Dakota Michael Gay, 15, born May 13, 1991 in Lake Wylie, S.C. died Jan. 9, 2007 at his home, surrounded by family and friends. Dakota passed away peacefully in his sleep after a 3 1/2 year battle with brain cancer.

Throughout Dakota’s long journey, many things normal kids were able to do, Dakota was not. However, he maintained his wonderful sense of humor and faith.

Dakota is survived by his mother and stepfather Lanette and Ted Conder of South Carolina; a sister, Samantha Gay of S.C.; a brother Justin Collins of Wash.; grandparents George and Nancy Kester of Porter; great grandparents, Homer and Vanetta Bullard of Murray, Ky.; aunts, Lisa Devault and Michele Kester; uncles, Rick Devault and Dwain Kester; niece, Gabriel Collins; cousins Brandy Moore, Kaili Gregory, Kyle Kester, Kevin Kester, Kaden Kester and a host of wonderful caring friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Michael Gay, cousin Crystal Moore and grandmother, Barbara Murphy.

Services were held at Christ The King Church of Charlotte, N.C. on Friday, Jan. 12. It was Dakota’s wish memorial donations be made to Pediatric Hematology Oncology c/o Carolina Health Systems Foundation, 1221 E. Morehead St., Charlotte, NC 28204.

Online condolences may be sent to www.caringbridge.org/sc/dakota

Posted 1/16/2007