Ayden James Kniffen

Ayden James Kniffen 18, of Gillette, Wy. Passed away July 7, 2023 at Medical Center of the Rockies in Loveland, Colorado surrounded by family. Ayden was born December 3, 2004 in Parkston, SD to Jaqueline (Jackie) Harlson. They moved to Gillette June of 2006 and made it their home. Ayden attended kindergarten through 12^th grade in Gillette, and graduated from Thunder Basin High School May 21, 2023. Ayden partook in football, shot put, discuss, wrestling, and most favorite of all, weight lifting, through the school years. When he was not lifting at the school, he was lifting at the rec center. Although Ayden was a strong man, it was not just because of his muscles, but also because he stayed busy, was always on the go, and never hesitated to help others. Fishing was a HUGE part of Ayden’s hobbies as well. While fishing anywhere from the creeks in the Big Horn Mountains to the Fishing Lake in Gillette, to the Missouri River in Eastern South Dakota and everything in between, he reeled in anywhere from 6-inch Brookies to 60-pound Paddle Fish. Ayden liked to stay busy and learned many different trades by doing so. Anywhere from welding, machining and dressing up trucks at his great uncle’s shop, to operating heavy equipment, mechanical work, and building derby vehicles with his buddies at his mom’s shop. Ayden was a very kind, humble, dependable, wonderful son, nephew, brother, and friend to all those who had the opportunity to be a part of his life. Though 18 years may not have been near enough time for those of us he left behind, his love and loyalty will forever live on with his loved ones and those whom he helped by giving life and hope through the Donor Foundation. Ayden was preceded in death by his step-father Leon Harlson, grandmother Judy Hakl, great grandparents Richard and Delores Hakl, and his great uncle Mark Hakl. He is survived by his mother Jaqueline Harlson, great aunt and uncle Bob and Marilyn Hakl, brother Kolby Peterson, brother Paul Martin, aunt Amelia Hakl, great aunt Mary Beth Camacho St Piere Hakl, great uncle Kim Hakl, his little buddy Clover, and many cousins. Memorial service for Ayden Kniffen will be held at 11:00 a.m., Monday, July 24, 2023 at Walker Funeral. Following the services, the family would like to invite you to a potluck luncheon at the funeral home.  Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Walker Funeral Home 410 Medical Arts Court, Gillette, WY 82716.