Quintin Uziah Wagoner, 2 years, 8 months, and 23 days, was welcomed into the family of Steve and Nettie (Kauffman) Wagoner on May 16, 2008.

As the fifth born son, Quin was immediately loved and cherished by each of his older sisters and brothers. Israel could hardly wait for him to get big enough to go outside and play trucks together. When his younger sister, Zaira, was born in March of 2010, Quin loved her very much, so much that he would tremble in loving anticipation of hugging, holding, or even just giving her a kiss. He helped care for her every time he thought she needed it, even though she has grown to nearly 3/4 of his size.

Quin was a vivacious little guy with an inspiring exuberance for life. He would rarely slow down except to eat, sleep, or when he was buckled in his car seat. Quin enjoyed spending his days playing with Israel, Priscilla and Olivia in their grand adventures, driving Matchbox cars (usually having one in each hand) or reading a book with Momma. He would joyfully greet Hadasa, Elaina and Ben when they came home from school, but was especially happy when Dad and David came home in the evening. It was a special treat to spend time with his eldest sister, Alicia, and nephew, Zeke, or to play video games with Josiah.

During supper on Saturday, Feb. 5, Quin choked on a bite of hot dog and very soon passed out. Though CPR was given by his daddy, QRU and EMTs, and he revived after his heart had stopped on the way to North Valley Hospital, he never regained consciousness. He was life flighted to Missoula and was on full life support at Community Medical Center until his heart quit beating on its own early in the morning on Tuesday, Feb. 8.

We miss touching the softness of his dark gold blonde hair, the twinkle in his dark eyes, the “five”, “knuckles” and “cut the pickle” when he was pleased with himself for doing a good job, the cute little “happy dance” he would do when he was excited, and his insistence on being barefoot every possible moment.

“We are so thankful for him and the amount of time God granted us to spend with him. We encourage parents to remember to treasure each of their children. Children truly are a gift from God.

“Quin has joined his older sister, Annie, his maternal “Papa” Jim Kauffman, and his paternal “Grandpa Joe” Wagoner in heaven.”

 We, his family, who are missing him are his parents, Steve and Nettie, his siblings, Alicia and husband Z.J. Hilliard, David, Josiah, Benjamin, Elaina, Hadasa, Israel, Priscilla, Olivia, Zaira and nephew Zeke. He will also be missed by Grandma Bobbi Wagoner, aunts and uncles, Terresa and Rud Knudsen, Fay and Gary Schmidt, Lyle and Becky Wagoner, Elton and Gayla Kauffman, Jay and Angie Kauffman, Anita and Bill Stinde, Willard and Dawn Kauffman, Renee and Jon Sanford, Ted and Natalie Kauffman, and Jeremiah and April Kauffman; and numerous cousins on both sides of the family.

We appreciate the excellent care given to Quin by the Badrock QRU, Three Rivers EMTs, North Valley Emergency Room Staff, the Life Flight crew, and Dr. Smith and staff at Community Medical Center Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. We are also humbled by the outpouring of gracious sympathy and compassion shown by the communities around us.

“May God richly bless each one of you for your thoughtfulness.”

A celebration of Quin’s Life will be held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, at the Mountain View Mennonite Church. 

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Quin’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer condolences and view Quin’s tribute wall.