John “Alex” Alexander Severance-Medaris passed away on December 16, 2018, in Greeley, Colorado. Born on September 8th, 1994, in Cañon City to George Medaris and Kathleen Severance who survive. He was preceded in death by grandparents Charles and Lenore Severance and Forrest and Avis Medaris; Uncles Roger Severance, Michael Medaris, and Richard Munford; Aunt Loretta Medaris McCoin; and cousin Gary Rader.
John grew up in Cañon City, graduating from CCHS in 2013. He attended the University of Northern Colorado, one semester shy of earning his Bachelor of Arts in sociology. John worked for many years with the Cañon City Recreation District, beginning at the swimming pool and later at the Kids Club in the summer and before and after school. He was currently employed fulltime at the ABC Child Development Center in Greeley while also attending UNC fulltime. He was known and loved by so many children who gravitated to him because of his comforting nature, warm smile and his ability to connect with any child. Every place he went, he would be greeted by a child who once was in his care and they would hug with big smiles on their faces. He truly loved his “kids” as they did him.
John loved spending time in the mountains, especially at Rainbow Lake. He loved sitting around camp fires with his family and friends. He also loved his dogs Buddie, Colt, and Roxie and his cat Isis. John would spend hours driving around and loved the sound of his turbo mufflers and all his added accessories.
John is survived by his parents and his brother Charlie of Denver, Colorado; Aunts and Uncles Marilyn and Bob Myers, Laurina Cullip, Marcia Munford, Mike and Maggie Munford; and many cousins. He was dearly loved by family and the many friends he made along his journey. He was taken at a time when he was evolving into the man he was meant to be. His bright light, wry humor and infectious smile may no longer be visibly present but will always remain with those he met in his brief but productive life. Death will not extinguish his light; the warmth, the glow will be within us always.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his name may be made to the Second Wind Foundation and local Mental Health organizations.
