Keaton Farris
Keaton during his days as a CHS football player.
Keaton as a baby. (Photo courtesy Julie Williams)
I didn’t know Keaton Farris.
He ran track during his sophomore and junior seasons at Coupeville High School, twice winning events (http://www.athletic.net/TrackAndField/Athlete.aspx?AID=48438), but that time period (2006-2007) was a time when I was buried in working at David’s DVD Den and didn’t cover sports for a bit.
But I know 25 is too early for anyone to die (http://www.whidbeynewstimes.com/news/299131961.html), and I know he leaves behind family, friends and classmates who remember him fondly.
The newspapers will report on the troubling circumstances of his death, because that’s what they do.
Coupeville Sports is a different beast, and what I am concerned with at the moment is giving all who knew Keaton a chance to remember their fallen friend.
Once a Wolf, always a Wolf. Never forgotten, no matter where life takes you.
This article is here to allow any who want to remember Farris to do so, with the promise that your words will be yours and I will not edit them to fit a storyline.
If you would like say something, send your thoughts to me here, at my Facebook page or at davidsvien@hotmail.com. Photos are also welcome.
I will continue to add anything I receive, and this will remain here on Coupeville Sports as long as the blog exists.
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Emma Puharic:
Aww, Keaton, I’m sorry, rest in peace.
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Chris Masters:
Thinking back, our circles did cross at a few places. I never got to know Keaton very well, but to the best of my knowledge, he had been a very respectable guy.
Another life too young lost, another light in our hearts fades away. From someone who didn’t even know you, you will be missed brother. Til next time.
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Ryan King:
It’s a sad day to hear about a loss of someone you once knew.
I played football with Keaton my last two years and he was a great guy. Very respectful and always knew how to have fun. Great athlete and a great friend, he will be missed.
Rest in peace Keaton Farris.
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Dustin Van Velkinburgh:
Had the pleasure of coaching Keaton. Always worked hard and smiled while doing it.
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Ken Stange:
I learned today that yet another former student’s life ended too soon.
Keaton Farris, I remember you from Junior English. Oh, how you hated my class!
You were also fun, personable, and energetic.
I also remember your passion for sports. You were a very fast runner in a class that had many speedsters.
Your smile lit up my room, which was extra impressive when considering that that room was much like a dungeon.
When you left for Lopez, that was the last we’d see of you.
Like so many from here, your life carried you away from Whidbey. It had been years and you’d slipped from my memory, but today your memory occupies my thoughts.
May your afterlife journey be peaceful. I hope that Dylan and Adam were there to greet you. Like you, they too possessed a way of making people smile and laugh.
Peace, Keaton.
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Clay Hughes:
It’s really makes me sad to hear about the passing of Keaton. The funny thing is I’ve been thinking about him all day and I can’t get a smile off my face! He had a gift for making people happy.
Keaton was fast!!
One time in a regional track meet at Kings High School Keaton and I were running in the 200m together. Keaton was staggered behind me at the start of the race and we both knew he was going to pass me by the end of the corner.
We had run together a lot…
When the race started and he went past me he was singing a song! He had me laughing in the middle of a race! Haha.
I will always remember the state track tournament with Keaton and even more so getting through the daily practices with him. He was largely the only reason I would crack a smile during track practice. The stories could go on and on.
The two times we ran into each other since high school, the last being New Years Eve night 2011 in Seattle, we were instantly great friends again the second we saw each other, even if years had gone by since we last spoke.
That was the gift of Keaton, he was everybody’s friend and someone everyone wanted to be around.
I knew I was going to run into you again Keaton and I was looking forward to it. It makes me deeply sad that that can’t happen anymore. Everyone would be better off taking a page or two out of your book. You won’t be forgotten brotha.
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Julie Williams:
Oh Keaton I am so sorry you are gone, I knew you as a baby and I watched you grow over the years, then I lost touch somewhere along the way but I always heard of how you were growing up into such a handsome, kind, loving young man.
I ran into you and your momma here and there and I saw pictures along the way of you becoming YOU, I was always so surprised at the resemblances I saw
At times I thought you were such a mini Freddy, other times you looked just like Louie, then those eyes of yours…stunning eyes, just like your mommas, the warmth and the sparkle that exploded into ones soul that makes you do nothing but smile, sometimes I looked at you and all I saw was your uncle Chad…those cheeks & so handsome funny, loving, your movement, your kindness, your words reminded me of your Uncle Crockett, and every time I saw one of these glorious people in you it brought back floods of memories of the good ol’ days I had with them and how awesome that I can call you and your family my dear friends.
We stayed at your Mom’s house a few years back and you so kindly gave us your room, you would come around here and there and I felt like I had been in the picture for years, you were so warm and welcoming, like I was part of your life.
My husband and you hit it off, he said you were a pretty awesome kid and he enjoyed the time he spent with you. I do hope I can find those pictures of you and him at the Galley along with many others with everybody smiling.
My heart is Heavy since the day I heard, I can’t even imagine how your mom, dad ….your family are feeling but I am praying and keeping all of them close in my heart and you too. All my love, Julie
You are free from this world Keaton watch over your family and friends.
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