About Keltson
Keltson Gene Blackburn was an enthusiastic, intelligent, and strong nineteen year old man that left this earth early on October 11, 2008 in an automobile accident. Keltson was a people person and loved to socialize. Friends were of great importance to him, he cared deeply for the family and friends that he loved so much. He was a natural leader and genuinely loved helping others. When friends needed a listening ear, he was there for them. He always had time to hear others and care for them in a real way. Hard work and service were just part of his personality; he knew how to accomplish tasks and have fun while doing them. He loved music, reading, wrestling, eating at Wingers, working for Trevor, cousins, friends, family -and the color orange. He was a typical boy and left a mess wherever he went; clothes and stuff were everywhere! Oh how we miss those messes and the shoes at every door. Keltson was preparing to serve a mission in Charlotte, North Carolina for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and would have left in November 2008. He had plans to come home afterwards and become a large animal veterinarian. His enthusiasm for life and willingness to reach out to others is what made him unique –it is what made him, Keltson.
Words cannot express the sorrow our family has experienced with the loss of our precious son, but with the support of dear people in this community, our wonderful extended family, and the Lord – we are surviving. We deeply appreciate all his friends that have been so loving to our family and so supportive. Thank you to everyone. Organizing this event in honor of Keltson has been therapeutic and helped us to feel like we are doing something for him, while doing something for someone else. That is what life is really all about anyway and it feels good to know that we can gather as a community for two good causes. A dear friend recently said, “I feel honored to be a part of this gift of love.” That is exactly how we feel. Hope to see you there on September 19th, 2009!
Why the horse logo?
He loved the outdoors and most especially riding horses. He loved riding his horse, Paso, in the hills of Herriman and Wayne County. He would ride for hours, taking in the beauty of the earth. Keltson took anyone who would go with him to ride! If he had a horse, friend, and the hills – he was happy. Paso, Keltson’s horse, has tremendous get-up–and-go! He walks with vigor and leads the way, just like Keltson did, so we felt it appropriate to include Keltson’s dear friend Paso, as the logo. We want this event to have a familiar feel to it, and horses have been a big part of his life since he was a little boy.