Bismarck's 2025 Bike Night Role Model

Seems like yesterday when the sun set on August 27th of this past year.

As usual, it was a long Bike Night season. For 14 weeks in a row ( starting May 28th ), we gathered at Sickies Garage Burgers and Brews every Wednesday night and celebrated burgers, bikes, and good people. This was my 5th year as a co-host of this event, and it's become such a tradition for bike enthusiasts, and just getting out and enjoying life. One such Bike Night ( I think it was week 6 ), I met a sparkling young lady with a beautiful bike, and she happened to WIN the honors of "Bike Of The Week"

Bromo

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She was surrounded by her support crew, one of whom I would meet and be immediately impressed with - Keaton ( Far left )

Bromo

Through the course of the following weeks, Keaton and his sister would be there

15-year-old Keaton - stood there in front of me, so proud of his sister. ALWAYS polite, engaging in conversation, telling me over and over again how he listened to me at work ( AND I would always tell him to message me, and I'll throw a quick shout-out on the air to him ). He never did, he treated me with the utmost respect, and told me "He didn't want to bother me..."

His sister told me that Keaton was battling Leukemia.

I never would have guessed. We all just assume that WE are all okay, you know? Here was a young man who went out of his way to make me feel good, and he never once complained about anything. I last saw him August 27th, our very last Bike Night - as usual, he was rooting for his sister to WIN "Bike Night Of The Year" -

Keaton - a smart, modest, unassuming young man with manners he clearly picked up from his family. I will think of you often, buddy. Huge smile and courage.

The Brave The Shave Facebook page posted this early today:

Brave the Shave ·

"The loss of a child to cancer is an unimaginable tragedy that is devastating for all. Keaton touched so many during his short fifteen years. The void that has been created affects so many. He was a son, a grandson, a brother, a boyfriend, a best friend and a friend to all who knew him. To know him was to love him.

We learned of this young man after he was diagnosed in December 2024, with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. He and his family were able to join us for a few events and even though he was battling, you would have never known it. He was always positive which a shy smile and a twinkle to his ice blue eyes. He was special.

Keaton just recently turned 15 on September 16th. He was excited to have just gotten his motorcycle license this summer and was waiting for the chance to drive his beautiful Chevy pickup. Keaton was so blessed to have incredible adventures including a once in a lifetime moose hunt with his dad made possible by The Outdoor Adventure Foundation, Inc. out of Fargo, ND six weeks ago. He also had an incredible rally early September through Fuel the Fight for Keaton that had goosebumps on your skin as you watched the riders drive by on motorcycles of all kinds. The community support was incredible and something this family will never forget.

Keaton had so many adventures ahead of him. He was always up for something that usually required wheels and the outdoors. He was so excited to begin his freshman year at Legacy High School. To continue enjoying the love for his faith and family through hic church community and youth groups. He was the adventure. He brought life to so many and love to those who needed it.

Our hearts are hurting for his family and friends and we mourn the loss of this amazing young man. This one truly hits hard as he along with 6 other children have passed this year. Each and every loss is horrible and we hate sharing posts such as these.

Keaton lived. He was bright. He was incredibly talented. He was loved. He was taken too soon...

Forever 15

September 16th, 2010 - October 23rd, 2025

Brave The Shave Facebook