneys and skin tissue. Keaton was a “momma’s boy” but he objected when his mom pleaded with him on his 16th birthday not to be an organ donor. When Keaton had something on his heart and mind, he had to do it. Little did his family know that 4 short years later, that little heart on his license would save lives. The most selfless act a human can make, and his momma stood by his side until the very end. Keaton was known for his laughter, jokes and infectious smile. He loved music, dancing and selfies. And if you knew Keaton, you probably had an endless array of inside jokes. If we can take anything from Keaton’s death, it’s that we should treat our fellow addicts with dignity, respect, love, and kindness.

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Keaton is one of the chosen whose spirit is too beautiful for this world….supposedly why he was never in one place for too long. Bouncing around from Perrone House to Gurney, the streets back to sober home, from Portland to his hometown. He was trying relentlessly with electric purpose to find his place in this world, but maybe it is true. Maybe he was meant to be home, with his brother and the God he always knew. In the meantime, he was only looking to tell everyone “I love you”, sending somebody if not everybody a love letter a day. That is a child of God, that’s an angel on Earth, that’s a best friend, and a brother who has joined his. He has found his place, his peace, and because of him, we will never have to live another day wondering if we are loved. Every time you would leave, you’d ask me to swear you won’t be forgotten. I told you I couldn’t if I tried. You’d make us fall in love with you, then break our hearts when you’d go…if this is the last time, I know it’s because your life was made to heal more than just your own.. Your message among all hundreds of other messages you sent are made very clear: the pain is over, and the only thing left is love. In your name, my napkin garage poet.