Cedar James Gabriel, 19

Deep in the forest, I stroll to hear the wisdom of my soul.

— Angie Weiland-Crosby

Cedar entered this world with his big blue eyes and sweet spirit on May 17, 2000. Sparks of pure joy lit up the lives of all who crossed his path.

Like the tree that inspired his name, he grew tall, and his soul’s roots tapped into deep waters of wisdom and strength. Cedar’s loyalty, tenderness, sense of adventure, smirky grins and an ever-ready willingness to help others endeared him to the many people who loved him deeply.

Cedar loved his mom, Magan. He was her No. 1 helper and adventure buddy. He was an excellent cook and enjoyed preparing meals. As a proud and loving big brother, Cedar was always there for Orion and Flint. He fed them when they were hungry, picked them up when they fell, and would stick up for them when no one else would. He also would not hesitate to bust their chops when they needed it.

On a given day, no matter the season, you could find Cedar working hard with an ax in his hand, casting a fly rod, or seeking his next best adventure. People talk about loving nature, but Cedar seemed to have a unique connection to Her powers. He was happiest when in the woods. He loved fishing, camping, snowboarding, hunting, jumping into a lake, or river ... or just simply exploring an old forest service road with his Mom, brothers, family and friends.

While Cedar chose to join the stars above and roots below on April 11, 2020, we know that his soul continues his stroll into a greater expansion of nature’s mysteries. To connect to Cedar all you need to do is look up into the night’s sky to see his sparkling eyes in the stars. You will feel his adventurous, playful heart when the wild winds blow or when you jump into a river to refresh your soul or feed your sense of adventure. You will feel Cedar’s loving presence, wisdom, and strength when walking through a cedar grove.

As his brother, Orion, said to his mom, “Look at the trees budding, the snow melting to feed the rivers, the grass shooting new sprigs. Cedar’s passing is not stopping Mother Nature from growing, we won’t let it stop us from continuing to grow, either.” You can celebrate Cedar’s life by making time for each other, helping out and walking with peace and gratitude for all this life and nature has to offer.

Cedar lives on through his loving family. Mom, Magan Gabriel; Dad, Brian Batzloff; brothers Orion Cohen and Flint Whitney; a big extended family including the Gabriel, Kinsey, and Tobin families in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, and the Batzloffs of Gardiner, Mont. The family also wants to acknowledge the close circle of friends that Cedar loved dearly. A party will be held to celebrate his life this summer. Details will be provided at a later date.