Colton John Hadley

"A day may come when the courage of men fails….but it is not THIS day."  A giant of a spirit, Colton John Hadley, found his way home to his Heavenly Father on Tuesday, January 26, 2016.  He fought  courageously to the end in his fight against drugs.  His battle was persistent and relentless, one from which he could never rest.  The world would be a better place if everyone fought as courageously against their individual weaknesses as Colton did against his.
Colton was born September 9, 1994, the son of Rock and Elizabeth Hadley.  He graduated from Viewmont High School in 2013 where he was part of the football and wrestling teams.  He was an outstanding athlete and received many awards over the years because he was willing to work hard to excel.  He also played many years of baseball and basketball with Ty and his friends.  He played well and he played smart.  He was an avid fan of the Utah Utes and Denver Broncos.  
Colton loved scouting and was an Eagle Scout.  For his project he built and installed trail kiosks at his favorite places – the Centerville baseball field and the base of the "zig zag" trail.  He loved the water merit badges and earned the swimming, lifesaving, canoeing, white water and sailing badges several times over.  He earned all of them with his brother Ty and his buddies in troop 1401.  He then went on to earn his Denali Award.
Colton was a hard worker and never afraid to put in an honest day's work.  He loved building and found an exceptional amount of joy working at Millbrook Cabinet Design.  He loved his job and the people he worked with.
He loved the outdoors and the mountains.  He loved hiking, skiing, swimming in rivers and going to his cabin.  He spent years of his life in the peace of nature and shared many family memories in his bit of heaven- Island Park.  
Colton enjoyed reading everything, but his favorite book was Lord of the Rings.  The wisdom of Tolkein reflects what Colton shared with us about his belief in Christ and the power of prayer; "All that is gold does not glitter, not all those who wander are lost; The old that is strong does not wither, Deep roots are not reached by the frost."  
The warmth of Colton's smile was only out done by the size of his heart.  He lit up a room with his personality and laugh.  He was a loyal friend who would just show up with his big ole heart and never stop to think what's in it for me.  He was the big brother we all wish we had.  He was fiercely protective of his brothers and sisters and they always came first.  He warned them repeatedly of the dangers of drugs and let them know the battle he was waging.  He loved his parents and showed that love in his constant everyday acts of kindness.  
Colton leaves behind a family that loves and misses him dearly- his parents, his brothers Ty (Tijuana Mexico Mission) and Justin, and sisters, Brooklyn and Janey (Nut Nut).  He also leaves behind all his grandparents, whom he adored and spent countless hours with.  He was supported and loved by many aunts, uncles, cousins and a world full of friends.  
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 8, 2016 at 11:00 am at the LDS Centerville South Stake Center located at 270 North 300 East, Centerville.  Visitations will be held at Russon Brothers Mortuary, 295 North Main, Bountiful, on Sunday evening from 7-9 pm and on Monday at the church prior to services from 9:30 – 10:30 am.  Interment will be at Centerville City Cemetery.
Colton, because we know you, we have been changed for the better.  You'll be with us like a handprint on our hearts from this day on, now and forevermore.