"I remember the day you were born, how happy we all were, especially my brother. I keep a picture of the three of us on that day in my window sill. You always had a little extra special place in my heart, being a product of my best friend and closest sibling, it was no surprise that we had a lot in common.. perhaps too much, you also carried my sensitive ??.......overly empathetic you absorbed so much of the energy around you, and this can be an exhausting characteristic, I often wonder myself if this is a blessing or a curse. If there is such a thing as too big of a heart or feeling too much for other people, you had one and you did and although others admire this trait in you, I know first hand how intense this can feel at times and what a toll it can take on your soul. Always wanting to make sure everyone is happy, you often forget about your own needs and your own happiness...I know how much the family loves you but I didn't get to see how many others whose paths you crossed felt the same way, and I suspect you cared just as much about every single one of them. That was just your nature....curious like a cat, you genuinely wanted to hear how others felt and were a great listener. You were beautifully weird and strikingly handsome, and your laugh was so infectious I could listen to it all day. That laugh is just one of so many things about you that never being able to experience in person ever again is too much to bare. A life cut way too short, so many things you still had yet to do, I can't help but be overcome with anger, not with you but with the world, and the disease that has cursed us both. You fought a good fight, and you helped others fight too, and I pray that now, in leaving us, and so many broken hearts behind, that you have found inner peace and happiness beyond your wildest dreams. Our lives will never be the same, they will never be as good, not without you in it, but we will do our best to keep going and to help be the change you wanted to see in the world....a world much too ugly for the amount of beauty you contained within. I love you with all my heart and every fiber of my being. May your heaven be as lovely as you were. RIP Dyl Love aunt Kristi"
In loving memory of
Dylan Joshua Payton
July 25, 1998 - March 11, 2023
Dylan was born in Oakland, CA on July 25, 1998 to Nicole Sanchez and Joshua Payton. The family moved to Scottsdale, AZ in the year 2000 where Dylan was raised. He attended Chaparral High School in Scottsdale, AZ and Orme High School in Mayer, AZ. Dylan enjoyed history, archeology, theology, and film which he studied at Scottsdale Community College. His dream was to be a cinematographer. Dylan's hobbies included listening to music, reading (especially on theories), skateboarding, bike riding, and spending time with his family. Dylan worked in inside sales at Broadband Dynamics in Scottsdale, AZ where he took pride in his job and enjoyed his co-workers.
One of Dylan's greatest attributes was giving. He gave his time in speaking to and feeding the less fortunate. He created many YouTube channels, one focused on his passion for helping others by interviewing the homeless to gain a better understanding of their challenges in hopes of making a change. He loved "making a difference" in any way and knew that was part of his life's journey. He helped many as he was a very selfless, compassionate, and loving person. Dylan was a very spiritual person, raised Catholic, and enjoyed philosophical conversations on religion and in all spiritual aspects. He meditated frequently which he expressed was a favorite part of his day.
Dylan is survived by his mother Nicole Martin, father Joshua Payton and step-mother Elena Payton, and his brothers, Luke Martin, Tyler and Ryan Payton. Dylan is also survived by his grandparents, Deborah Culbertson, Jerry and Roberta Sanchez, and Kathy and Greg Payton, his aunts and uncles, Bob and Gabrielle Rife, Adam Sanchez, Jody and Cindy Payton, Kristi Payton, and several cousins.
Dylan was such a joy in our lives and his light shone very bright. In our hearts, our prayers, forever he will be remembered, we love you Dylan.
For those who can't attend, please view the live stream link in the Tributes tab.
Tributes
"Dylan?s light will never fade. I am grateful that I had the chance to get to know him. A beautiful soul he is. My thoughts are with his family. May you find peace during this difficult time. Ann Portillo "