Keaton Michael Tardio

Hello, my name is Michael Birmingham, and I am beyond blessed to have called Keaton my best friend. He was the best man at our wedding, the first person we told we were pregnant with our daughter, and the first person you would call if you needed help with anything; no ask was too big with him. I write this filled with dread, sadness, a mix of foreign emotions, and longing for an amazing person gone too soon. I have dragged my feet on creating this because it makes the whole situation real.

Keaton was a bright, beautiful young man with an even brighter future. There wasn't a room on this planet that he couldn't walk into and leave without having made a friend. He was the definition of a contagious smile and laugh. He may have been one of the worst dancers I have ever seen, but the way he exuded confidence in everything he did made his dance moves trick you into thinking they were good. He always did everything with 110% effort and as if no one was watching, solely for the purpose of it being the right thing to do. Love was Keaton's higher purpose, it guided and directed his actions in everything he did. He loved his family like it was going out of style. He loved his girlfriend, Calista, like there was no tomorrow. He loved each friend as if they were his own family. He was the most supportive and fun loving person I have ever had the pleasure of knowing, and truthfully, I think I will ever know again. Keaton was taken from us far too early, but that doesn't mean we can't carry on the lessons he taught every single day. If every person that knew him could emulate even a sliver of him, this world would be such an amazing place.

Keaton is survived by his loving parents Sharron and Rich, his amazing step-dad Jose, his two brothers Conner and Cameron, and an entire community of people that knew and loved Keaton. This tragedy was such a surprise and ghastly experience, no one could have planned for it. That is why I am asking everyone who knew Keaton, or just wants to help out, to assist his family in their darkest of days. No family should ever have to worry about the expenses associated with such a devastating loss. I would like for Keaton's family to not have to worry an ounce about paying for anything related to his passing. If you can find it in your heart to donate, or at a bare minimum to just share this, please know it is in memory of the best, most exemplary, kindest, loving, and caring human beings that has ever graced God's green Earth.