Caden Vincent Odell, 13

Caden was tragically taken along with his mother and unborn sibling on March 19, 2009, as the result of an automobile accident north of Kalispell.

Caden was born at home on Dec. 20, 1995, in Kalispell, to Erin Johnson and Craig Odell.Caden was an only child but was eagerly awaiting the arrival of his sibling.

Caden was an eternal optimist — in his eyes the cup was forever half full, if not overflowing.

He was a lover of nature, camping, hiking, and exploring the world. He was a fearless, uninhibited, free spirit who loved exhilarating experiences like roller coasters and snowboarding. He could also find interest and beauty in the mundane, and bring it to life for those around him.

Caden was a tender-hearted old soul with a vibrant young heart. He possessed boundless energy, and loved climbing as high as he could on anything he could.

Caden was loved deeply by all who knew him.He knew that there was no shortage of people who loved him, and he reflected that right back.His generosity and ability to credit and include others was unending. He treasured his friends.He loved his family, and always made his extended relatives feel like celebrities when they came to visit from out of town.

In the womb he seemed to kick in perfect time, and he also arrived at the perfect moment, the hour that anxiously awaited family rolled into town, so his name was a nod to his cadence.He kept and built that rhythm throughout his life, and was a dedicated drummer with a rhythmic swagger beyond his years. But he was more than a drummer, he was a natural all-around musician. He could easily make up songs, and could pick out melodies on any instrument he had on hand.He enjoyed listening to a wide variety of music, and especially loved Coldplay, Modest Mouse, and his uncle's band, Down and Above.

He was a brilliant boy that had an uncanny sense of humor, even from the youngest age.He was quick-witted and goofy in the best way possible.He was amazingly creative as a songwriter, a moviemaker, a photographer, a storyteller, and loved to hear and tell a great joke. He loved to rhyme (all the time) and was always a spirit lifter. He loved expression, be it through dancing, making music, drawing, being overly-dramatic, or making funny faces.

He could easily interact with adults just as well as he could kids his own age.And he inspired both adults and kids who knew him.

Caden was excited to become a big brother, and didn't have a preference of boy or girl, "as long as it's a drummer."

Caden is survived by his father, Craig Odell, and girlfriend, Sarah Elledge; his stepfather, Jason Thompson; his grandparents, Laurine and Chuck Meyer, Wesley and Rosa Lee Odell, and Vince and Dianna Johnson; his uncle, Thaddeus Johnson; his aunt and uncle, Amber and David Young; his aunt, Lindsay Howard; his uncle, Brad Odell; his aunt and uncle, Darren and Alisa Odell; his aunts, Darcy and Cherise Odell; and his uncle and aunt, Tres and Erika Meyer, and Allison and Terry Cox; and many cousins and extended family.

Caden was a ray of sunshine and a breath of fresh air.He will remain forever in the hearts of all who were lucky enough to know him.

A celebration honoring the life, love, and spirit of both Caden and his mother Erin will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, March 27, at the Christian Center Assembly of God Church in Kalispell.

In place of flowers, the families are requesting that any donations be made to " The Caden Vincent Odell Memorial Fund" at Three Rivers Bank to encourage the joy of music in others for years to come.

A memorial Web site has been set up for Caden at GodBlessCaden.webs.com.

Buffalo Hill Funeral Home is caring for the family. To send condolences, please go to www.buffalohillfh.com.