Rae Ann, you and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. 

Brigitte Territo Nieland

Colin was one of the kindest and supportive  people I’ve ever met. In NJROTC there are  Physical Training (PT) tests and me in him went into competitive mode to see who would get out PT ribbon first. We’d both work and train really hard but neither of us managed to get the ribbon in 9th grade. By the end of the year, I was 4 seconds away from passing the mile, and I couldn’t stop crying, nearly hyperventilating, because that was my last shot. Colin held me until I could control my breathing. He held me until he knew I was ok. 

Colin did so much for the people around him, and his memory will forever live on in me and others whose souls he touched with his kindness. I’ll miss you forever Collie

We are deeply saddened by the loss of such a wonderful young man. Words cannot express the sorrow we feel. It was always a pleasure having Colin over, and truly an honor to have known him. 
Please accept our sincere condolences. May God grant you all strength and comfort during this very difficult time.  

-Neal family

Colin would always wear this sweater that looked like he was hanging by the fireplace at some ski lodge in New Mexico. We would joke as if one day we would go on a ski trip and have matching sweaters, or at least similar ones. I love this memeory... to those memory’s we share and the ones we never got a chance to make. I love you Colin.

I had the pleasure of teaching Colin in 6th grade at Dutchtown Middle. He was such a sweet young man and had a wonderful sense of humor. He could always made me smile, so upbeat and kind. In 8th grade he sent me this email - 
 Dear Mrs .Ourso
Mrs. Ourso, thank you. Thank you so much for being my 6th grade math teacher. It was amazing. And so was my middle school experience. But I couldn’t of had such a great experience if you weren’t my teacher. You helped me prepare for all my future endeavors and lessons into math. Thank you. I hope that the years will be kind to you and as well that the future 6th grade students won’t be that bad
 From, Colin Richie

To which I replied:  

Colin, 
      You totally made my day with your sweet email. I will never forget you and your wonderful sense of humor and your love of life. I look forward to seeing all the awesome things you will do in the future. I know you will be successful in anything you choose to do because you are such a hard worker.
All my best to you,
Mrs. Ourso 

Not many students take the time to email their teachers and thank them, especially years later, when they've moved on. It just shows what a special, caring and genuine soul Colin was when he was on this Earth. I feel blessed to have known him and I will miss him. 

I am so sorry for your loss. Colin was a student of mine when he was in 8th grade. This was right after the flood of 2016 and I had lost my house and my father in law passed away a day later. Colin wrote me a very touching letter and song that I still have. In the letter he shared a time that was tough for him and he hoped his note cheered me up. It did! Rest in peace Sweet Colin.

I didn't have the pleasure of knowing such a handsome young man, only knowing about you from the family you being my sister and brother -n- laws Great nephew ,and what a loving and wonderful family you have . You have your wings now and are with your Grandpa Bill you have a lot of catching up to do . R I P  love and prayers to all your family go rest high on that mountain  your one of God Angel's now ! 

Colin was the first person that I met here in Louisiana when I moved from Tennessee. He was always there when I needed him most. If he knew I was upset he was going to do everything he could to make me laugh. This photo was taken at my house after we were walking in the neighborhood. Mason got on Colin’s back and I was trying to jump on Masons Me, Mikalah, Madison, Colin, Bayleigh, Mason, and Morgan always used to hang out at my house. I’m so glad I was able to meet you colin. I’m gonna miss you so much. I just wish I could talk to you one last time. Rest in paradise Angel. 

I remember the day this was taken, we were all hanging out and running around the neighborhood until we got tired and went to Maddie and Dylan’s house, we took this picture to show the size different between you and mason before you gave him a piggy back ride. This was one of my favorite days and I wish we could go back to this moment forever, we were all so happy and carefree. I miss it. The lunch table will never be the same without you.  Fly high Colin 

I remember when I was going through a rough time, Colin was there for me and he made sure I was okay. Even when I got in trouble  he was my friend.  He always told me to stay out of trouble and I never listened but he didn't care that I didn't listen, He still told me it because he loved all his friends no matter what they did. 

Me and Colin were acquaintances in NJROTC and then became friends from Quizbowl. He was also a happy person to help out with Quizbowl. Some of my favorite memories of hanging out with Colin at Quizbowl and just making jokes. He managed to make me laugh quite a lot, it was truly a pleasant time hanging out with him. He wasn’t just funny. He always had something new to discuss and it made talking to him so enjoyable. 

I have so many memories with you, man. My favorite has to be the day we built the dream team during PT for JROTC. I’ve never felt closer to you than when we were playing games and messing around with each other. You’re one of my best friends and I’m gonna miss you everyday. 

Colin has made us laugh til we cried for his whole life. Now we cry until we are able to once again laugh. He was funny, and kind, and he loved his family deeply! I know he will continue to watch over his sweet mom and dad and his brothers. Rest easy young man. You were so very loved. Love Nanny Colleen, Craig, Andrew, Kelly and Kate

I remember the day in 3rd grade when we went to see the state capital and you took a penny and threw it off it made a huge crack on the ground. I hope that crack stays there forever. Soar to the sky like an eagle with wings.

We didn't get to see each other as much as we wish we could have, even though I'm quite a bit older than you, I am still your cousin and loved seeing you each time you came in town. I can't believe you're gone, but know that we will always love you. Fly high buddy!

Probably one of my favorite memories with Colin would be picking him up for school at the beginning of his freshman year and watching him bounce around in the seat singing. Or it would be just how eager Colin always was to cheer someone up no matter how bad he felt that day, if he saw anyone upset he would go out of his way to cheer them back up

My name is Cheyenne Knapp, I graduated from Dutchtown last year. It was my first year and last. Being a new student at such a big school was a bit terrifying but I had the privilege to make a friend like Colin who did nothing but give support to those in need of it. He was always someone I could trust and a shoulder I can cry on. Theres nothing more I would of loved then to be there for him to repay him for advice he gave me to help me and everyone else around him. I will miss you, fly high.

My Name is Taylor Billiot. I went to Dutchtown High and was in NJROTC for all 4 years. Last year Colin was my Ns1. I loved all of my Ns1’s. They were apart of me and apart of my life. Colin was a wonderful Cadet and he was one of my favorites. I just saw Colin at the AMI they had at Dutchtown. I didn’t think that would be my last time seeing him but it was. On Behalf of Me and Westin the other Ns4 leader it was a privilege being Colin’s Ns4 Leaders. Colin will always be in my heart and apart of me. 

OBITUARY

Colin Joseph Richie

July 21, 2003 – April 9, 2019

Ourso Funeral Home

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