Gage Edwards, Belfield, North Dakota: He was preparing to fight wildfires when his plans were cut short

For 21-year-old Colton “Gage” Edwards of Belfield, North Dakota, the next chapter was already taking shape. He had his bag packed and was preparing to head West to help fight forest fires. Then, on Aug. 19, his life came to an unexpected end.

Gage had built a life around work, learning new skills and staying active. He graduated from Belfield High School in 2023 after his family moved from Missouri to North Dakota and eventually settled in the Belfield area.

He spent years working around cattle and the livestock industry, including at Open A Angus. He also showed registered Simmental cattle in competitions. Through those events, Gage traveled and formed friendships that reached well beyond his hometown.

His interests did not stop with cattle. Gage liked working on old pickups with his dad and was known for being mechanically inclined. If something needed to be figured out, he was willing to work through it. He had also recently earned his CDL and private pilot’s license.

Gage had a strong sense of patriotism and wanted to serve his country. Asthma kept him from joining the military, but he found another way to help others by becoming a firefighter. His plan to travel West for wildfire work showed that he was still looking for ways to put those skills to use.

When he was not working, Gage spent time hunting and enjoying the outdoors. He also loved live music and attended concerts. His obituary paints a picture of someone who did not like sitting still for long and who was willing to chase different interests whenever an opportunity came along.

Gage’s death has now left his family and friends with the memories of what he had already accomplished and what he never got the chance to do. He is survived by his parents, Scott and Nicki Edwards, grandparents, other relatives and many friends. The family plans to establish a memorial in his name.

A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 25, at Stevenson Funeral Home in Dickinson, with Pastor Scott officiating. Visitation is scheduled for 4 to 6 p.m. Monday, Aug. 24. The published obituary confirms Gage’s death but does not give a cause of death.