Kirk (Brad) Kinzer

Kirk Bradley Kinzer Jr., known by all as Brad, passed away Sunday, Jan. 31, 2016, doing the very thing he loved most, snowmobiling. He was 20.

Brad was born March 2, 1995, to Kirk and Andrea Kinzer in Lewiston. Brad is the youngest of three children and proud sibling to Erika and Jeremy. There is no doubt about it, Brad was the cutest kid you have ever seen.

Brad grew academically and socially at Centennial Elementary, the same halls he played in as a toddler while waiting for his mom to finish her day. He then went to Sacajawea Junior High and Lewiston High School, where he achieved various studious accolades, including a Presidential Award in sixth grade and Student of the Year Award in eighth grade. A quiet leader in the classroom, Brad was a bright and attentive student who valued the respect and friendship of those around him above all else. Brad enjoyed construction through high school and was involved in the rebuild of the Old Territorial Capitol.

Brad was involved in many sports and extracurricular activities growing up in the greater Lewiston area. Soccer was his first taste of team sports, where he learned to run with his peers. Baseball started in third grade, where he met his best friend, Jake Greco. It was a friendship that surpassed their time around the diamond, grew through their schooling years and remained a force while they became men.

Kirk and Brad's uncle Kraig coached him and his friends in basketball at the Boys and Girls Club from third through seventh grades. Brad continued this legacy into his adult life by coaching seventh- through ninth-grade boys' basketball alongside his father. Brad had stopped playing basketball himself as his passion for motor sports grew - which he loved and learned through his brother and father. Brad received his first snowmobile at the keen young age of 6 years old. His mother, Andrea, became his biggest fan and first photographer, lying in the snow trying to capture his "big air" shots. Come high school, his love for power increased and his passion took over; Brad found his happy place. Winter was precious terrain time and Brad wanted to be on the snow.

Through snowmobiles, Brad found a community that fostered and encouraged his same zest for life, the snow and their machines. Brad's comforting and open personality was cherished in this community, where he played an active role. Whether sharing through online forums, on local rides or throughout the vast terrain he loved so much, Brad was always happy to help. He answered questions, asked for guidance and reached out to members known and new. Brad was highly involved with this lifestyle he loved so much. And this lifestyle loved him back.

Brad worked as a grain inspector at Lewis-Clark Grain Terminal for the past five years, and has been visiting the terminal since he was 2 with his dad, delivering loads and flirting with the ladies. If you worked in this part of town, it was not uncommon to have Brad visit you on his break to share a smile and a warming hello.

Brad loved his machines and this was evident to see. Within his 20 incredible years of life, Brad managed to acquire seven pickups, 10 snowmobiles and five dirt bikes.

The Kinzers have enjoyed 20 years of great memories with their youngest son, including numerous vacations and adventures near and far, fifth-wheeling to faraway sites, spending time in McCall and exploring the mountainous surrounds. Being in the snow with friends and family is where Brad was happiest. You would find it written on his face with winter's approach.

Brad Kinzer was simply loved. An incredibly infectious smile is what you first saw, an introduction to his friendly, warm and gentle demeanor. Brad was a soft-spoken leader who led by example; he was not cocky nor ever arrogant. Brad led with his kindness, his friendship and his attentive concern to those around him. Brad was funny and sweet, always willing to help out, join in or simply spend some time. Brad was a fine man. And he is missed.

Brad's last day was spent with his family doing the very thing he loved. His passing is a tragedy but his life truly a blessing; a life we will celebrate into the next.

Brad was preceded in death by grandfathers Ed Jerdee and Robert Kinzer.

He is survived by his parents, Kirk and Andrea Kinzer; siblings Erika and Mike La Vella, Jeremy, Stephanie, Sarah and Liam Kinzer; girlfriend Lexi and her folks Ron and Tina Heitmann; grandmothers Barb Jerdee and Carol Kinzer; grandfather Andrew Hudson; extended family Chuck, Diana and Caitlin Brown, Mike, Kevin, Kristen, Katie and Marie Hauger, Michael, Michelle, Randy and Ron Hudson, Kraig, Becky, Cara, and Michelle Kinzer, Kim, Jorden and Robert Petrie; and so many friends, including Carson Brown, Hayden Sailer, Dakota Callahan and Derek Vanderpas; and his snowmobile family, especially those at Team 57.

We want to thank the entire community in their unwavering and heartwarming support.

Public viewing will be held from 3 to 6 p.m. Friday at Malcom's Brower-Wann Funeral Home, 1711 18th St., Lewiston. A celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday at Valley Christian Center, 3215 Echo Hills Drive, Lewiston.