Brayden Michael Bafaro

Brayden Michael Bafaro, 24, a resident of the Hillsboro community, passed away on May 16, 2022 at his home surrounded by his loving family.
Brayden was born on January 21, 1998 in Tualatin, Oregon. He was the second of three sons born to Blayne and Anne (Lins) Bafaro. Brayden was raised in Hillsboro, he attended Eastwood elementary, Poynter middle school and graduated from Liberty high school with the Class of 2016.
Brayden participated in three sports throughout high school–baseball, football and basketball. He had the honor of being selected to play in the Les Schwab football game and in the All-State Baseball game. In true Brayden fashion, he formed lifelong friendships from these experiences.
After high school, Brayden attended Clackamas Community College and fulfilled a dream to play on the same team with his older brother. Brayden continued playing baseball a second year at Clackamas and then transferred to Oklahoma Christian University. There he continued his education while playing baseball for the Eagles, in Edmond, Oklahoma. He was completing his degree in social studies education. His dream was to become a US History teacher and baseball coach.
Above all, Brayden enjoyed spending time with his best friends (his brothers) and several close friends. Some of their best memories were spent taking late night car rides, watching the Sopranos, dancing to music in the garage, shopping, or road tripping to their grandparent's cabin in Montana. Together they rode motorcycles, played paintball, hunted for Sasquatch, explored old mining cabins, and took funny videos of each other attempting dangerous stunts that often resulted in fits of laughter. His true love was his car, but a close second was his growing Apple and Nike product collection. He had a special place in his heart for animals, especially his dogs Mia and Capone.
From a young age, Brayden was a natural teacher. He would organize games at the baseball park with all the children—Brayden's motto was if they could walk, they could participate. He was always the caretaker, peacemaker and protector of all children and classmates. He seemingly had a gut instinct to know when his friends and family needed extra love even if it wasn't obvious to the rest of us. He could put anyone at ease through his big smile that radiated through his eyes.
Perhaps his greatest gift was his inherent ability to draw people together to form beautiful bonds. He never judged anyone for their difference, so naturally he was the common denominator of communities from different walks of life. A perfect example of this is the online Discord community he led, which consisted of thousands of people all over the world who shared a love for his favorite game—Pokémon Go. His legacy will live on through their relationships with one other.
Brayden was a teacher to us all until the very end. He inspired us to live in the present and not worry about what the next day brought.
Brayden is preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, W. Terry Lins; paternal grandparents, Charles and Jacqueline Bafaro; paternal aunt, Julie (Bafaro) McMullin.
He is survived by his parents, Blayne and Anne Bafaro of Hillsboro, brothers, Brett Bafaro of Portland, Bryan Bafaro of Hillsboro, maternal grandmother, Mary Jane Lins, Uncles–Brad Lins and Mike (Leia) Lins all of Great Falls, Montana; Gerald McMullin of Kingfisher, Oklahoma; and Brad Bafaro of Forest Grove, Oregon. Cousins–Chris Lins, Melissa and Beau Dellwo, Gracie, Haley and Joey Lins, Amy and Simas Gumuliauskas, Kari and Peyton Egleston, Kristi McMullin, Kylee and Joey Armstrong, Malia Laport and Scott Bafaro. Brother and sister in spirit, Joe DePinto and Reagan Kastner along with numerous friends.
We love you Brayden
In lieu of flowers, Brayden's family suggests donations to Great Strides Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Team Nathan

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