News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Kolby McMahon

August 9, 2009 - June 19, 2024

With heavy hearts, we announce Kolby McMahon passed on June 19. It is certain that her vibrant spirit and kind heart will remain in our hearts forever.

Kolby Genevieve McMahon was born in Redmond on August 9, 2009, at 7:01 p.m. Right from the start, she had a spark that could light up a room.

Kolby McMahon

Just barely a year old, Kolby made the move to Texas, and even though it was hot and humid, she played for hours outside with nothing but pink cowgirl boots and a diaper.

Her love for all things in nature, and the warm sun and water were all she ever needed. Singing along to the songs on the radio from her car seat was a close second.

Her family made the move to Paradise, California when Kolby was 4. It was there that Kolby came into her own with imaginative play, and countless trips to the river to swim and just lay in the sun.

It was also where she would meet Juliette, her lifelong friend. Juliette and Kolby were quite possibly as close as any friends could ever be. Juliette would travel with Kolby and her parents to Hawaii every year. There, they would relish in the freedom to play on the beach, swim in the ocean, and run free on the sand, always laughing and giggling and just enjoying life.

Kolby jumped at any opportunity to pack a picnic, and go outside to any creek or lake.

In 2020, Kolby and her family moved to Sisters. It was in this community and school where Kolby really branched out, and let her true personality show. She found a group of friends that allowed her to be silly, adventurous, inquisitive, and most important, gave her a sense of belonging. She found an absolute passion for running and decided to join the cross-country and track teams. Being part of those teams, and the friendship and bonding that came with it, may have been the most important part of Kolby's life. She just loved every single minute of it.

The last few years brought Kolby a lot of joy and happiness. She loved having sleepovers with her friends. Kolby adored being spontaneous; she was always up for a last-minute trip to the river to float, or go shopping with friends and family. She found a lot of solace and peace being with her grandparents, cousins, and extended family - especially during Christmas and holidays. Kolby absolutely loved animals; she had several pets that brought her tons of happiness over the years.

It goes without saying that snow skiing at Hoodoo with all her friends and family was something that she loved so very much. Kolby was never one to go slow; everything she did was at full speed. She was also very comfortable just staying home wrapped in a blanket playing games, partaking in arts and crafts, and baking.

Kolby loved life with a passion. Although her time here was short, she really made the most of every single day. When people talk about Kolby, the first thing they mention is her kindness. The very next thing they mention is her awesome sense of humor.

Kolby will be greatly missed by all who knew her.

Kolby is survived by: parents, Joe and Jessica McMahon; grandparents, Randy and Theresa Knight and Dan and Sandy McMahon; aunt and uncle, Dan and Terri McMahon and Dave and Melissa Robertson; uncle, Adam Knight; cousins, Taylor and Bailey Robertson, Madison Climer, McKenzie and Dillon McMahon.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, July 19, at 6:30 p.m. on the field at Reed Stadium in Sisters. Limited seating; feel free to bring your own lawn chair or blanket.

A scholarship honoring Kolby McMahon is being established with SistersGRO. In lieu of flowers please consider donating at http://www.sistersgro.org or PO Box 1546, Sisters, OR 97759 Contact [email protected] with any questions.

 
 

Reader Comments(1)

Runforkolby writes:

How did she pass