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A young life lost too soon

You will have to forgive this writer for not being too objective in this editorial, as it hits really close to home this week.

You will have to forgive this writer for not being too objective in this editorial, as it hits really close to home this week.

When news came from a work colleague of the sudden passing of Connor Richey Sunday evening, the shock, disbelief and sadness were overwhelming. It just didn't seem real.

Richey, only 20 years old and just days away from celebrating his 21st birthday, died from injuries sustained in a terrible accident at a Vancouver Sky Train station Saturday night.

Anyone who is familiar with this newspaper, and in particular with the sports scene, knows that the Richey family - Connor, his twin brother Stuart, big sister Kyla and parents Jan and George - have figured prominently the past few years as we've told you of their numerous and inspiring athletic achievements.

Jan and George have had distinguished teaching careers here on the Sunshine Coast, coaching and mentoring their own children and passing along the same values and work ethics to countless others. Connor, Stuart and Kyla are amazing athletes - Stuart, a star player set to enter his fourth year at Thompson Rivers University with the men's volleyball team; Kyla, who has won five national volleyball titles at UBC, made countless appearances representing our country at the national level and had a recent first pro experience in Germany; and Connor, who we featured in track and field, mountain biking, wrestling and, more recently, his love, his passion, golf.

Connor excelled at the game and was grinding hard on the links, perfecting his skills with dreams of a pro career. He was a beloved member at the Sunshine Coast Golf and Country Club, where he played and worked, and was preparing to head to Texas later this month for school on a scholarship.

Throughout the past several years, this writer has been afforded the opportunity to tell some amazing stories about the Richey family. I was honoured and privileged to get to know this family on not only a professional level, but a personal level as well. I'm ever grateful to the Richeys for allowing me inside their lives to celebrate their accomplishments.

Their drive and passion for sport and life in general - and for the Sunshine Coast - is nothing short of amazing, which makes the passing of Connor so much harder to understand and explain.

This week, Facebook and Twitter became outlets for amazing tributes to Connor, his life and what he meant to so many people.

I, too, pay tribute to a young life cut way too short.

Connor, the lives of so many in this community have been enriched by knowing you. My sincere condolences to the whole Richey family. You are in my prayers and thoughts. RIP, Connor.