Colton “Gage” Edwards, a 21-year-old from Belfield, North Dakota, died Wednesday, Aug. 19, leaving behind family, friends and a wide circle of people who knew him through cattle shows, work and life in the community. His obituary describes a young man who packed a lot into his 21 years and was always looking for something new to learn or take on.
Gage graduated from Belfield High School in 2023 after spending his early years in Missouri before moving with his family to North Dakota. The family eventually settled in the Belfield area, where he became well known through his work and involvement in the local livestock community.
Much of Gage’s life centered on cattle. He worked for Open A Angus for many years and competed with registered Simmental cattle. Those shows took him to different places and introduced him to people who became close friends. The obituary says the livestock world became an important part of his life and gave him a community of his own.
Gage also had a practical side. He enjoyed working on old pickup trucks with his dad and had a natural interest in figuring out how things worked. He recently earned his commercial driver’s license and private pilot’s license, adding two more accomplishments to a list that reflected his willingness to try new things.
One of the most striking details in the obituary is what Gage had planned to do next. He was preparing to travel West to help fight forest fires. His bag was packed and he was ready to leave when he died. He had also hoped to serve in the military, but asthma prevented him from doing so. Instead, he became a firefighter.
Away from work and livestock, Gage enjoyed hunting, being outdoors and going to concerts. His family remembered him as determined and eager to make the most of every opportunity. The obituary said he built friendships with people from many different walks of life and left lasting memories with those who knew him.
Gage is survived by his parents, Scott and Nicki Edwards, along with grandparents, great-grandfather, aunts, a special cousin, extended family members and many friends. He was preceded in death by several members of his extended family. The family has asked that donations be made toward a memorial that will be established in his name instead of sending flowers.
The funeral service for Gage is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson, with Pastor Scott officiating. Visitation is set for 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24, at the same funeral home. The obituary does not state a cause of death, so no cause should be assumed or reported as fact without an official confirmation.
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