Troy Fred Moss

Our dad, Troy Fred Moss, passed away at the age of 54, and we are still trying to find the words to describe what it feels like to lose him.

If you knew our dad, you knew he was a goofball. He was silly, fun, kind, and always wanted to have a good time. He loved to laugh, make people laugh, and find the good in things, even when life wasn't easy. He was the kind of person who would do anything for someone else, and he always seemed to have a smile on his face. He had a free spirit and a way of living life that was completely his own.

Dad taught us more than he probably ever realized. He taught us the importance of working hard, staying positive, and treating people with kindness. He showed us that no matter what life throws your way, you can always try to find the good in it. He believed in enjoying life, helping others, and not taking everything so seriously. Those are lessons that will stay with us long after the memories of these days begin to fade.

Some of our favorite memories with Dad are the simple ones. Riding dirt bikes out in the desert, riding three-wheelers at the cabin, laughing, and just spending time together. Those moments might have seemed ordinary at the time, but they are the kinds of memories that mean so much more now. They remind us of the fun we had, the freedom of being together, and the moments we wish we could go back and experience just one more time.

Dad loved the simple things in life. He loved old movies, classic music, collecting little trinkets, making friends wherever he went, and, of course, going to the gas station to get treats. He loved a slow, simple life—the kind of life that doesn't seem to exist much anymore. He didn't need a whole lot to be happy. Sometimes the smallest things brought him the most joy, and that was part of what made him so special.

One of the sweetest things about Dad was the way he shared his love with his granddaughter, Everleigh. The two of them would trade trinkets, sharing their little treasures with each other. To anyone else, they might have just been little objects, but to them, they were something special. Those little trades were such a perfect reflection of Dad: his love for collecting things, his playful spirit, and the joy he found in sharing even the smallest things with the people he loved. We will always treasure the thought of those moments between them.

More than anything, Dad loved his family. He loved his kids and his granddaughter. We hope he knew just how much he meant to us and how much of a place he will always have in our hearts. There is something about losing your dad that makes you wish you could go back and have just a little more time. One more conversation, one more laugh, one more ordinary day together. We would give anything for a few more of those moments.

Our dad was a free spirit who wanted to enjoy the time he had, love the people close to him, and have a little fun along the way. He made friends, collected his little treasures, enjoyed his favorite music and movies, and found happiness in everyday moments. He reminded us that a good life doesn't have to be complicated. Sometimes it's about working hard, being kind, laughing often, and appreciating the little things.

Dad leaves behind his two children, Aleksi and Mckay; his beloved granddaughter, Everleigh; his brother, Mike; and other family members and loved ones who will miss him dearly.

He is now reunited with his mom and dad, Shirley and Mont, and his siblings Scott, Lori, Heidi, and Kevin, who went before him.

We wish we had more time with you, Dad. We wish things could be different, and we wish we didn't have to say goodbye so soon. But we are grateful for the memories, the lessons you taught us, the laughs, the adventures, and the little moments that made you who you were. We will carry those things with us, and we will make sure Everleigh knows about the man her grandpa was and how much he loved her.

We hope wherever you are, life is simple, your favorite old movies are playing, your music is on, there's a desert to ride through, three-wheelers waiting at the cabin, and a gas station nearby where you can grab yourself a treat. And we hope there are plenty of little treasures to collect and trade.

We love you, Dad. We will miss your smile, your silliness, your big heart, and all the little things that made you our dad. Thank you for the lessons, the memories, the adventures, and the love. You will always be a part of us, and we will carry you with us for the rest of our lives.

We find comfort in knowing that you are free now, free from the physical and emotional pain you carried, and free to let your spirit go wherever it takes you. Whenever we hear “Free Bird” by Lynyrd Skynyrd, we will think of you and remember the free spirit you always were.

“Cause I'm as free as a bird now And this bird you cannot change.”

Until we see you again, Dad. We love you. Fly free.

Celebration-of-life arrangements will be shared when available.