Simply unforgettable, he was endearing by the strength of his smile, gentle manner and playful spirit. He was a talented writer and musician; keenly intelligent, admired and spiritually connected to the world around him. He was one of the most genuinely kind people you could ever hope to encounter.

Early in life Josh found passion through music and writing. Josh loved the written word and had a unique ability to express himself through his writing and music. In middle school, and as the historian in all four years of  high school, he was the first student to write weekly articles for the local newspaper about campus news. Throughout these years, he and his brother, were constant companions playing sports, having fun in the church youth group and participating in extracurricular and community service fun with the family.

After high school, Josh attended college and focused on the field of journalism and communications. He continued to pursue his avid interests in art, music and journalism. Josh’s talent for music resulted in his notoriety as a “DJ” and he wrote and produced music soundtracks to market for film and advertising. He loved getting lost in the “beats” and was always down for club dancing!

Josh found joy being in the presence of those he loved most and in the company of friends. His playful personality, sense of humor and honest charm made him an undeniable favorite friend. The staples in his backpack were always a book, journal and music. Josh was an unselfish, caring and compassionate young man. It was impossible to be around Josh and not be drawn to his gentle spirit and enthusiasm for the simple joys of life. The homeless knew Josh by name and to the surprise of his roommates, he would often offer them to come inside for a shower and a bite to eat. Josh had little use for material things and preferred wearing used clothing and walking or biking to driving. Relationships and community were his greatest gifts.

In life, Josh’s mission was to make personal connections with those around him. He sought to share his passion for the arts through expressive writing and music.  Josh was deeply spiritual and, although a Catholic throughout his life, he was a  serious student of world religions; once getting transferred out of a class because the world religion professor was “too judgmental” and that was something Josh could never stand for.

Yet, at the same time, he lived a life of fear beguiled by feelings of failure which would often thrust him into the depths of despair. His challenge was to live in a world he thought expected so much more than he felt he could give. His struggle with this internal conflict led him to a period of substance abuse followed by alcoholism, which in the end led him down a destructive path. And though Josh generously took care of the needs of others, he did not take care of number one. Josh is a cherished son, brother and friend who is profoundly missed.

Our home was rambunctious, nurturing and sweet. All four children played their roles well, and Logan, the youngest, was his own self-described Peter Pan. Logan was truly a kind and compassionate person who loved deeply, loyally and completely. His family meant the world to him. Logan was devoted, childlike and simply brilliant. Though he was often quiet, he was just taking it all in, and he often demonstrated an astounding memory that impressed his siblings, parents and teachers.  His quick wit, love of history, courteous manners and great charm are characteristics we all appreciated about him.

Logan’s infectious laughter and random but spot on good humor, left an imprint on anyone who knew him. Logan loved playing baseball and basketball and being coached by his Dad.  He was known for making major league plays on the field and impressive 3 point shots on the basketball court. His gentle manner was shown in many ways throughout his short life. He had a tender way with animals and was a caring breeder of parakeets, hamsters and chinchillas for sale, and especially the pups that he adored.  Logan was a movie aficionado, a passion he shared with his two older brothers and he had an uncanny ability to memorize dialog from films and share them with us at the most appropriate (or inappropriate) times creating bountiful laughter for us all. His appearance was important to him and he was always pulled together with his signature style of button down collared shirts, leather jacket and sharp shoes.

He learned to snow ski as a small child and our days together on the slopes as a family will long be remembered as some of the best of times. Our little man – sporting a helmet, sans poles, took great joy in surpassing his snowboarding brothers. Later on, snowboarding, motorcycle riding, shooting and fishing trips with his Dad and brothers were highlights he enjoyed. Logan adored his “Sissy” and he looked up to her so much that she set the standard by which he measured others.

Logan was a simple soul. His sensitivity and purpose could be described by a favorite fictional character, of whom he often quoted, Forest Gump, in saying, “and that is all I have to say about that.” He became easily frustrated with unexpected changes in his routine and was hard on himself if he did not already know something that was being asked of him, like from a teacher or parent.  Logan was very well liked by his peers, yet on a personal level, he yearned to find a place socially where he belonged.  

After Josh died, he said, “Mom, I am just not equipped to deal with this.”  Losing his brother and best friend as a teenager was devastatingly difficult for him. It altered his path for the rest of his life. His substance use began in secret as he tried to find relief from his emotional pain by the use of prescription pain medications. He told us once that “people your age are making a living off of someone like me with anxiety and depression.”  He added that an older woman had been supplementing her social security by selling him her prescription of Dilaudid pain pills.  The drug put his mind in a tailspin.

Logan was ashamed, confused and exhibited extreme emotional and physical pain from his eventual dependency on opioid medications prescribed for someone else. This caused him to separate himself from us to the point where it was difficult to reach him emotionally. Logan never wanted to die. He was not partying but trying to find relief from pain. He had great expectations for his future and his dream to become an attorney one day. Despite positive work the steps toward sobriety, one use too many took our Precious Pup away from us forever.

HEALING HEARTS ONE STORY AT A TIME