(Dec. 6, 2008)
Joseph Ryan Strom, 13, died in a tragic automobile accident on Saturday, Dec. 6 near Byron.
Joseph, affectionately known as “JW,” was born Nov. 12, 1995, in Powell. He was raised in Lovell until his family moved to Cowley in 2006. Even though he was able to make friends anywhere he went, he insisted on staying in the Lovell school system to be with his familiar friends.
He was a compassionate and loving young man who was an excellent student with a flair for the artistic and an eye for perfection. He was strong-willed and determined to do his best in everything he tried. His family will remember he had a sparkle in his eye that couldn’t be extinguished.
Joseph was a fine athlete. He loved sports and excelled at everything he tried. His favorite sports were football, basketball and baseball. His favorite NFL team was the Denver Broncos, and he especially revered wide-out Brandon Marshall, whom he strived to be like when he grew up. He watched ESPN every day, often bringing people up to date on the latest statistics.
Motorcycles were another one of his passions. He was absolutely fearless on a dirt bike and had hoped to purchase a new KTM someday. He also loved snowboarding, shooting, fishing and bowling.
Joseph loved spending time with his family and was an excellent brother to his siblings. He loved music, playing his guitar and hanging out with his friends. He was quick-witted and could always come up with some pretty good stories (especially if he thought he was in trouble). He always had Plan A, B, C and D. He had it all covered. His family will miss him terribly, and he will never be forgotten.
Joseph is survived by his parents, Michael and Andrea Frost and Charlie and Jodi Strom; brothers Cale Frost, Connor Strom, Halen Strom and Daniel Tirrell; sisters Davi, Lauren and Shelby Frost and Brianne Bowers; grandmothers Debra Ward and Lynne Strom; grandfathers George (Kellie) Ward, Larry Hillman and John Strom; great-grandmothers JoAnn Laverdure, Marie Ward, Laurine Frost and Melba Tippetts; great-grandfather Ivan Tippetts and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
He was preceded in death by great-grandparents Strom, Harrison, Tippetts and Frost and Great “Grandpa Dick” Harrison.
Countless friends, family, teachers and coaches mourned his death at a memorial service Dec. 11, 2008, at the Lovell Middle School where Joseph was attending the seventh grade.