Anthony Rick Banta was born on March 22, 1991 in Newberg, Oregon to Denise and Rick Banta. He was the big brother to Andrew and Allie. He was baptized at Zion Lutheran Church, where he attended Sunday School and church in his early years. He attended Zion Lutheran Preschool, and went on to Crater Elementary and Chehalem Valley Middle School As a young boy, he enjoyed playing soccer, basketball and doing tricks on his skateboard. He had a creative imagination and expressed that in the many creations he built with his Legos. He loved music and cars, cutting out pictures of cars he hoped to own one day. He loved the many trips over the years to visit family in Minnesota. Anthony graduated from the Newberg High School Alternative School Program in June 2009. At this point in his life, he struggled with addiction and the associated legal issues and consequences. He received his first prison sentence in 2013, and was sent to Pendleton and later Salem where he was released in 2016. In late 2016, Anthony and his girlfriend Jeanne found out they were expecting a baby. Anthony was beyond excited and committed to being a Dad, but continued to struggle with addiction. He returned to jail in the spring of 2017, and was incarcerated at the time of his daughter Brooklynn’s birth on July 6, 2017, an event he so wanted to be present for. Anthony was transferred to Pendleton to serve a second prison sentence later that summer. On September 16th, Anthony met his daughter Brooklynn for the first time in person, and it was a life-changing experience. He focused his attention to bettering himself with any and all programs available to him and was later moved to a Drug and Alcohol intensive Inpatient program in Baker City. Throughout his incarceration, he worked hard to build a relationship with his daughter through weekend in-person visits, frequent phone calls and video visits. He successfully completed the program and really embedded what he had learned into his everyday life. When he was released to come home in April 2019, Brooklynn knew and loved her Daddy, and was so excited to see him and spend time with him now several days a week. Anthony had so much to be proud of since coming home in April 2019. He focused on developing his relationship with his daughter, working to learn new skills and better himself and his health. He was religious about working out at the gym and eating healthy. He was a friend to all and an encourager to those who needed support or were struggling. He always ended his call or visit with “I love you” just before hanging up or walking out the door. His smile was infectious. Anthony will be missed by so many family: his daughter Brooklynn, Mom Denise, Dad Rick, brother Andrew, sister Allie and her fiancé James, his niece Madelyn, Grandparents Gary and Doris Gerdts and Carroll Banta, and many aunts, uncles and cousins in Oregon and Minnesota. He leaves behind a large family of the heart – his girlfriend Malanie, his “second family” Mom Louise, brother C.J., Dovie and nieces and nephews, as well as his employer Marvin Pierce and family – all were a huge part of Anthony’s success, providing love, support and encouragement to keep moving forward. Lastly, he leaves behind a large number of friends and acquaintances who have shared the positive impact he had on so many. These stories are so appreciated and will be important to share with Brooklynn as we keep her Daddy’s memory and presence alive in her life going forward. Fly free Anthony….. “Love you”. Anthony’s greatest passion was for his daughter and her wellbeing. An account for Brooklynn Banta has been established to build college savings for Brooklynn’s future. If compelled to support Anthony in this way, please mail gifts to Columbia Bank, Brooklynn Banta Account, 3500 Portland Road, Newberg, OR. 97132. Anthony was very much an encourager to those who struggled with addiction and were trying to build a clean life. Any donation to a drug and alcohol treatment-related facility to support others in your area would also be an appreciated option and reflective of Anthony’s encouraging and supportive nature.